Sprinkler Repair Checklist For Spring

How To Prepare Your Sprinklers For Spring

When spring arrives and lawns begin waking up from dormancy, sprinkler systems often reveal a list of problems that weren’t noticeable during winter. A sprinkler system that seemed perfectly functional in the fall may now have many issues that reduce efficiency and waste water. Spring inspections are vital because a single overlooked problem can spread across multiple zones and damage your turf.

Below is our sprinkler repair checklist for your irrigation system!

Cracked or Broken Sprinkler Heads

Winter freezing is hard on sprinkler heads because even a small amount of water left inside can expand and break internal parts or fracture the plastic housing. These cracks may not be obvious until water pressure builds in spring, causing geysers, sputtering spray, or uneven coverage across the lawn. A broken head wastes water, reduces coverage, and often leads to dry spots or muddy patches around the damaged area. Early spring activation is usually when homeowners notice these symptoms as the system struggles to distribute water uniformly.

How to Repair It:

• Remove the old head by unscrewing it from the riser.
• Inspect the riser for cracks or looseness and replace if necessary.
• Install a new head with the same spray pattern and model type.
• Flush the line before installation to clear debris.
• Adjust the new head’s arc and distance after running the zone.

Broken Pipes & Irrigation Lines

The main supply line is especially vulnerable to winter-related damage because it holds more water and experiences higher pressure than lateral lines. If any water remained in the pipe during freezing temperatures, the expansion may have caused invisible hairline fractures or a full split underground. In spring, these leaks show up as unexplained puddles, soggy patches, hissing sounds in the soil, or a noticeable drop in water pressure when zones activate. Left unrepaired, main-line leaks waste water, undermine soil structure, and reduce the system's efficiency throughout the season.

How to Repair It:

• Locate the leak by running zones and checking for saturated soil.
• Dig carefully to expose the broken pipe.
• Cut out the damaged section using a PVC cutter.
• Install a new piece of pipe using solvent-weld couplings or compression fittings.
• Test pressure before backfilling the hole.

Clogged Nozzles & Filter Screens

Nozzles and filter screens tend to clog over winter due to mineral buildup, windblown debris, freeze-thaw soil movement, or sand that works its way into the irrigation lines. Once clogged, the nozzle may produce weak spray, erratic arcs, misting, or inconsistent watering patterns that leave parts of the lawn dry while overwatering others. These clogs often worsen in early spring when the system pushes out the season’s first rush of sediment, making it essential to inspect and clean each nozzle before regular watering begins.

How to Repair It:

• Remove each nozzle and detach the filter screen.
• Rinse both pieces under running water to remove debris.
• Soak in a mild cleaning solution if mineral deposits are stubborn.
• Flush the sprinkler line briefly before reinstalling.
• Reattach the nozzle and test for uniform spray.

Wiring & Electrical Failures

Electrical components often degrade during winter due to moisture exposure, rodent damage, or corrosion inside valve boxes and controller panels. When spring arrives, wiring issues show up as zones that fail to activate, systems that short-cycle, or inconsistent signals from the controller. Because modern sprinklers rely heavily on low-voltage electrical communication, even minor wiring degradation can cause widespread performance problems.

How to Repair It:

• Inspect all low-voltage wiring for frayed insulation or exposed copper.
• Tighten loose connections at the controller and valve solenoids.
• Replace corroded wire nuts with waterproof connectors.
• Splice in new wire sections where damage is present.
• Test each zone after repairs to confirm stable operation.

Water Pressure Irregularities

Pressure issues tend to appear during spring start-up because leaks, mineral buildup, or winter valve problems restrict pressure in certain zones. Low pressure creates weak spray patterns and poor coverage, while high pressure leads to misting that wastes water through evaporation. If left unaddressed, poor pressure control strains sprinkler components and leads to uneven lawn health during the growing season.

How to Repair It:

• Check for leaks or partially closed valves in the system.
• Flush or clean clogged lines and fittings.
• Repair or replace damaged pressure regulators.
• Adjust the backflow preventer if flow is restricted.
• Install or replace pressure-reducing heads if misting persists.

Backflow Preventer Malfunctions

Backflow preventers sit above ground, making them highly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Even minor ice expansion can crack housings, warp seals, or damage internal check valves. When damaged, these devices may leak heavily, reduce downstream pressure, or fail to protect your home’s drinking water from contamination. Spring is the ideal time to inspect the unit thoroughly, as it must function perfectly before regular watering begins.

How to Repair It:

• Inspect for visible cracks, dripping, or rust around fittings.
• Tighten loose connectors and replace worn rubber seals.
• Flush debris from inside the backflow body.
• Replace internal check valve components if damaged.
• Install a new backflow preventer if the housing is cracked.

Misadjusted Spray Patterns & Coverage Issues

Even when the system is fully repaired, winter soil shifting and minor component damage often leave spray patterns misaligned in spring. Heads may overwater one side of the lawn while leaving thin, dry patches elsewhere. Poorly adjusted arcs or radius settings waste water, damage turf, and reduce the system’s overall efficiency. Final adjustments in spring ensure the system performs consistently through summer heat.

How to Repair It:

• Run each zone and observe spray distribution.
• Adjust arc collars to correct direction and coverage.
• Modify radius screws to fine-tune distance.
• Straighten bodies or risers that appear crooked.
• Recheck zones after adjustments to confirm even watering.

Get Professional Sprinkler Repair Today!

Spring sprinkler repairs are essential for restoring efficiency and ensuring your lawn receives balanced, reliable irrigation throughout the growing season. Addressing the items on this checklist is a great way to begin your lawn maintenance for spring, but it is not always easy to diagnose irrigation problems without proper training or experience. For all your sprinkler repair needs in Louisiana, be sure to call Brothers Lawn Service in Lafayette!