Here in Iowa, it's important that your plants stay hydrated throughout the growing season. If you notice the water pressure in your irrigation system is low, it's important to identify the cause quickly so your plants don't go too long without water. A variety of factors can contribute to low water pressure, including a broken pipe that is causing water to leak out. Another possible cause is a malfunction with the backflow preventer valve, which can negatively affect the flow of water. Clogs within the system are also common and can result in reduced water pressure. Additionally, an obstruction in the main water valve or the lines could be affecting the water flow in your irrigation system. It is important to investigate each of these possibilities to determine the underlying cause of low water pressure.

1. Your irrigation system may have low water pressure due to a broken pipe.

The pipes are your irrigation system's backbone and will need to be well-maintained in order for your irrigation system to have proper water pressure. Old age, lack of maintenance, or extremely cold temperatures that cause water in the pipes to freeze can all cause a break in a pipe. Once a break happens, even if only a small crack, you will notice a negative effect on the water pressure because water will leak out of the break, reducing the pressure.

2. A malfunction with the backflow preventer valve can cause low water pressure in your irrigation system.

An irrigation system with low water pressure could have a backflow preventer valve that's not working properly! Irrigation systems are equipped with a backflow preventer valve that ensures the water in the irrigation system does not flow back to the main water source. However, if this valve malfunctions, it can lead to low water pressure in your irrigation system.

A clog or damage can cause the backflow preventer valve to not open fully, leading to water restriction.

3. Low water pressure in your irrigation system may be caused by clogged sprinkler heads.

An irrigation system in Des Moines, IA, with a clogged sprinkler head.

If you notice a decrease in water pressure in your irrigation system, it could be due to a clog in your sprinkler heads! Dirt, lawn debris, and mineral buildup can accumulate in the sprinkler heads over time, preventing water from flowing out properly. The sprinkler heads will need to be cleaned to remove any clogs and ensure that water flows out smoothly.

4. If the main water valve in your irrigation system isn't fully open, it could cause low water pressure.

When water is not being supplied to your irrigation system by the main valve as it should, you'll quickly notice a decrease in the water pressure. This valve is a critical component of your irrigation system that regulates the water supply to each zone. When the valve is not fully open, water cannot easily flow out of it, causing a reduction in water pressure.

5. When there's an obstruction in the lines, the result is low water pressure in your irrigation system.

If you have noticed a decrease in water pressure in your irrigation system, it would be ideal to check for any obstructions in the lines. Several factors can cause obstructions such as dirt, mineral build-up, algae, and bacterial slime. These obstructions can lead to low water pressure, which can result in your grass and plants not receiving the water they need.

Reach out to us today to schedule our irrigation maintenance and repairs service.

At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we are locally owned and operated and have been in business since 1988. Our team of licensed professionals can perform regular maintenance and repairs on your irrigation system to help reduce the risk of low water pressure and keep your lawn and plants hydrated and healthy! We offer our irrigation maintenance and repairs service to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Des Moines, IA, and other surrounding areas, such as West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and %%targetarea5%%. Reach out to us today at (515) 289-2020 to sign up!