Maintaining a healthy and lush lawn and landscape in Iowa requires an efficient irrigation system. Knowing the signs of a leaking irrigation system can help you address the issue promptly and prevent further damage. Abnormally wet areas on your lawn, such as puddles or bubbling water, can indicate a leak in your irrigation system, potentially from malfunctioning valves or damaged pipes. These leaks can lead to soil erosion and landscape damage.

A sudden increase in your water bill might also signal a leak, as water waste causes higher costs. Low water pressure is another indicator, as leaks reduce water available for irrigation, affecting sprinkler performance and causing dry patches. Wet valve boxes suggest water escaping from the system, requiring prompt attention to prevent further damage and maintain a healthy landscape.

Abnormally Wet Areas on Your Lawn Can Indicate An Irrigation System Leak

Puddle on a lawn in Des Moines, IA, from an irrigation leak.

One of the most obvious signs of a leaking irrigation system is the presence of abnormally wet areas on your lawn. This can manifest as pools of water, bubbling water, or wet concrete. Such symptoms might arise from different parts of your system, such as malfunctioning valves or damaged pipes. If left unchecked, these leaks can lead to further complications, including soil erosion and damage to your landscape. Monitoring your lawn for these signs is crucial in maintaining a healthy and beautiful yard.

Additionally, the location of the wet areas can sometimes help pinpoint the source of the leak. Wet areas around the sprinkler heads could indicate malfunctioning valves, while water pooling between heads might suggest a leak from an underground pipe. By identifying these areas and understanding their causes, you can take prompt action to address the problem.

An irrigation system leak can cause a higher-than-usual water bill.

If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, it could be an indication of a leak in your irrigation system. When there's a leak, water is being wasted, which can cause your water bill to skyrocket. Regularly monitoring your water usage and comparing it to your past bills can help you detect discrepancies early. Ignoring a leak can lead to significant water waste and increased utility bills, so it's crucial to regularly inspect your irrigation system and address any issues promptly.

Low water pressure can be caused by a leak in your irrigation system.

Irrigation sprinkler head in Des Moines, IA, with low water pressure.

Experiencing low water pressure in your irrigation system can be frustrating and is often a telltale sign of a leak. When a leak occurs, it allows water to escape from the system, reducing the amount of water available to irrigate your lawn efficiently. This decrease in pressure can significantly impact the performance of your sprinklers, leading to uneven watering and leaving some areas of your lawn dry. Over time, this can result in patchy grass and stressed plants, undermining the health of your landscape.

A decrease in water pressure can significantly impact the performance of the sprinkler heads!

Wet valve boxes can be a sign that your irrigation system has a leak.

Valve boxes are an important component of your irrigation system, as they house the valves that control the flow of water to your sprinkler heads. If you notice that your valve boxes are wet rather than dry, it could be a sign of a leak. Wet valve boxes can indicate that water is escaping from the system and causing damage to the surrounding area. If you notice wet valve boxes, it's important to check for leaks and address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your lawn and landscape.

Call us today to schedule our irrigation repair service!

If your irrigation system shows signs of a leak, it's crucial to have it inspected as soon as possible so the proper repair can be done to fix the issue. That's where we help! Here at A+ Lawn & Landscape, we offer a professional irrigation repair service to help address any issues with your system and get it operating in peak condition again. Some of the common issues that we repair include damaged pipes, broken sprinkler heads, leaks, and low water pressure.

We provide this service for commercial and residential properties, as well as HOAs, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, IA, and neighboring areas. Give us a call at (515) 289-2020 to schedule!