August 13, 2025

5 Common Irrigation Problems and How to Fix Them

5 Common Irrigation Problems and How to Fix Them
Donovan Wilson
5 Common Irrigation Problems and How to Fix Them

5 Common Irrigation Problems and How to Fix Them

Intro: Why Irrigation Issues Can’t Wait in Oklahoma

If you live in Oklahoma City or surrounding areas, you already know how brutal our summers can be. A week without proper watering can leave lawns with brown patches, stressed plants, and even dead turf. As a landscaper in OKC, I’ve seen how many property owners wait too long to address irrigation problems — and it always costs more in the long run.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common sprinkler troubleshooting calls we get, why they happen, and how we fix them.

1. Broken or Clogged Sprinkler Heads

The Problem:
Sprinkler heads get damaged from lawnmowers, foot traffic, or even just age. Clogs happen when dirt, sand, or mineral buildup blocks the nozzle.

The Signs:

  • Uneven watering
  • Low water pressure in one zone
  • Water spraying in the wrong direction

How We Fix It:
At OAK Outdoors, we replace damaged heads with models that match your system’s output and spray pattern. For clogs, we clean or replace the nozzle to restore even coverage.

Local Tip: In neighborhoods like Nichols Hills and Deer Creek, we see more head damage in areas where driveways meet lawns — often from car tires rolling over them.

2. Low Water Pressure

The Problem:
If your system’s pressure drops, zones won’t get enough coverage. Causes include leaks, a faulty backflow preventer, or a municipal water supply issue.

The Signs:

  • Weak spray from multiple heads
  • Heads not popping up all the way

How We Fix It:
We start with sprinkler system troubleshooting to check for underground leaks, then inspect valves and the backflow preventer. If it’s a city supply issue, we help you work with OKC Utilities to get it addressed.

3. Leaking Valves or Pipes

The Problem:
Leaks waste water and can flood flower beds, create muddy spots, and drive up your water bill.

The Signs:

  • Water pooling in certain areas
  • Constantly running water even when the system is off

How We Fix It:
We replace worn valve diaphragms, repair pipe sections, and re-level low spots to prevent future pooling. In Oklahoma’s clay-heavy soils, leaks can quickly erode, so acting fast is key.

4. Controller or Timer Malfunctions

The Problem:
Your irrigation controller is the brain of the system. If it fails, you might end up watering at the wrong times or not at all.

The Signs:

  • Missed watering days
  • System turning on at odd hours
  • Blank or flashing display

How We Fix It:
We reset programming, replace dead batteries, and upgrade outdated controllers to smart irrigation timers. These let you adjust watering schedules from your phone and respond to weather changes automatically — great for Oklahoma’s unpredictable storms.

5. Poor Zone Coverage

The Problem:
Even if your system runs, you may have dry patches or overly wet areas due to poor design or shifted sprinkler heads.

The Signs:

  • Strips of yellowing grass between green areas
  • Water spraying onto sidewalks or driveways

How We Fix It:
We adjust head placement, swap in nozzles with the correct spray radius, and redesign zones when needed. For larger properties in Edmond or Mustang, we often add drip irrigation for flower beds and targeted watering.

Why Hire a Local Pro for Irrigation Repair in OKC

While some small fixes are DIY-friendly, many irrigation problems require specialized tools, trench work, and knowledge of local soil and water conditions. As a French drain installer in OKC and full-service landscaper, we can integrate drainage, irrigation, and lawn care into one plan — saving you money and headaches.

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