Common Irrigation Challenges

Leaning sprinkler

This impacts the spray pattern, so keep sprinklers upright.  You may need to dig around the sprinkler a little, but it’s usually easy to correct.

Obstructions

Plants next to obstructions get too much water, and spray doesn’t reach others.  Pruning plants or moving obstructions can sometimes help.  If not, longer risers can be added or sprinklers moved, but converting shrub areas to drip irrigation is often a better choice.

Overspray

Can be caused by misdirected sprinklers, too large of nozzles or a sprinkler system design that doesn’t really fit the space.  Adjusting sprinklers or replacing nozzles with smaller sizes can often correct or improve this. 

Misting or fogging

This is a sure sign that your water pressure is higher than your sprinklers are designed for.  It’s hard on sprinkler systems, and results in a lot of water simply blowing away.  Pressure reduction should be added, either through adding pressure compensating sprinkler models or installing a pressure regulator that serves much or all of the sprinkler system. 

Mismatched sprinkler heads

It’s best to stick with a single brand and type of sprinkler and/or nozzle within each sprinkler zone.  Even models that look similar don’t necessarily have the same water application rates.  This will lead to overwatering some areas to meet the needs of dry spots.