In
Celina, TX, maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t easy. Between long stretches of heat, inconsistent rainfall, and clay-heavy soil, your yard needs consistent and efficient irrigation to thrive. That’s why a well-functioning sprinkler system isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.
But how do you know when your sprinkler system needs
repair or even
replacement? In this post, we’ll cover five clear signs that your irrigation system isn’t doing its job, how to tell if it can be fixed, and when it’s smarter to install a new system entirely.
Why Sprinkler System Health Matters in Celina
Celina’s soil conditions and weather extremes make water efficiency critical. An underperforming sprinkler system can lead to:
- Brown spots and dying turf
- Oversaturation and fungal disease
- Water waste and high utility bills
- Soil erosion near foundations or walkways
- HOA citations for poor yard maintenance
If you're dealing with patchy grass or rising water bills, the culprit may be right under your feet. Regular system checks and timely repairs protect your yard, your wallet, and your property’s value.
1. Uneven Watering or Dry Spots in Your Lawn
One of the most common signs that something is wrong with your sprinkler system is inconsistent watering. You may notice:
- One part of your lawn is lush, while another is dry
- Some zones stay soggy while others barely get water
- Grass dies in patterns that align with sprinkler zones
These symptoms usually point to:
- Broken or clogged sprinkler heads
- Incorrect nozzle angles or settings
- Damaged underground lines
- Poor system design for current landscaping
Minor head or valve repairs can usually fix these issues. But if your system is outdated or poorly laid out for your yard’s current layout, replacement may be more cost-effective.
2. Water Pooling or Runoff After Sprinkling
After your system runs, do you see puddles near sidewalks, low-lying beds, or around your home’s foundation? That’s a red flag.
Common causes of pooling or runoff include:
- Leaky sprinkler heads or cracked pipes
- Incorrect zone timing
- Overspray onto hard surfaces
- Poor lawn grading
In Celina, where clay soil holds water longer than sandy soil, drainage issues can worsen quickly. Surface pooling isn’t just unsightly—it can lead to soil erosion, foundation problems, and mold around your home's exterior.
Our team at Celina Home Services evaluates your system’s
runtime, layout, and drainage patterns to fix the issue at the source.
3. Rising Water Bills Without a Change in Use
If your water bill has gone up significantly—even though your usage habits haven’t changed—your irrigation system could be to blame.
Water loss may be due to:
- Hidden leaks in underground lines
- Faulty backflow preventers
- Stuck valves or malfunctioning timers
- Outdated controllers lacking smart features
Even a small leak can waste
hundreds of gallons per week, especially during hot North Texas summers when your system runs more often. A full inspection and pressure test can determine whether your system needs targeted repairs or a complete overhaul with water-saving components.
4. Your Sprinkler System Is Over 10–15 Years Old
Sprinkler systems have a lifespan—especially those made with older materials or manual controllers.
Outdated systems are more likely to:
- Leak due to brittle or corroded piping
- Struggle with pressure loss
- Lack efficient zoning for water conservation
- Miss spots due to old head placement
Modern sprinkler systems use
smart controllers,
drip irrigation, and
high-efficiency nozzles to reduce waste and improve coverage. If your system is more than 10–15 years old and constantly needs repairs, it may be time to replace it with something more reliable.
5. Sprinkler Controller or Timer Isn’t Working Properly
Your controller is the brain of your irrigation system. When it malfunctions, your lawn may get overwatered, underwatered, or not watered at all.
Signs your controller needs attention:
- Display is blank or flickering
- Timers reset unexpectedly
- Zones don’t activate as scheduled
- System runs during rain or off-hours
These issues can be caused by power surges, wiring damage, or worn-out components. New smart controllers allow you to monitor your system from your phone and adjust schedules based on weather and soil data—saving water and preventing overuse.
Repair or Replace? How to Decide
Not every sprinkler problem requires a full replacement. Here’s a general rule of thumb:
