As winter takes hold and the New Year begins, preserving your lawn’s beauty remains a top priority, and your sprinkler system remains a valuable asset, even in the chilly months.
In this blog, we’ll explore common winter-related challenges that your sprinkler system might encounter and provide you with practical solutions for lawn sprinkler problems.
Uneven Snow Coverage
Problem: Some parts of your snowy lawn have too much snow, while others have too little.
Solution: This happens because your sprinkler heads might be blocked or not pointing in the right direction. Check for obstacles and adjust the heads to spread the snow evenly. If any of the heads are damaged, replace them for better snow coverage.
Low Snow Spray
Problem: Your sprinklers are barely spraying any snow, leaving some areas uncovered.
Solution: This can be due to a partially closed main valve, clogged filters, or a faulty pressure regulator. Check and clean the filters, make sure the main valve is fully open (be careful in freezing weather), and replace any broken parts.
Avoid Snowing on Icy Paths
Problem: Your sprinklers are watering icy surfaces like your driveway, making it slippery and unsafe.
Solution: To prevent this, adjust the direction of your sprinkler heads so they don’t spray onto icy areas. You can also use spray guards to guide the snow where it’s needed, keeping walkways clear of ice.
Leaking Sprinkler Heads
Problem: Even when the system is off, your sprinkler heads are still leaking water.
Solution: Leaks can create icy patches. Often, this happens because of damaged seals or valves. Replace the faulty parts to stop the leaks and avoid ice formation.
Schedule Adjustment for Snowy Days
Problem: Your sprinkler system isn’t following the right schedule during snowy weather.
Solution: Winter weather can disrupt your sprinkler’s schedule. Check your controller settings to make sure it’s set for snowfall days. Replace the controller’s backup battery if it’s dead, and make sure the snow sensor isn’t causing scheduling issues.
Brown Spots in the Snow
Problem: Some areas of your snowy lawn look brown or dry.
Solution: Brown spots can happen due to compacted snow, poor drainage, or pests. Regularly shovel and de-ice your lawn, improve drainage, and address any pest problems to maintain a pristine snowy landscape.
Fixing Snow Spray Issues
Problem: Your sprinklers aren’t spraying snow evenly; they sputter or miss spots.
Solution: Sputtering can be caused by clogged nozzles or worn-out parts. Clean or replace the nozzles and components to get a consistent snow spray pattern.
Getting Your Sprinkler System Ready for Spring
Problem: Your sprinkler system doesn’t work after being off all winter.
Solution: To prevent freezing and damage, properly winterize your system by draining all the water and making sure there’s no moisture left in the pipes. If you have issues in the spring, check for damage and replace any damaged parts to get your system working again.
Zone Control Troubles
Problem: Some zones aren’t turning on or off as they should in winter.
Solution: Zone problems can result from wiring issues, a faulty controller, or damaged solenoid valves. Check the wiring, replace any faulty parts, and reprogram your controller if necessary to keep control over your snowy landscape.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining a beautiful snowy lawn during winter is achievable with some simple tips. By identifying and addressing common sprinkler problems, you can ensure your lawn looks its best in the New Year. Remember to perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting to enjoy a pristine winter landscape. With these solutions, your snowy lawn will be a neighborhood favorite.
