Installing a sprinkler system is a great way to water your lawn evenly and on a regular schedule. When calibrated correctly, a sprinkler system provides adequate irrigation without oversaturating the soil.
An improperly calibrated sprinkler system, however, can cause soil to become too wet. Eventually, this can lead to flooding, puddles, and lawn damage. If your sprinkler system is causing drainage issues, it’s critical to promptly resolve the problem and prevent further damage.
Basic Overwatering
The simple truth is that overwatering is often the cause of lawn irrigation issues. Perhaps the settings on your sprinkler system provide too much water in too short a time. Perhaps your irrigation needs have changed due to seasonal conditions, weather, or other external factors.
Whatever the cause, fixing the problem may be as simple as adjusting the watering schedule. You may need to alter the overall schedule or adjust specific zones based on where oversaturation or flooding has occurred. Once the area in question is back in balance, you can reassess your watering needs and recalibrate your system as needed.
Improper Coverage
Another common cause of sprinkler-related flooding is uneven coverage. Correct sprinkler head placement is key to avoiding this problem.
Not every area of your lawn and garden needs the same amount of water at all times. Shady areas, for example, may need less water than the areas in direct sunlight. New grass or sod typically requires more water than an established lawn. If you apply a “one-size-fits-all” approach to watering, you’ll likely end up with oversaturation, water pooling, and excess runoff.
To avoid flooding caused by improper coverage, it’s important to assess your sprinkler system and see where the problem might be.
- Are your sprinkler heads properly spaced, or is there excessive overlap that is overwatering some areas?
- Are coverage gaps causing longer run times (and therefore oversaturation of the soil)?
- Do high– and low–water consumption areas have coverage appropriate to their needs?
If you encounter any of these issues, you can adjust the placement of your sprinkler heads to ensure the correct amount of water reaches the intended locations. Getting the right coverage balance can make all the difference in preventing flooding.
Compromised Sprinkler Heads
Well-functioning sprinkler heads are essential to proper, well-balanced watering. If a sprinkler head does not discharge water correctly, that water soaks into the ground directly underneath rather than being distributed across the coverage area.
There can be various issues with sprinkler heads, including:
- Cracks or breaks
- Improperly angled heads
- Heads that are too low to the ground
- Vegetation overgrowth around heads
In some cases, more than one of these problems can be in play. A thorough inspection of your sprinkler system will help you identify if one or more of these issues is causing improper drainage or flooding.
For assistance with your sprinkler, irrigation, and drainage needs in Jacksonville and the area, call Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC, today. We are your go-to source for expert lawn, garden, and irrigation services, and we’ll be happy to troubleshoot your sprinkler system to ensure a beautiful lawn with proper drainage. We pride ourselves on our customer service, and we’re here to help with convenient weekday and weekend appointments. Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC—Quality & Service You Can Trust!