Sprinkler repair guide

Sprinkler System Inspection

Two-story house with a wide green front lawn
On this page 9 sections
  1. Signs You May Need This Repair
  2. Common Causes
  3. How a Technician Handles It
  4. Repair or Replace?
  5. DIY or Call a Pro?
  6. Typical Cost
  7. Related Problems
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Bottom Line

A sprinkler system inspection is a zone-by-zone check of how the system is working.

It typically covers the controller, valves, heads, coverage, visible leaks and pressure, and ends with a list of recommended repairs.

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Signs You May Need This Repair

  • Unexplained high water bill
  • Dry spots and soggy areas
  • Recently purchased home
  • System hasn’t been checked in a while
  • Several problems at once

Common Causes

  • Wear over time
  • Hidden leaks
  • Misaligned or damaged heads
  • Settings that no longer fit the landscape
Close-up of a pop-up spray head watering a lawn beside a curb

How a Technician Handles It

  1. Review controller programming
  2. Run each zone
  3. Inspect heads, coverage and visible leaks
  4. Check valves and pressure
  5. Report findings and recommended repairs

Repair or Replace?

An inspection helps decide whether targeted repairs are enough or whether a larger upgrade is worth considering.

DIY or Call a Pro?

Homeowners can watch each zone run and note problems. A technician can test components and spot problems that are easy to miss.

Stay safe: stick to settings, visual checks and closing the irrigation shutoff. Don’t open valves or fittings under pressure, and leave electrical testing to a professional.

Typical Cost

See our Sprinkler System Inspection Cost Guide for typical ranges. Prices vary by location, parts, access and how much diagnosis is needed.

Related Repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a sprinkler inspection include?

Usually the controller, each zone’s valves and heads, coverage, visible leaks and pressure.

When should I get a sprinkler inspection?

When you buy a home, notice several problems or see an unexplained high water bill.

Does an inspection include repairs?

Inspections identify problems; repairs are usually quoted separately.

Bottom Line

A sprinkler system inspection gives you a clear picture of what’s working and what needs attention.

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Sprinkler problem? Let's figure out what's wrong. Answer a few quick questions to narrow down the likely cause, what the repair usually involves, and whether it's a DIY fix or a job for a pro. Diagnose My Sprinkler Problem

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