Most people take the availability of water for granted. We turn on the tap, and an unlimited supply of clean, fresh water comes out. But what happens when that suddenly changes?
What happens when you have low water pressure in your lawn sprinkler system?
Suddenly, all those hours you spent carefully planning your landscaping are wasted, as is all the money you invested in plants, trees, and hardscape materials.
Here are a few tips to help get your lawn sprinkler system back up and running with sufficient water pressure. We’ll also help you find the best lawn sprinkler for low water pressure.
Table of Contents
- Why Is My Sprinkler Water Pressure So Low?
- How Do I Increase The Water Pressure In My Sprinkler System?
- Solutions For Restoring Normal Water Pressure To Your Sprinkler Head
- Which Is The Best Lawn Sprinkler For Low Water Pressure?
- FAQs – Low Sprinkler Water Pressure
- Get Enough Water Pressure In Your Sprinkler System
Why Is My Sprinkler Water Pressure So Low?
There are a few possible reasons if you have low water pressure in your sprinkler water system. The most common reason is that the water pressure regulator (WPR) is set too low.
Other possible causes of low water pressure for sprinklers include a broken or damaged sprinkler head, a clogged nozzle, or a leaking pipe. Once you’ve diagnosed the cause of your low water pressure, you can start working on a solution.
Depending on the problem, you may be able to fix it yourself, or you may need to call in a professional. Either way, it’s essential to fix the problem so you can enjoy normal water pressure in your home again.
How Do I Increase The Water Pressure In My Sprinkler System?
There are a few things that you can do when you have low water pressure in your lawn sprinkler system.
1. Check the Main Shut-Off Valve
First, check the water pressure at your home’s main shut-off valve. This is usually located in the basement or crawl space.
If the pressure here is low, it’s likely that there is a problem with your municipal water supply. Next, contact your local water authority to find out if there are any issues with the water pressure in your area.
2. Check The Water Supply
If the pressure at your main shut-off valve is expected, the next step is to check the pressure at the point where your sprinkler system connects to the main water line.
This is usually located near the outdoor faucet or hose bib. Again, if the pressure here is low, it’s likely that there is a problem with your home’s water supply.
3. Check For Potential Leaks
If the pressure at your outdoor faucet or hose bib is normal, the next step is to check for leaks in your sprinkler system. Begin by checking the main supply line for leaks.
If you find a leak, repair it immediately. If you don’t find any leaks in the main supply line, check each of the individual sprinkler heads for leaks.
Once you’ve located and repaired all leaks, turn on your sprinkler system and observe the water flow.
If water is still flowing out of the sprinkler heads at a low rate, your pump may have an issue. Contact a qualified technician to diagnose and repair any problems with your pump.
4. Check For Sediment Build-Up
Another common reason why your sprinkler system has low water pressure is sediment build-up in your pipes. Over time, minerals and other sediments can build up in your pipes and restrict the water flow.
This is usually most noticeable in older homes with galvanized steel pipes. If you have sediment build-up in your pipes, the best way to fix it is to have a professional clean them out.
5. Check The Well-Pump
If you’ve ruled out leaks and sediment build-up as the cause of your low water pressure in sprinklers, the next step is to check your well pump. If your pump isn’t working properly, it can greatly reduce the amount of water pressure you have in your home.
To test your well pump, simply turn on a faucet and see how long it takes for the water to reach full pressure. If it takes longer than usual, your pump may need to be serviced or replaced.
Solutions For Restoring Normal Water Pressure To Your Sprinkler Head
There are a few ways to solve the pressure issue in your lawn sprinkler system.
- One is to replace the worn-out sprinkler heads with a new sprinkler system.
- Another solution is to clean the existing dirty sprinkler heads.
- Another is to adjust the flow control on the water sprinkler valves.
- You can also try raising or lowering the elevation of the water source.
- If none of these solutions work, you may need to install a pump to boost the water pressure.
Which Is The Best Lawn Sprinkler For Low Water Pressure?
If you live in an area with low water pressure, you know that it can be challenging to keep your lawn and garden looking their best. A good sprinkler system can make all the difference, but finding one that works well with low water pressure can be a challenge.
There are a few different types of sprinklers that are designed for use with low water pressure, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at some of the most popular options to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
1. Oscillating Sprinklers
An oscillating sprinkler is a great option for those with low water pressure because it uses a back-and-forth motion to distribute water across your lawn evenly.
This type of sprinkler is also very easy to set up and use, making it an excellent choice for those who are not familiar with using lawn sprinklers.
2. Rotating Sprinklers
A rotating sprinkler is another excellent option for those with low water pressure because it can provide a more targeted watering approach.
This type of sprinkler has a series of nozzles that rotate in a circular motion, allowing you to direct the water exactly where you want it to go. This can be a great option for those who have areas of their lawn that need more water than others.
3. Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems are another great option for those with low water pressure because they allow you to slowly and evenly water your plants without having to worry about runoff or evaporation. These systems can be easily installed and offer a very efficient way to water your lawn.
4. Sprinkler Systems with Booster Pumps
If you have a sprinkler system that does not have enough pressure to reach all areas of your lawn, you may want to consider installing a booster pump.
Booster pumps can be used to increase the water pressure in your sprinkler system, allowing you to reach all areas of your lawn with ease.
5. Impact Sprinklers
Impact sprinklers are another great option designed for low water pressure because they offer a very powerful stream of water. This type of sprinkler is often used in commercial applications but can also be a great choice for those who need to water their lawns on a regular basis.
FAQs – Low Sprinkler Water Pressure
Why are my sprinklers barely spraying?
Low water pressure is the most common reason sprinklers barely spray.
- Check your home’s main water valve to see if it’s fully open. If not, turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Next, check for any leaks in the system and repair them.
- Finally, clean or replace the filter in your sprinkler system’s backflow assembly.
How do I fix low sprinkler pressure?
The best way to fix low sprinkler pressure is to find and fix the underlying cause.
How do I know if my backflow preventer is bad?
If you think your backflow preventer might be bad, contact a licensed plumber or irrigation contractor to have it inspected and repaired or replaced.
Can a sprinkler solenoid cause low pressure?
A sprinkler solenoid can cause low pressure if it’s not working properly. To check the solenoid, remove it from the sprinkler system and test it with a multimeter. If the solenoid is defective, it will need to be replaced.
How do I check my sprinkler pressure?
There are several ways to check sprinkler pressure:
- Buy a pressure gauge to measure your system’s static and dynamic pressure.
- Use a flow meter to measure the flow rate of your sprinkler system.
How do I know which sprinkler valve is bad?
If you’re not sure which sprinkler valve is bad, you can use a process of elimination to narrow it down.
- First, turn off all of the valves except for one.
- Then, turn on the sprinkler system and see if the problem persists.
- If it does, repeat this process with the next valve until you find the defective one.
Get Enough Water Pressure In Your Sprinkler System
Low water pressure can be an annoyance when trying to use your lawn sprinkler. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to try and improve the situation before calling a professional.
We’ve outlined some common causes and solutions in this article, so be sure to check them out if you’re having problems. If these tips don’t work or if the problem is more severe, contact a professional for assistance.