IRRIGATION LEAKS IN ARIZONA & HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM

Due to the dry Arizona climate, irrigation leaks are more prevalent and a common problem with aging irrigation systems. If your water bill has suddenly spiked without any clear indicators, this could definitely indicate a leak. Leaks in irrigation systems can cause a multitude of issues for any homeowner, including uneven or patchy growth areas, soggy ground, or potentially even sinkholes in your yard/landscaping. During the scorching summer months, your plants & trees will require more water for survival, which is why it’s important to notice signs of potential irrigation leaks to avoid high water bills and the decay of your backyard oasis. We will cover how to identify irrigation leaks and when to call Pinpoint Leak Detection to investigate. We are here to assist you in all of your leak detection needs.

COMMON CAUSES OF IRRIGATION LEAKS

The most common cause for leaks in your irrigation/drip system in Arizona are deteriorated poly-tubing and/or PVC pipes. The harsh Arizona sun can weaken polyethylene poly-tubing over time, ultimately leading to leaks in the lines, which occurs more frequently with aging systems. Along with aging systems, you may also have a broken sprinkler head that may have been damaged due to vehicles, mowers, or even an accidental step, causing leaks in the system. Irrigation systems often have small underground boxes that have valves inside, and the valve diaphragms can become worn out or even potentially have debris stuck inside of them, which will prevent them from properly shutting off the water flow. Lastly, there can be underground pipe leaks in your irrigation system due to normal wear & tear, tree roots, ground movement or accidental damage from digging into the soil. All of these underlying causes can lead to higher water bills, flooded yards, and unusual plant growth.

HOW TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL IRRIGATION LEAKS

Has your water bill spiked recently with no sign of a leak in your yard? It may be a good time to do some personal troubleshooting on your irrigation system. We recommend turning off your irrigation system and monitoring your water meter to determine if it’s still moving even when the water source is off. Along with that, a visual inspection of your property is recommended to see if there are any puddles, wet spots, or unusually damp areas in your landscape. You can also try listening for leaks near sprinkler heads, valves, or pipes by trying to hear the sound of rushing water or hissing noises, which could be a potential leak. Also, be sure to check your sprinkler heads to ensure they are functioning properly, spraying in the correct direction, and are not damaged/broken. It is also a good idea to inspect the valves inside of the irrigation box for leaks on the valves, fittings, and all connections. Lastly, be sure to observe your plant health throughout your property, because unusually dry or wet spots in the landscape can indicate a potential leak. If you feel like you have a leak in your irrigation system and are having a tough time troubleshooting, do not hesitate to call Pinpoint Leak Detection today!!! We are here to help with all of your leak detection needs!