We are under stage 2 watering restrictions, which means customers can only irrigate one time per week according to the schedule based on address. When you do water, you want to make sure the water is going where it needs to and not watering your driveway and sidewalks instead.
A quick sprinkler check can save water, lower monthly bills, and help protect our shared water supply.
If you have ever seen water spraying onto the sidewalk, driveway, or street instead of your lawn or landscaping, you are not alone. Misaligned sprinkler heads and worn or broken seals are common irrigation issues, and they can waste thousands of gallons of water over time. The good news is that these problems are often easy to spot and simple to fix.
A five-minute walk around your yard while your irrigation system is running can make a big difference.
What to look for
Start by turning on one sprinkler zone at a time and watching where the water goes.
Check for sprinkler heads that are spraying onto pavement, fences, patios, or other hard surfaces instead of plants or grass. These heads may just need to be gently turned back into position.
Look closely for heads that are leaking or bubbling at the base. That can be a sign of a broken seal or damaged connection. Even a small leak can add up quickly when your system runs several times a week.
Also watch for sprinkler heads that do not pop up fully, spray unevenly, or produce a fine mist instead of a steady pattern. These issues may indicate clogging, wear, or pressure problems.
Simple fixes homeowners can make
Many irrigation issues can be corrected without special tools.
A misaligned spray head can often be adjusted by hand so it points toward the lawn or planting bed instead of the sidewalk.
If a nozzle is clogged, gently cleaning it may restore a proper spray pattern.
If you notice water pooling around the base of a sprinkler head, the seal or head itself may need to be replaced. In many cases, replacement parts are inexpensive and available at home improvement stores.
If a sprinkler head is cracked, broken, or not rising properly, replacing the head may be the easiest solution.
Why it matters
Small irrigation problems may not seem urgent, but they can waste a surprising amount of water. A broken seal, tilted sprinkler head, or damaged nozzle can lead to water loss every time the system runs. Over weeks and months, that waste adds up.
Efficient irrigation helps keep landscapes healthy while reducing unnecessary water use. It also helps prevent runoff onto sidewalks and streets, where water cannot soak into the ground and often goes straight to the storm system.
Five minutes well spent
A quick sprinkler check is one of the easiest ways to improve water efficiency at home. By spotting misaligned heads, broken seals, and other common issues early, you can prevent waste before it becomes a bigger problem.
Stop watering your sidewalk. A few minutes of attention can save water, save money, and keep your irrigation system working the way it should.