Table of Contents
- Why Hidden Sprinkler Leaks Are So Costly
- Early Warning Signs of a Hidden Leak
- Where Sprinkler Leaks Typically Occur
- How Wilcox Bros Detects and Fixes Hidden Leaks
- Protecting Your Sprinkler System Moving Forward
Why Hidden Sprinkler Leaks Are So Costly
Leaks in your sprinkler system don’t just cause brown patches—they can waste thousands of gallons of water each month without you knowing. According to the EPA, an irrigation system with a leak as small as 1/32 of an inch can waste over 6,000 gallons per month.
In areas like Michigan, where lawn care is seasonal, undetected leaks can result in:
- Soaring summer water bills
- Mold or erosion in flower beds
- Underground pipe damage over time
If your system was installed years ago or hasn’t been checked recently, it’s likely overdue for inspection—even if you had a professional sprinkler installation.
Early Warning Signs of a Hidden Leak
Here’s what to watch for if you suspect a hidden leak in your sprinkler system:
- Unusually high water bills in summer months
- Mushy or soggy spots in the lawn, even when it’s dry
- Low water pressure in one or more zones
- Sprinkler heads sputtering or not popping up fully
- Green rings around sprinkler heads (a sign of overwatering)
These signs don’t just mean water waste—they often indicate deeper issues within your system’s pipes or valves.
Where Sprinkler Leaks Typically Occur
Even if you had a flawless sprinkler installation, ground movement, freezing winters, and daily wear can cause hidden leaks over time. Common areas include:
- Underground PVC or poly piping cracked from tree roots or winter freeze
- Valve boxes with worn seals or corroded wiring
- Lateral lines with pinhole leaks causing pressure loss
- Head risers that may have hairline fractures below the surface
How Wilcox Bros Detects and Fixes Hidden Leaks
At Wilcox Bros and Irrigation, we combine local experience with precision tools to find and fix hidden leaks fast. Our process includes:
- Pressure testing each zone to locate inconsistencies
- Soil moisture probing to identify hidden saturation
- Visual inspection of heads, valves, and controllers
- Pipe tracing for underground damage
We repair all brands—even if we didn’t perform the original sprinkler installation.
Protecting Your Sprinkler System Moving Forward
Preventative maintenance is key. We recommend a full system inspection every spring and again in late summer. Pair that with:
- Regular controller programming checks
- Upgrading to smart controllers that alert you to pressure drops
- Seasonal services like spring turn-on and winterization
If you’re unsure of your system’s health—or suspect a leak—call Wilcox Bros and Irrigation today.