Landscaping, Irrigation, & Lawn Care Advice | Ground Source Blog

Should I Repair or Replace My Sprinkler System? How to Decide

Written by Joe Mouad | Mar 31, 2022 1:41:00 PM

Deep down, you know your sprinkler system just isn’t right.

Sure, it sprays water. But you can tell its heart really isn’t in it anymore.

Maybe it keeps leaking. Or your water bill is way higher than your neighbor’s.

Maybe the irrigation repair technician is at your house so often, you invited his family over for dinner.

Is it time for sprinkler system repair or replacement? How can you tell?

Ask yourself these questions:

First, How Old Is Your Irrigation System?

(Asking about age is only rude if you’re asking your mom’s friends.)

An irrigation system’s life expectancy is about 20-25 years, depending on the quality of the system. Time for a bit of math. We’ll wait.Central Florida sprinkler systems go through a lot out there. All those pipes, sprinkler heads, valves, and fittings work hard year after year. They don’t last forever.

If yours is nearing the end of its life, you might not want to keep sinking money into it for expensive repairs.

Replacing an irrigation system will save water, save money, and offer convenience that will save you a lot of stress.

Are You Frustrated with Frequent Sprinkler Repairs?

Backflows stop working. Valves get stuck open. Sprinkler heads break. Lines bust. Leaks happen.But if this stuff is happening all the time, and you’re seeing your irrigation repair technician more often than your neighbor, it might be time to replace your irrigation system.

All that money you’re spending on expensive repairs could go toward a shiny new system.

Are You Wasting Water?

Wasting water is wasting money. You want to fix this problem sooner, not later.

Older irrigation systems don’t have all the cool water-conserving gizmos available in today’s newer systems.Outdated sprayer heads, leaky valves, and old controllers can pump out more water than your property needs or spray it haphazardly where water isn’t even needed. That’s a big waste of water — and money.

Upgrading your sprinkler system with new, water-wise parts will cut your water waste — and your bill. An irrigation pro can tell you if a few upgrades will solve your water waste problem.

Has Your Landscaping Changed Significantly?

Landscaping changes over time. Trees and plants get bigger. Maybe you added a planting bed, or updated a bed of annuals to more drought-tolerant plants. Plants that used to be in the sun might be partly shaded now.That means your Central Florida irrigation system needs to change, too.
You can add sprinkler heads, change them to a different type, or raise them up higher, to make sure your evolving landscaping is still getting all the water it needs.

But if you’ve had entirely new landscaping installed, with significant changes or additions, you might need to replace your irrigation system to accommodate the changes.

Do You Have Smart Irrigation?

Like all technology, irrigation system technology has steadily improved over the years, getting much smarter.

Water-saving features are a big part of this, but there’s a convenience factor, too.A new system can give your landscaping company instant remote access to your irrigation system. That means they can shut down your system in an emergency or make needed adjustments instantly, so you don’t always have to wait for technicians to make the physical trip to your property.

Sensors tell them exactly what’s going on with your irrigation system in a variety of ways:

  • Flow sensors show how much water is being used, and if you’re wasting water. They help prevent landscape damage from excess water if a line breaks or a valve is stuck open. The flow sensor will detect the unusually high amount of water flowing, automatically shut down your entire system, and send an immediate alert.
  • Rain sensors will turn off your irrigation system if it’s raining, saving you water and money.
  • Freeze sensors won’t allow your smart irrigation system to water if the temperature is too cold.
  • If a valve malfunctions, sensors detect it and let them know.

A smart irrigation system is a smart investment that will save you money over time.

Irrigation Budget Worries?

A new basic irrigation system costs about $3,000. If spending that much money at once stresses you out, you might rather repair your irrigation system as needed to avoid busting your budget all at once.

Sprinkler System Repair or Replacement? Trust Ground Source

You want your Central Florida property to look great, feel welcoming, and be healthy and thriving.

A dead lawn and wilted plants isn’t exactly what you had in mind. Make sure your irrigation system is at the top of its game.

Maybe that means expert irrigation system repair. Or it might be time to start over with a new one. Let us help you figure it out.

Lots of homeowners trust us for their irrigation installation in Orlando, Apopka and the surrounding areas, and we love transforming lawns that way.

But then, you can count on us to stick around, for important routine maintenance as well as any irrigation repair needs that pop up.

We’ve got you covered — and your landscaping expertly watered. All you have to do is relax on your front porch and admire the lawn.

We’re irrigation experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.

Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.

Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.