06/22/2026
💸 5 Signs Your Sprinkler System Is Costing You Money
Your sprinkler system should be watering your lawn, not wasting your money.
Here are 5 common signs your irrigation system may be costing you more than it should:
🚶 Water Running Down Sidewalks or Driveways
If water is flowing onto concrete instead of your lawn, you're paying to water areas that don't need it. Adjusting sprinkler heads can often solve the problem.
🌫️ Mist or Fog Instead of Streams
A fine mist may look normal, but it's often a sign of excessive pressure. Much of that water evaporates before it ever reaches the ground.
🟤 Brown Spots in the Lawn
Brown areas can indicate poor coverage, clogged nozzles, low pressure, or broken sprinkler heads. Before assuming it's a watering issue, try placing a shallow dish in the area while the system runs. If the dish collects plenty of water, the problem may be disease, insects, or another environmental factor.
⬇️ Sinking Sprinkler Heads
Heads that sit below grade can become blocked by grass and soil, reducing coverage and creating dry spots. They should generally sit flush with the finished grade.
💧 Higher Than Normal Water Bills
An unexplained increase in water usage is often one of the first signs of a leaking valve, broken pipe, stuck zone, or underground leak.
✅ What Can You Do?
Take a walk around your yard while each zone is running.
Look for:
• Overspray onto sidewalks
• Leaks or puddles
• Heads that aren't rotating
• Dry spots and uneven coverage
• Sprinkler heads buried in grass
Many of these issues can be fixed before they turn into expensive repairs or wasted water.
👉 Not sure what you're looking at? Give us a call. We can inspect your system, make adjustments, identify problem areas, and help your lawn get the water it needs, without wasting money.
☎️ 208-818-7838
🗨️ 208-400-5754
🌐 www.scottysbackflow.com
