Common questions about irrigation and sprinkler systems in the Denver metro area, answered by local professionals with over 15 years of experience serving the Front Range.
Emergency & Urgent Questions
My sprinkler system is spraying water everywhere and won’t stop. What do I do?
Immediate steps:
- Locate your main irrigation shutoff valve (usually near the backflow preventer or where the irrigation line branches from your main water supply)
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water to the irrigation system
- If you can’t find the irrigation shutoff, you can shut off your home’s main water supply as a temporary measure
Once water is off, you can assess whether it’s a broken head (easy fix) or a more serious mainline break.
Water is flooding my yard but I don’t see a broken sprinkler head. What’s happening?
This typically indicates an underground leak, either in the mainline or a lateral line. Signs include:
- Saturated soil with no visible water source
- Water bubbling up from the ground
- Continuously soggy areas
Shut off water to the irrigation system and schedule a professional assessment.
My basement/crawlspace is getting water and I think it’s from the sprinkler system. Help!
- Immediately shut off the irrigation system at the main valve
- If water is actively entering, consider shutting off your main home water supply
- Document the damage with photos
- Contact a professional for leak detection
Underground irrigation leaks can travel along pipes and emerge far from the actual leak location.
Seasonal Questions
When should I turn on my sprinkler system in Denver?
Wait until the risk of hard freezes has passed, typically mid-April to early May in the Denver area. Watch the forecast—if temperatures will drop below freezing after startup, you may need to run water through the system briefly to prevent pipe damage, or delay startup.
Pro tip: Mother’s Day weekend is a traditional target date for Denver gardeners, but always check the 10-day forecast before scheduling startup.
What’s the best time for sprinkler blowout in Denver?
Schedule winterization between late September and mid-November. Don’t wait for freezing weather—popular time slots fill up quickly. A hard freeze with water in your pipes can cause serious damage, so err on the side of earlier.
Schedule your blowout early to get your preferred date.
Can I run my sprinkler system in October?
Yes, as long as nighttime temperatures stay above freezing. Many Denver lawns benefit from continued watering into October, especially if fall has been dry. Just be prepared to winterize if a cold snap is forecast.
How do I protect my backflow preventer from freezing?
Your backflow preventer should be drained during winterization. Some homeowners also wrap their backflow preventer with insulated covers during winter. The most important protection is professional winterization that removes all water from the device.
Repair & Troubleshooting Questions
Why are my sprinkler heads not popping up in one zone?
Common causes include:
- Low pressure in that zone from a leak or closed valve
- Clogged heads from dirt and debris accumulation
- Buried heads that have sunk below soil level
- Worn internal components binding the riser
Start by checking if the zone’s valve is fully open and look for obvious leaks in that zone.
Why is water still coming out of my sprinkler heads after the system turns off?
This indicates a valve that isn’t closing completely. Causes include:
- Debris caught in the valve diaphragm
- Worn or damaged diaphragm
- Damaged valve seat
- Faulty solenoid
A professional can usually repair this by cleaning or replacing the diaphragm. Learn more about our repair services.
My sprinkler system worked fine last year but has low pressure this spring. Why?
Possible causes:
- Winter freeze damage to pipes or valves
- Debris accumulation in valves or heads over winter
- Main line leak that developed over winter
- Municipal water supply changes (less common)
A spring startup inspection can identify the issue.
How do I find my buried sprinkler valve box?
If you’ve lost track of a valve box:
- Follow the wires from your controller—they lead to the valves
- Look for depressions or slightly different grass color in a line from the controller
- Use a metal detector to find the solenoid
- A professional with wire locating equipment can trace underground wires directly
One zone runs for a few seconds then stops. What’s wrong?
This often indicates a wiring problem or failing solenoid:
- Check wire connections at the controller
- Inspect for damaged wires
- Test the solenoid resistance with a multimeter (should be 20-60 ohms)
- A short circuit in the wiring can cause this behavior
Water Bill & Efficiency Questions
Why did my water bill increase dramatically?
Irrigation leaks are a common cause. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons:
- A valve stuck partially open can run unnoticed
- Underground leaks may not surface visibly
- A single broken head can waste significant water
Monitor your water meter with the irrigation system off—if it’s still moving, you have a leak somewhere. Our leak detection service can help identify the source.
How much should I water my lawn in Denver?
Most established Denver lawns need about 1 inch of water per week during summer, including rainfall. This typically translates to:
- 2-3 watering days per week during peak summer
- Less frequent watering in spring and fall
- Adjustment based on actual rainfall
Overwatering is as common as underwatering and wastes money while promoting shallow roots.
What’s the best time of day to run my sprinklers in Denver?
Early morning (4-6 AM) is optimal:
- Lower temperatures reduce evaporation
- Low wind conditions for better coverage
- Grass dries before evening, reducing disease risk
- Often complies with water restriction requirements
Avoid evening watering—wet grass overnight promotes fungal diseases.
Should I install a smart irrigation controller?
Smart controllers can be beneficial in Denver because:
- They automatically adjust for weather conditions
- They can comply with watering restrictions
- They save water during cooler or rainy periods
However, they work best when properly configured for your specific system and landscape.
Cost & Service Questions
How much does sprinkler repair cost in Denver?
Costs vary based on the issue:
- Head replacement: Generally straightforward, parts vary by type
- Valve repair: Depends on whether cleaning, diaphragm replacement, or full valve replacement is needed
- Leak repair: Depends on location and accessibility
- Wire repair: Depends on length and complexity of locating the break
Our pricing is available through our online scheduler for transparency.
How much does sprinkler winterization (blowout) cost?
Pricing varies by system size and complexity. Our current pricing is available through our online scheduling system. Attempting DIY blowout without proper equipment often results in incomplete water removal and potential freeze damage.
Is spring startup worth the cost?
Professional startup offers several benefits:
- Early identification of winter damage
- Proper system pressurization to prevent component damage
- Head adjustment and alignment check
- Documentation of issues to address
Many problems caught early cost less to fix than if discovered mid-season after additional damage has occurred.
Installation & Upgrade Questions
Can I add zones to my existing sprinkler system?
Often yes, but factors to consider:
- Controller capacity—may need upgrade if no spare zones available
- Water pressure—adding heads may exceed system capacity
- Mainline capacity—may need larger supply to support additional zones
- Valve location—new valves need accessible installation points
A professional assessment can determine feasibility.
Should I upgrade from a manual timer to a smart controller?
Consider upgrading if:
- Your current controller is outdated or unreliable
- You want automatic weather-based adjustments
- You want remote access via smartphone
- You’re concerned about water waste and efficiency
Smart controllers offer the most benefit when properly configured and maintained.
How long do sprinkler systems last in Denver?
With proper maintenance:
- Heads: 8-15 years depending on quality and conditions
- Valves: 15-20 years with periodic diaphragm replacement
- PVC pipes: 25-40+ years, though some older thin-wall PVC fails sooner
- Controllers: 10-15 years for electronics
- Backflow preventers: 10-25 years with annual testing and maintenance
Denver’s clay soil, temperature extremes, and hard water can reduce lifespan compared to milder climates.
Denver-Specific Questions
Do I need a backflow preventer for my sprinkler system in Denver?
Yes. Colorado plumbing code requires backflow prevention on irrigation systems to protect drinking water supplies. Most systems use a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) or Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) device. Many municipalities require annual testing by certified technicians.
What are Denver’s current watering restrictions?
Watering rules vary by water provider (Denver Water, Aurora Water, various metro districts, etc.). Rules typically restrict:
- Which days you can water based on address
- Prohibited midday hours
- Maximum watering times
Always verify current rules with your specific water provider, as restrictions can change seasonally or during drought conditions.
Why does my sprinkler system work differently than my neighbor’s?
Many factors cause variation:
- Water pressure varies by neighborhood and elevation
- System design differs by installer and age
- Soil conditions can vary even between adjacent properties
- Sun exposure affects watering needs
- Grass type influences water requirements
What works for your neighbor may not be optimal for your property.
Neighborhood-Specific Tips
Cherry Creek & Wash Park
Older homes often have aging irrigation systems with thin-wall PVC that’s becoming brittle. Consider proactive mainline replacement if your system is 20+ years old.
Highlands Ranch & Centennial
HOA requirements often mandate specific watering schedules. Smart controllers can help you comply while still maintaining lawn health.
Aurora & East Denver
Variable water pressure in some areas may require pressure regulation to protect irrigation components.
Lakewood & Arvada
Heavy clay soils benefit from cycle-and-soak watering—two shorter watering cycles instead of one long one to prevent runoff.
Have a question not answered here? Contact us or schedule a service call through our online system.