4 Tell-Tale Indications of a Leak in Your Irrigation System Tuesday, June 24, 2025

A well-maintained irrigation system is crucial for keeping your lawn and landscape in Iowa hydrated. However, leaks in your irrigation system can cause significant damage to your property and increase your water bill. There are signs that you can watch out for that indicate that your irrigation system has a leak. These signs include abnormally wet areas on your lawn and a water bill that is higher than usual. You can also look out for low water pressure in your sprinkler heads and wet valve boxes because these also point to a leak in your system.

1. Abnormally wet areas on your lawn indicate a leak in your irrigation system.

If you notice abnormally wet areas on your lawn, it may be a sign of a leak in your irrigation system. These wet areas can appear as pools of water, bubbling water, or wet concrete. Additionally, if your sprinkler heads are still leaking water even after the regular cycle, it may indicate a problem. The location of the wet areas can also provide clues about the source of the leak. For example, wet areas around the sprinkler heads could indicate malfunctioning valves, while water between heads could mean a leak from an underground pipe.

2. A higher-than-usual water bill can point to a leak in your irrigation system.

If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, it could be a sign of a leak in your irrigation system. When there's a leak, water is being wasted, thus skyrocketing your water bill. This is because the leak causes your irrigation system to use more water than necessary, resulting in a higher bill. If you suspect a leak, it's important to address it as soon as possible to avoid further damage and increased costs. Make sure you hire irrigation professionals to inspect your system because they'll be able to identify the root of the leak and address it properly.

3. Low water pressure is an indication of a leak in your irrigation system.

Low water pressure in your irrigation system can be a sign of a leak. When there is a leak, water escapes from the system, reducing the amount of water that reaches your lawn and landscape. This can cause a decrease in water pressure, which can lead to uneven watering and dry spots on your lawn. If you notice low water pressure in your irrigation system, it's important to have it inspected by a professional to determine if there is a leak and to have it repaired as soon as possible.

4. Your irrigation system could have a leak if the valve boxes are wet rather than dry.

If you notice that your valve boxes are wet rather than dry, it could be a sign of a leak in your irrigation system. Valve boxes are designed to keep the valves and other components of your irrigation system dry and protected from the elements. If you notice water pooling in your valve boxes, it could indicate a leak in one of the pipes or valves. This is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to your lawn and landscape.

Call us to schedule our irrigation repair service!

At ETCH Outdoor Living, we understand the importance of a properly functioning irrigation system for maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn and landscape. That's why we offer a comprehensive irrigation repair service to identify and fix any issues with your system. Our team of experts will thoroughly inspect your system to locate any leaks or other problems to address the issue correctly. With our repair service, you can trust that your system will be restored to optimal performance, ensuring your lawn and landscape receive the proper amount of water they need to thrive.

Our irrigation repair service is offered to commercial and residential property owners, along with HOAs, in Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, IA, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (515) 735-3338 to schedule our irrigation repair service!