Sprinkler Repair FAQ
Real answers to the questions Miami homeowners ask most — from diagnosis to pricing to warranties.
Diagnosis & Common Problems
Why is my sprinkler pressure low?
Low pressure is one of the most common irrigation complaints in Miami. The most frequent causes are a partially closed shut-off valve, an underground pipe leak, a clogged filter or nozzle, a worn pump impeller, or a zone with too many heads for the pipe size. A calcified nozzle alone can cut flow by 40–60%. We run the system zone by zone, check pressure at the head, and trace backward to find the restriction — usually diagnosed in one visit.
A zone won't turn on — what does that mean?
Three things cause a zone not to activate: the controller isn't sending a signal (wiring fault, bad terminal, blown fuse), the solenoid on the valve isn't opening (failed solenoid, corroded coil, no voltage), or the valve itself is stuck shut (debris in the diaphragm, broken spring). We test the controller output with a meter, then test the solenoid directly. In most cases we can diagnose and fix in the same visit.
A zone won't shut off — water keeps running. What's wrong?
A zone that won't shut off usually has a stuck-open valve diaphragm. This happens when a small piece of debris holds the diaphragm open, or when the diaphragm rubber has cracked or warped from age. Less commonly it's a wiring fault sending constant power. We flush or replace the diaphragm — typically a 30–45 minute repair that stops the waste immediately.
I have soggy spots or unusually green patches — is that a leak?
Yes, almost certainly. Underground pipe cracks, broken fittings, and failed riser connections all cause slow leaks that saturate the soil above them. In Miami's sandy-clay soil, a leaking 3/4" line can waste 2,000+ gallons per month. We use pressure testing and visual inspection to locate the break, then excavate and repair with schedule-40 PVC — no patch tape.
Scheduling & Service
How fast can you come out?
We aim for same-week service across Miami-Dade and Broward — often within 2–3 days. For urgent issues like a mainline break, a flooded valve box, or a zone running nonstop, call us directly and we'll prioritize you. Most urgent calls are seen within 24 hours.
Do I need to be home for the service?
Not always. If we can access the irrigation system (controller, valve boxes, pump) and you can approve the estimate by phone or text, we can often complete work while you're away. We take photos before and after and text them to you so you can see exactly what was done.
Do you work on weekends?
Yes. We schedule Monday through Saturday. Weekend slots fill faster, so booking a few days ahead is recommended for non-urgent work.
Pricing & Estimates
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Tell us your area, what you're seeing (wet spots, low pressure, zone not turning on, timer issues, etc.), and how urgent it is. Photos help but aren't required. We'll confirm next steps by call or text and give you a price range before scheduling. There's no charge to diagnose and quote.
What does a typical repair cost?
Single sprinkler head replacement: $65–$120. Solenoid valve replacement: $85–$175. Underground leak repair: $150–$350 depending on depth and access. Smart timer installation: $175–$325 including programming. Full pump replacement: $400–$900 depending on pump size. We show transparent ranges on our Pricing page and confirm exact totals before any work starts.
Do you charge for the service call?
We do not charge a separate diagnostic or service call fee on top of the repair. The estimate visit is free. If you approve the repair, the labor quote covers everything — diagnosis included.
Warranty & Quality
Do you provide a warranty?
Yes — a 1-year warranty on all labor. If anything we repair fails within a year due to our workmanship, we return at no charge. Parts follow the manufacturer's warranty (typically 1–5 years for heads, valves, and controllers). We use name-brand parts — Rain Bird, Hunter, Orbit, K-Rain — not generic imports.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry full liability insurance for all irrigation and sprinkler repair work in Florida. You can request a copy of our certificate of insurance before work begins — we're happy to provide it.
Systems & Upgrades
Well water vs. city water — does it change the repair?
Yes, significantly. Well-fed systems involve a pump, pressure tank, and often a filter that city systems don't have. Well water commonly contains iron and sediment that clog nozzles and stain driveways. City water systems focus more on pressure regulation, backflow prevention, and zone valve performance. We work on both daily across Miami-Dade and Broward.
Can you help reduce my water bill?
Absolutely. Leaks, stuck-open zones, and misaligned heads are the biggest waste sources. Beyond repairs, we can replace old fixed nozzles with matched-precipitation rotary nozzles (30–40% more efficient), install a Rain Bird or Rachio smart WiFi controller that skips watering after rain, and pressure-balance zones so heads aren't misting instead of throwing. Many customers see meaningful bill reductions within one billing cycle.
Can you install a smart irrigation controller?
Yes. We install WiFi-enabled controllers from Rain Bird (ESP-TM2, ST8I), Hunter (X2), and Rachio (3rd gen). These connect to your home WiFi and adjust the watering schedule based on local weather data — skipping irrigation on rainy days and reducing run times during cooler periods. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours and includes full programming for all your zones.
Do you work on commercial properties?
Yes. We service office buildings, shopping centers, HOA common areas, restaurants, and multi-family residential properties across Miami-Dade and Broward. Commercial systems often have larger valves, master valves, and flow sensors — all of which we diagnose and repair.
Water Restrictions & Local Rules
What are the Miami-Dade watering restriction days?
Miami-Dade County enforces year-round water restriction schedules set by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Residential properties with odd-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday; even-numbered addresses water on Thursday and Sunday. Irrigation is only permitted before 8 AM or after 6 PM. Watering on unrestricted days, during restricted hours, or while it is raining can result in a warning and fines. A smart WiFi controller (Rain Bird, Rachio) can be programmed to the correct schedule automatically.
What are the Broward County watering restriction days and hours?
Broward County's water restrictions follow the SFWMD Southwest Florida schedule. Residential addresses ending in odd numbers may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays; even numbers on Wednesdays and Sundays. Irrigation must occur between midnight and 10 AM or between 4 PM and midnight — not during the heat of the day. Fines start at $100 for a first violation and can escalate. Check with your utility provider for any additional local restrictions.
Is a rain sensor required by law in Florida?
Yes. Florida Statute 373.62 requires that every automatic irrigation system installed after May 1, 1991 include a working rain shutoff device. If your system was installed before 1991 or if the sensor was removed or bypassed, you are technically out of compliance. The law applies to both residential and commercial systems. We install wired and wireless rain sensors starting at $95–$185 installed — and we verify the shutoff works before we leave.
My sprinklers ran during a rainstorm — what do I do?
First, check whether your rain sensor is connected and calibrated correctly. Many sensors get damaged, become calcified, or are bypassed at the controller without the homeowner knowing. Second, check your controller — some older models have a 'sensor bypass' switch that gets flipped accidentally. If the sensor is broken, replacement is a quick repair. We also program smart WiFi controllers to use local weather data as a backup to the physical sensor.
How long should I run my sprinklers in Miami?
In Miami-Dade and Broward, most residential zones need 15–25 minutes per cycle for spray heads and 30–45 minutes for rotary heads — but this varies by soil type, sun exposure, and plant type. Sandy South Florida soil drains quickly, so shorter, more frequent cycles are less effective than one longer, deep soak. Our technicians can audit your runtime settings during a service visit and adjust zone times to match your lawn's actual needs.
Seasonal & Maintenance
Do I need to winterize my sprinkler system in Miami?
No — South Florida rarely gets hard freezes, so traditional winterizing (blowing out lines with compressed air) is not necessary. However, we do recommend a seasonal check before the dry season (November–March) to adjust run times down as evapotranspiration decreases, and another before the wet season (June–September) when you can often reduce watering significantly or suspend it on weeks with heavy rain.
How often should I have my sprinkler system inspected?
We recommend a full system inspection at least once a year. The best time is before the dry season — late October to November — when you want to be sure every head, nozzle, and zone is working before your lawn depends on the system. Many HOAs and commercial properties schedule bi-annual inspections. A typical inspection costs $85–$150 and often pays for itself by catching a slow leak or clogged zone that's been running up your water bill.
Why do I have brown spots even though my sprinklers run?
Brown spots despite active irrigation are almost always a coverage issue — not a watering time issue. Common causes: a broken or sunken head that stopped popping up, a clogged nozzle that reduced throw distance, a misdirected head spraying the wrong area, or a zone with too many heads and not enough pressure to reach all of them. We walk every zone and identify exactly which heads are underperforming — in most cases it's a $65–$120 nozzle or head repair.
Still Have Questions?
Call us or request a free estimate. We'll answer your specific question and give you a price range before scheduling.
When You Call, Have Ready:
- Your city / zip code
- What you're seeing (wet spot, no pressure, zone stuck on, etc.)
- Whether you're on city water or well water
- Controller brand if you know it
- Photos if you have them — not required
Ready to Get Your Sprinklers Fixed?
Tell us what's happening — we'll give you a price range and confirm the next available time. Same-week service across Miami-Dade and Broward.