Soggy Area(s) In Your Garden Could Mean An Irrigation Repair Is Needed

Last spring we were called into a site where the homeowner was complaining of a consistent wet / soggy area in her garden. It was determined that the wet area was only present in the summer, not the winter. This seems somewhat counter-intuitive, but to us it indicates a problem with the sprinkler system.

After eliminating the possibility of over-scheduling (and resulting over-watering), and also ruling out a lateral line break, we performed a mainline pressure test and found the mainline would not hold.

Further manual investigation (digging) revealed the incorrect patch job in the photo above. The repair completed on the pipe on the left used materials commonly used in drainage pipes. This works fine in applications where there is no pressure present, but can’t hold up to the water pressure in a sprinkler system. Needless to say, University Sprinklers did not perform the initial repair…

We replaced the connection using the correct components and piping, the mainline pressure test was redone, and presto — leak and wet spot solved!

There are many reasons you might have a poorly draining area in your yard that is constantly wet. With a few simple tests we can determine if the problem is drainage related, or, as in this case, if the issue is something related to your irrigation system.

In addition to solving the soggy issue, this homeowner also halted the major cost associated with her run-away water water bill! Two wins in one!

Got a soggy spot? Contact our office by emailing office@universitysprinklers, calling 1-877-421-4555, or by completing our Book An Appointment online form.