Field notes
What to look for before you book.
Practical irrigation writing for Greater Houston. Each note links to the repair and the city it belongs to. Start from the repair list or the city list.
April 14, 2026
How to find a buried sprinkler valve box
Turf and mulch can hide a valve box until one zone stops working. Start with known controller station labels, old plans, and the direction of nearby irrigation lines. Locate and uncover the lid carefully so future
April 12, 2026
Sprinkler heads shifting near a foundation
Heads beside walls can settle, tilt, or spray directly onto surfaces that were not meant to be watered. Observe where the stream lands while the zone runs, not just where the head points while off. Adjust the head or
April 11, 2026
PVC pipe repair versus replacement
A clean break in sound pipe may call for a localized repair; repeated breaks deserve a broader look. Inspect the nearby pipe for brittleness, poor joints, or damage extending beyond the visible crack. Choose a repair
April 10, 2026
Finding an underground sprinkler leak
Buried leaks may appear as persistent damp soil, low pressure, or water at an unexpected edge. Note whether the area stays wet when the irrigation supply is off to distinguish other water sources. Run the suspected zone
April 8, 2026
Cleaning clogged sprinkler nozzles
Sediment can leave a narrow stream, distorted fan, or dry wedge in a zone. Compare the pattern with nearby matched heads; a single odd nozzle is easier to isolate. Turn off the zone, clean the nozzle and filter if
April 7, 2026
Tree roots and buried irrigation lines
Roots and pipes share the same soil, but a root near a leak does not prove it caused the break. Trace the wet area to the actual failed fitting or pipe before disturbing a tree root. Plan repairs around the root system
April 6, 2026
Fixing a sunken sprinkler head
Settled soil and growing turf can bury a head below the height it needs to spray. Look for a head that operates but discharges into grass instead of across the intended area. Correct the height and alignment while
April 4, 2026
Why is sprinkler pressure low?
Low pressure can involve the water supply, an open break, a partly closed valve, or plugged components. Compare a weak station with a healthy one to see whether the issue is system-wide or zone-specific. Check obvious
April 3, 2026
Clay soil and broken sprinkler pipes
Expanding and shrinking soil can stress fittings and reveal weak sections of buried pipe. A line leak often shows as a localized wet area or weak pressure while the zone runs. Isolate the zone and expose the leak only
April 2, 2026
Sprinkler settings during Houston drought restrictions
Watering rules can change, so old schedules and neighborhood advice may be out of date. Confirm your utility and address before checking its current drought-stage notice. Update allowed days and times in the controller
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