Uneven watering shows up fast in your area, —dry rings around heads, soggy strips along hardscapes, or turf that looks patchy despite regular run times. This matters because inefficient irrigation stresses plants, wastes water, and drives up maintenance. The fix usually blends quick hardware checks with smart controller adjustments and, if needed, pressure tuning. Addressing it now protects curb appeal through heat waves and shoulder seasons alike. A clear, step-by-step approach restores consistent coverage without damaging your system.

What To Do When Your Sprinkler System Waters Unevenly

Start with a zone-by-zone “walk test.” While each zone runs, straighten tilted heads, raise sunken ones to grade, and remove grass overgrowth blocking the spray. Clean or replace clogged nozzles and check filter screens; debris and mineral scale are common culprits. Look for fine mist or fog—an indicator of high pressure—then add pressure-regulated spray bodies or a zone regulator to keep sprays near ~30–45 PSI and rotors near ~45–65 PSI per common manufacturer guidance. Correct overspray onto sidewalks and driveways and match nozzle arcs and radii so heads deliver head-to-head coverage. Because outdoor irrigation often represents a large share of household use, these small corrections can produce immediate savings and healthier turf.

Next, solve design and programming issues that cause chronic unevenness. Avoid mixing rotors and sprays in the same zone, since their precipitation rates differ; use matched-precipitation nozzles within a zone so every square foot receives similar inches per hour. Verify spacing—each spray should reach the next head—and adjust patterns where wind or shrubs disrupt throw. Tune the controller with “cycle and soak” on slopes or heavy soils to prevent runoff while still reaching the root zone. If symptoms persist, have a pro test static and dynamic pressure, check valves and regulators, and run a simple catch-can audit to quantify uniformity and dial in runtimes.

Ready To Start Your Sprinkler Repair Project? A targeted tune-up in your area, —head leveling, nozzle matching, pressure regulation, and smarter scheduling—can restore even coverage and reduce waste. Pros also identify hidden leaks and zone design issues that a quick walk-through can miss. Get greener turf with fewer dry spots and less runoff. Submit the contact form to request service from a local professional in your area, .