An irrigation system is easy to forget about – until something goes wrong. A few minutes spent checking it each season can prevent dead patches, wasted water and costly repairs. These are the warning signs we see most often in gardens across Kent.
1. Dry Patches or Waterlogged Areas
Uneven colour on a lawn or struggling plants in one part of a border usually means water is not reaching where it should. Blocked or misaligned sprinkler heads, incorrect water pressure or zones that need rebalancing are the most common causes.
2. A Rising Water Bill
If your water usage has crept up without any change to your watering schedule, there may be a hidden leak. Split pipes after a frost, worn fittings and valves that no longer close fully can waste a surprising amount of water underground.
3. Puddles, Soggy Ground or Wet Paths
Standing water, boggy patches or water running across patios and driveways point to a damaged emitter, overspray from a poorly adjusted sprinkler or a watering cycle that runs for too long.
4. The Controller Is Still on Last Summer’s Schedule
Gardens need far less water in spring and autumn than in July. A controller left on a midsummer programme overwaters for much of the year. A smart controller solves this by adjusting automatically to rainfall and temperature.
5. Your Garden Has Changed, but the System Has Not
New beds, a re-laid lawn or trees that have grown and now cast shade all change how much water each area needs. A system designed for the old layout will rarely suit the new one without adjustment.
Simple Seasonal Care
In spring, check that every head pops up and sprays correctly, look for leaks and set a sensible schedule. Before the first frosts, drain or insulate exposed pipework and protect pumps and controllers – frost damage is one of the most common reasons systems fail at the start of the season.
How Garden Glow Can Help
We service, repair and upgrade both modern and older irrigation systems across Kent, and can connect them to smart controls and your outdoor lighting. Find out more about our smart irrigation systems, or get in touch to book a service.