How to check for leaks in Automatic Sprinkler system

[herbolaryo]

The water bill is high. Had all the toilets and faucets checked and fixed. But still the water bill is high.

We have an automatic sprinkler system. And there was a construction done before around the house which might possibly hit the sprinkler system.

Since the yard is divided into several zones by the sprinkler, how will you know if there are leaks in that particular zone?

Is there a way aside from digging all the sprinkler tubes underneath?

[Verdeboy]

Most sprinkler leaks become pretty obvious, because either the pressure drops and some or all of the heads don't come up on a particular zone, or you see standing water where you shouldn't see any.

[Kiril]

Or you are overwatering your yard.

[Alectrician]

1) Turn off EVERYTHING and look at your meter. Is it moving?

If it aint, there is no leak.

If it is, turn off your irigation at the vacuum breaker and or at your house to narrow down the cause. The valves are generally where irrigation leaks are found. Use some imagination and estimate where the main lines/valves are located. Any extra green spots?

[Mr_Pike]

A system check by an irrigation company is usually less than 50 bucks. Mention that you want a leak check done using the water meter. You probably can get in and out in an hour and save yourself the cost of the checkup on a water bill. Not to mention thousands of dollars in water damage if something is wrong that you are not seeing.

Your average residential sprinkler system can cause thousands of dollars in flood damage in a very short amount of time.

Too many folks have lawn services that don't look for problems associated with too much water, broken lines, and sick plants. They mow as fast as they can, while still making the lawn look nice. Another guy comes and dumps fertilizer on the thing, and if its green no one cares that there is a leak running down the lawn, or undercutting the homes foundation or retaining walls.

If you have no skills in inspecting the systems in your home, you should pay for that service. Not just irrigation, but heating and air, electrical, plumbing and sewer. A lot of home owners use property managment companies for this, or a handyman service.