A sprinkler system is a convenient way to keep your lawn green and healthy—but if it’s not properly maintained or set up, it could be wasting hundreds of liters of water every week. From leaks to poor programming, many homeowners don’t realize how much water is being lost due to an inefficient irrigation setup.

At Plombier Candiac, we help homeowners inspect, repair, and optimize sprinkler systems to prevent water waste and reduce utility bills. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons your sprinkler system might be wasting water, and how to fix them.

1. Hidden Leaks in the System

Sprinkler leaks can occur underground or in hard-to-see places, making them difficult to detect until you notice a soggy patch of lawn—or a higher-than-usual water bill.

? Signs of a Sprinkler Leak:
✔️ Pools of water in the yard when the system is off.
✔️ Uneven growth or overly soggy areas in your lawn.
✔️ Reduced water pressure at one or more sprinkler heads.

? Why It Wastes Water:
Even a small leak can waste up to 25,000 liters of water a month.

? Need help detecting a leak? Contact Plombier Candiac for professional sprinkler inspection and repair.

2. Broken or Misaligned Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads can become damaged, clogged, or knocked out of alignment by lawnmowers, foot traffic, or pets.

? Common Issues:
✔️ Sprinklers spraying sidewalks, driveways, or fences instead of grass.
✔️ Heads that are stuck in the down position or leak when not running.
✔️ Clogged nozzles reducing spray radius.

? How It Wastes Water:
Water ends up watering pavement or evaporating, not nourishing your lawn.

✅ Fix: Replace or adjust the sprinkler head to spray evenly where it's needed.

3. Poor Scheduling or Watering at the Wrong Time

Your lawn only needs water at specific times—watering too often or during the heat of the day leads to massive water loss through evaporation.

? Best Practices:
✔️ Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) when temperatures are cooler.
✔️ Avoid watering in the middle of the day or late at night.
✔️ Adjust watering frequency based on season and rainfall.

? Why It Wastes Water:
As much as 50% of outdoor water use is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff from improper timing.

4. Runoff and Oversaturation

Overwatering doesn’t just waste water—it can also lead to runoff, soil erosion, and even damage to your landscaping.

? Causes of Runoff:
✔️ Watering too quickly or for too long.
✔️ Sloped yards where water flows off instead of soaking in.
✔️ Clay-heavy soils that drain slowly.

✅ Fix:
✔️ Use a cycle and soak method: water in shorter intervals to allow the soil to absorb more.
✔️ Adjust the sprinkler heads to target only the intended zones.

5. Manual Overrides and Forgetting to Turn It Off

Leaving your sprinkler on longer than necessary—especially after rain—can result in massive waste.

? Why It Happens:
✔️ Manual operation left running by accident.
✔️ No rain sensor or weather-based controller installed.

✅ Fix:
✔️ Install a smart irrigation controller that adjusts based on weather and soil conditions.
✔️ Add a rain sensor to automatically pause watering after rainfall.

? Want to upgrade your sprinkler system? Contact Plombier Candiac for smart irrigation solutions.

6. Using the Wrong Sprinkler System for Your Landscape

Different plants and zones need different amounts of water. Using the same sprinkler settings across the whole yard can lead to underwatering in some areas and overwatering in others.

? Tips:
✔️ Use drip irrigation for garden beds and shrubs.
✔️ Separate your yard into zones based on sun exposure, soil type, and plant needs.
✔️ Adjust runtimes per zone for better efficiency.

? Why It Wastes Water:
Uniform watering doesn’t account for different water needs, so more water is used than necessary.

7. No Seasonal Adjustments

As temperatures and rainfall change, so should your watering schedule. Failing to adjust your system for spring, summer, and fall can waste water.

? Best Practice:
✔️ Use a seasonal adjustment setting or smart controller to match real-time weather conditions.
✔️ In cooler months, reduce watering by up to 50%.

When to Call a Professional

If your sprinkler system seems off—or your water bill is climbing—it may be time for a professional inspection.

? Call a plumber if you notice:
✔️ Leaking or malfunctioning sprinkler heads.
✔️ Uneven watering or dry patches.
✔️ Water pooling or soggy spots.
✔️ High water bills without explanation.

? Schedule a sprinkler system evaluation with Plombier Candiac to stop water waste and improve efficiency.

Final Thoughts

A poorly maintained or outdated sprinkler system can waste thousands of liters of water every month, harming both your wallet and the environment. By checking for leaks, adjusting sprinkler heads, and optimizing your watering schedule, you can keep your lawn healthy without wasting water.

Need help maintaining or upgrading your system? Contact Plombier Cowansville for professional sprinkler system repair, maintenance, and water-saving upgrades. ??