Why is my irrigation system not getting enough pressure?

Author: Dr. Desiree Brekke IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

A decrease in irrigation pressure can be caused by a broken irrigation pipe or a worn sprinkler wiper seal. To resolve, activate the malfunctioning station and pull up the stuck head's riser stem to check if it pulls up easily.

How to fix low pressure in an irrigation system?

By checking the pressure regulator, inspecting the sprinkler heads, checking for leaks, doing a pressure test, installing more stations and increasing the water supply line, you can boost water pressure and keep your lawn healthy and green.

Why are my sprinklers not getting enough pressure to pop up?

Check all of the valves to make sure they are fully open, especially the main system shut-off valve and the valves on your backflow preventer. A partially closed valve will reduce the water to the sprinklers, causing them to not fully pop up. This could affect some or all of your zones.

Why is the pressure not enough in my impact sprinkler system?

The most common cause of insufficient pressure in sprinklers is a garden hose that is too narrow. Standard garden hoses have an inner diameter of 13 mm, which is fine if you want to connect just one sprinkler to a 20-metre hose.

How can I get more pressure to my sprinklers?

Increasing Pressure in Sprinklers that Connect to a Hose
  1. Make sure that the spigot is open all the way. ...
  2. Inspect your hose and spigot to see if they're damaged. ...
  3. Minimize how much water you use when running a sprinkler. ...
  4. Re-position your sprinkler so the hose runs slightly downhill.

How To Troubleshoot Sprinkler System Pressure Problems

Why is my irrigation losing pressure?

In some cases, dirty sprinkler heads cause low water pressure. If your water pressure is only low at one sprinkler head, this represents the most likely culprit. Clean your sprinkler heads and see if this resolves the issue. Overgrown grass wrapping around your sprinkler's base can also be an issue.

Can I use a pump to increase water pressure for sprinklers?

The uses of booster pumps are many, and it's even a necessity for applications like watering your lawn or garden using an irrigation or sprinkler system, or for increasing water pressure in a multi-story building or apartment complex.

What causes a sprinkler zone to have low pressure?

Low water pressure could point to a leaky line or leaky nozzle in the zone. After seasons of freezing and thawing, components might crack, causing hairline features and leaks in the zone, thus, low water pressure. The Solution: To fix a leaky line or nozzle, you'll need to locate the root of the problem.

What is the problem with impact sprinklers?

Through many years of experience, we have found that conditions which most often interfere with the proper operation of impact sprinklers are the use of any lubricants (other than water), low water pressure, foreign materials in the irrigation water, and excessive damage or wear to sprinkler parts.

How do I make my sprinkler pop up higher?

Measure how much the sprinkler head needs to be raised. For heads sunk by 1/2 inch or more, use a cutoff riser. Cut the riser to the appropriate length, ensuring you have enough threaded sections to connect to both the T fitting and the sprinkler head. Screw the riser into the T fitting by hand until it's snug.

Can a bad sprinkler solenoid cause low pressure?

There are three common signs that your sprinkler valve solenoid has gone bad: Low water pressure – When your lawn develops brown spots, then you can almost be certain that the water pressure is too low. This is because brown spots mean that the water is not reaching far enough from the sprinkler.

Why is there not enough pressure for my sprinklers to pop up?

Pop-Up Sprinkler Head isn't popping up: Water pressure is what releases a pop-up sprinkler head. A decrease in irrigation pressure can be caused by a broken irrigation pipe or a worn sprinkler wiper seal.

What do I do if my water pressure is low?

6 Solutions to Low Water Pressure
  1. Clear the Clogs. One of the most common causes of low water pressure is clogged pipes. ...
  2. Clean or Replace Corroded Plumbing. ...
  3. Seal the Leaks. ...
  4. Repair or Replace Faulty Fixtures. ...
  5. Replace Pressure Regulator. ...
  6. Install a Booster Pump. ...
  7. Let Our Professionals Improve Your Home's Water Pressure.

Do I need a pressure regulator on my irrigation system?

Every irrigation system must take a predetermined amount of water and distribute it uniformly at a specific flow and pressure range. For this reason, the system pressure control is critical. You need pressure regulators to achieve the intended distribution pattern and application rate.

How to fix a low pressure sprinkler system?

Table of contents
  1. Install a Home Filtration System Bypass.
  2. Clean or Replace Sprinkler Heads and Bodies.
  3. Repairing Leaks in the System.
  4. Adjusting Zone Valves for Optimal Pressure.
  5. Ensure the Main Water Valve and Shut-Off Valves Are Fully Open.
  6. Add a Booster Pump.

How do I increase the water pressure in my sprinkler system?

Check the Valves

If your sprinkler water pressure has been low for a while, it's possible that the culprit is a faulty valve. Think of a sprinkler valve like a sink faucet; if you only turn the knob a little bit, the pressure will be low. If you turn the knob all the way, the pressure will be much higher.

When to replace a sprinkler solenoid?

Signs You Have a Problem
  1. The Water Won't Shut Off. If you have this problem, it's very likely the solenoid. ...
  2. Low or Uneven Water Pressure. The solenoid controls the water pressure. ...
  3. Water Leaks. There are many points in a sprinkler system that can leak. ...
  4. Current Testing. ...
  5. Valve Inspection. ...
  6. Parts Replacement.

Can a faulty backflow preventer cause low water pressure?

Fluctuating Water Pressure: Drops or changes in water pressure often point to a leak or internal issue within the backflow preventer. Unusual Noises: Hissing or whistling sounds coming from the system may also signal a leak or faulty component.

What are the best irrigation sprinklers for low pressure?

Impact sprinklers are excellent for low-pressure water sources. This type of sprinkler is built with integrated regulation valves that control water flow. Using impact sprinklers will still allow you to achieve healthy growth of grass and plants, even if the water pressure in your house is less than ideal.

What pump do I need to increase water pressure?

A water pump that is suitable to increase pressure in water pipes is also called a booster pump. These pumps are made of different materials and equipped with different systems. The most important differences are specified below.

Where to install a water pressure booster?

Install a water booster pump on the main pipeline.

There is a main pipe in the test. Then all the water in the room is separated from this main pipe. It is definitely the most appropriate to install the booster pump on the main pipeline at this time.

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