Irrigation Leak Signs Every Florida Homeowner Should Know

Florida's hot climate means most homeowners rely on irrigation systems to keep their lawns green. But these underground systems can develop leaks that waste enormous amounts of water—often without any obvious signs. Here's how to spot irrigation leaks before they drain your wallet.

Why Irrigation Leaks Are Easy to Miss

Most irrigation systems run early in the morning—often between 4 AM and 6 AM—when you're asleep. The water soaks into the ground before you wake up. Unless you're actively watching your system run, you might never notice a broken head spraying water onto the sidewalk or a underground pipe leak flooding a section of your yard.

Warning Signs of an Irrigation Leak

1. Unusually Green or Lush Patches

If one area of your lawn is significantly greener than the rest, it might be getting extra water from a leak. While this might seem like a good thing, it indicates water is pooling underground and could eventually cause soil erosion or foundation issues.

2. Soggy or Muddy Areas

Persistent wet spots in your yard—especially when it hasn't rained—are a clear sign of an underground leak. You might notice your shoes sinking into soft ground or see standing water that never seems to dry up.

3. Dying Grass in Certain Zones

Ironically, a leak in one part of your system can cause other areas to receive less water pressure. If certain zones of your lawn are dying while others thrive, a leak might be stealing water from those zones.

4. Sputtering or Weak Sprinkler Heads

When your system has a leak, water pressure drops. You might notice sprinkler heads that used to spray 15 feet now barely reach 10 feet, or heads that sputter and spray unevenly.

5. Sudden Increase in Water Bill

This is often the first sign homeowners notice. If your water bill spikes during months when your irrigation runs frequently, a leak in the system is a likely culprit. A single broken pipe can waste hundreds of gallons every time the system runs.

6. Erosion or Sinkholes

Severe or long-term leaks can wash away soil, creating erosion channels or even small sinkholes in your yard. In Florida's sandy soil, this can happen faster than you might expect.

How to Check Your Irrigation System

1. Run each zone manually and walk the yard watching for problems
2. Look for heads that don't pop up, spray weakly, or spray in wrong directions
3. Check for water bubbling up from the ground
4. Inspect valve boxes for standing water
5. Monitor your water meter while the system runs—excessive flow indicates a leak

When to Call a Professional

If you suspect an underground irrigation leak but can't find the source, professional leak detection can save you from digging up your entire yard. Using acoustic equipment and other specialized tools, we can pinpoint exactly where the leak is located so repairs are targeted and minimal.

At Active Leak Solutions, we detect irrigation leaks throughout Central Florida. We find the leak—you choose who repairs it. No conflict of interest, just accurate detection.