7 Common Problems With Irrigation Pumps and How to Fix Them
The grass is always greener—as long as you have a working sprinkler system
Most irrigation pump issues are caused by water pressure fluctuation.
If your pump is leaky or clogged, it can cause low water pressure.
Failure to prime your pump can damage your system.
Since many irrigation pump issues have multiple causes, it’s best to call a pro for repairs.
Your sprinkler system is the key to a lush lawn, but occasionally, one of the components will need a repair. The irrigation pump is among the most critical—it’s what pushes water through the system. If it's not working correctly, you may notice issues like low water pressure, weird noises, and dry patches on your lawn. Though the most common problems with irrigation pumps can have multiple causes, this guide can help you find the right fix.
1. Inconsistent Water Pressure
Low or fluctuating water pressure is one of the most common problems with irrigation pumps. If this is your issue, you may notice problems like:
Sprinklers mist rather than produce a solid spray
Dry patches in your lawn
Sprinkler heads don’t (or barely) produce water
Sprinklers take a long time to turn on
How to Fix It
Inconsistent pressure can have several different causes—and it’s not always your pump. It could be something as simple as a clogged nozzle or valve, buildup from hard water, or a leak somewhere in the system.
If your water pressure is consistently low, you may need to install a booster pump or redistribute your sprinkler heads. Adding additional zones with more nozzles can help. Other times, you may need a pump repair or work on the municipal water supply. The best course of action to fix inconsistent water pressure is to call a sprinkler repair pro near you.
2. Pump Won’t Turn On
Your sprinklers won’t work if the irrigation pump won’t turn on. This usually points to a problem with the electrical wiring or one of the individual components within the pump, like the motor.
How to Fix It
First, check to see if your pump tripped a circuit breaker. If the circuit is on, inspect your pump’s wiring for loose connections or damage. You’ll need to call a local electrician to make electrical repairs. If power isn’t the issue, it’s likely a broken pump motor. Hire a pro to repair or replace it.
3. Problems With Your Sprinkler Heads
Inconsistent water pressure can actually damage your sprinkler heads. High pressure can crack the nozzles. Too little pressure can prevent the sprinkler heads from popping up when you start your system. Inconsistent pressure can also push debris into your sprinkler heads, clogging the nozzles.
How to Fix It
If your sprinkler heads are clogged with debris, remove them and clean them. You may need to replace damaged sprinkler heads. To solve the underlying issue with water pressure, you’ll need to call a pro.
4. Poor Performance
Is your irrigation system simply not working like it used to? Poor performance can be a result of not priming your irrigation pump. Priming pushes air out of the pump casing and suction lines, filling them with water. Without priming, your pump won’t be able to effectively draw in water. It may overheat or prematurely wear, and you may notice low or no water pressure.
How to Fix It
Prime your pump. Many irrigation systems are self-priming, but you still may need to fill the casing with water before running your sprinkler. If your system needs to be repeatedly primed between cycles, you probably have a broken valve that needs repair.
5. Water Leak
Your sprinkler pump can have normal wear and tear and spring a leak, especially if it’s working overtime because it hasn’t been properly maintained. This will cause low water pressure.
How to Fix It
Since there are a lot of reasons your sprinkler system can leak, you’ll need to narrow down the exact source. Check the connections around the pump. You may have to tighten loose connections or replace damaged hoses.
6. Cracked Pump
You may need to drain your irrigation pump before temperatures dip below freezing, though newer pumps may do it automatically. If you forget, water that’s left inside your pump will expand as it freezes. This can crack the pump.
How to Fix It
Make sure you winterize your sprinkler system. If components are damaged from the season before, hire a pro for a repair or replacement.
7. Noisy Pump
There are a few reasons your pump might sound a bit louder than usual. Sometimes, the parts need lubrication, the mount isn’t secure, or there are clogs inside the system. Another cause has to do with the suction lift—how high your pump is above the surface of the water. If the distance is too great, your pump will make excess noise.
How to Fix It
Inspect the pump for debris and clear clogs as needed. Lubricate the moving parts and ensure the pump mounts are fully secure. If that doesn’t work, you may be able to solve the problem by relocating the pump closer to the water source, but you should call a pro for this type of repair.
When to Call a Pro
Your sprinkler system has a lot of different components. Even just the pump itself relies on very specific mechanics. Call a pro for sprinkler repair anytime you have a problem you can’t solve with a simple fix, like clearing away a clog or flipping a circuit breaker. DIY work can damage your system if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though sprinkler systems can have varying issues, there are a few common ways to know if the cause is your pump. Signs include cracking or visible damage, leaking from the pump, a pump that won’t turn on, and loud noises coming from your pump. Low or irregular pressure could also point to a pump problem, but there are other causes.
Why is my irrigation pump not pulling water?
There are a few reasons your irrigation pump isn’t pulling in water. You could have a clogged suction filter. You may have not properly primed your pump so air got stuck somewhere in the system. Your pump also won’t work properly if it has faulty or damaged pump components, like a pump motor or pressure switch.
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