How do I increase water pressure in my sprinkler system?

If you’re struggling with low water pressure in your sprinkler system, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this problem and wonder how they can increase water pressure to keep their lawns and gardens green and healthy. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to boost water pressure in your sprinkler system and ensure your lawn is adequately watered.

Unfortunately, pressure and flow can range from suburb to suburb. What you can do however is use the water pressure you have more effectively and also identify faults and problems that may be affecting the water pressure you actually have so you can achieve the results you need in your lawn and garden.

Do a Pressure Test

The first thing is to do an accurate pressure test. It is important to do this as close as possible to the water metre or ‘cut in’. That way it will be more accurate and closer to the water source the reticulation is running off. If you don’t know what you have then don’t know where you are starting from. It’s EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to do this. All sprinklers have flow and pressure charts for different size sprinklers/sprinkler heads and using your own data from the pressure test will help you make informed decisions and possibly use better heads more suited to what you have or do different spacing etc.

Do a Pressure Test from the Neighbours

If you have had a sudden pressure drop and next door’s retic/irrigation seems to be going well you should 100% ABSOLUTELY go and pressure test from their front tap. If the water pressure and flow is different between the properties which are side by side then you have a problem most likely at your water metre, Sometimes it’s the water metre itself in which case you contact the Water Corporation. Another common problem is the copper pipe may be kinked just after the water metre. This can happen when trades work in the area or for other reasons.

Install a Bypass from your Home Filtration System

Home filtration systems have become very common, unfortunately they often restrict the pressure and flow of your available water supply. The best way is to bypass and have your plumber connect to the reticulation BEFORE the home filtration system. Your retic does not need filtering normally and this may instantly boost the water pressure you have. We have bypassed a number of systems lately and it has made a HUGE difference to the sprinklers.

Check the Pressure Regulator

The first step to increasing water pressure in your sprinkler system is to check the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is a device that ensures water pressure in your home remains at a safe level. Over time, the regulator can become clogged and may need to be cleaned or replaced.

If your pressure regulator needs to be replaced, it’s important to choose the right one for your home or irrigation system. Regulators come in different sizes and pressure ratings, so you’ll need to choose one that’s appropriate for your specific needs. It’s also important to make sure that the regulator is installed correctly and in the right location. Improper installation can cause the regulator to malfunction and reduce water pressure.

Inspect the Sprinkler Heads and Sprinkler Bodies

Another common cause of low water pressure in sprinkler systems is clogged sprinkler heads. Over time, dirt, debris, and other contaminants can clog the small holes in your sprinkler heads, reducing water pressure and preventing your sprinklers from delivering water where it’s needed. To fix this, inspect each sprinkler head and remove any debris that you find. If the problem persists, consider replacing the sprinkler heads altogether. Make sure you flush well before installing a new nozzle!

Different types of sprinkler heads have different water pressure requirements. If you’re experiencing low water pressure with your current sprinkler heads, consider switching to a different type that requires less pressure. For example, some low-pressure sprinkler heads may be more efficient in delivering water to your lawn and garden. Hunters MP Rotator heads are a fantastic example of this. Often a low pressure head has to be run longer as they spread the water more slowly so make sure you check with us regarding your run times.

Check for Leaks

Leaks can also cause low water pressure in your sprinkler system. To check for leaks, inspect each sprinkler head and body for signs of water pooling around the base. Walk around and see if there is any wetter than normal or very soft areas. If you see water, or a mud mix anywhere it’s likely that there is a leak that needs to be addressed. Leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, including damaged pipes, loose fittings, and broken sprinkler heads.

Often old sprinklers have leaky seals that don’t work properly and in this case replacing the sprinkler body will help.

If you’re not sure whether the issue is with your sprinkler system or your water supply, check your water metre. Make sure all water appliances in your home are turned off, then check the water metre to see if it’s still moving. If it is, there may be a leak in your water supply system that’s causing low water pressure. To fix the problem, consider calling a professional to inspect and repair any leaks. At Retic Renovation we have over 15 years of experience in the field.

Increase the Water Supply

Often people connect in from a back tap or a smaller copper line. The best way (if possible) is to do your plumbing connection right off the water metre and use a larger 25mm water supply line from the mains. Larger pipes can deliver more water to your sprinkler system, which can help to increase water pressure.

Install Smaller Reticulation Stations

One of the most overlooked things when dealing with low water pressure is station size. Adding in more stations may be very much needed. Use the old rule ‘have a margin of safety’. Go overboard, if you think you need 5 stations put in 9! It’s a simple concept but not often done. Think about it. Would you rather have peace of mind or would you like to be fiddling with your sprinklers for many years to come. Don’t try to be too clever-put enough stations in.

Contact a Professional

Low water pressure in your sprinkler system can be frustrating, but it’s not an insurmountable problem. 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. If you’re still having trouble with your sprinkler system, consider calling a professional to help diagnose and fix the problem.

At Retic Renovation, we have over 15 years of experience repairing and installing irrigation systems. If you have any issues with low pressure in your reticulation system, you can trust us to fix them. Enquire now through our website or send an email to reticreno@gmail.com

Do you need help with your reticulation? Enquire now!

Luke Porter

The Director of Retic Renovation is passionate about beautiful healthy lawns and gardens.

I have over 17 years hands-on experience in both landscaping and reticulation service and I’m extremely competent in problem solving, repairs, installation, and product knowledge.