If you're in McKinney and suspect a leak, here's how to find it and know when to bring in a specialist.
How to Spot a Sprinkler Leak Before Winter
The clearest signs are wet patches that stay damp even days after watering, or parts of your lawn that stay greener than the rest while other areas dry out. You might also notice water pooling near your irrigation valve box or hissing sounds from underground lines when the system runs.
Check your water meter before and after a watering cycle. If the meter moves significantly even though no water is visible on the surface, you likely have a leak underground. A steady meter movement with the system off means water is escaping somewhere in the line.
What to Check Right Now
Walk the entire perimeter of your yard while the system is running. Look for unusually soft ground, dead spots, or areas that feel boggy underfoot. Check around your valve box, backflow preventer, and any exposed fittings—leaks often happen at connection points.
Inspect the sprinkler heads themselves. Cracks, water shooting sideways instead of up, or heads that don't pop up fully can indicate a line break nearby. If you can access any exposed pipe sections, look for cracks, splits, or water seeping from joints.
Note where and when you see the signs. This information helps a specialist pinpoint the problem faster.
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What to Do Right Now
Turn off your system if you've found standing water or a clear leak. Continuing to run the system wastes water and could worsen the damage.
If the leak is at a visible fitting or connection, try tightening it slightly with a wrench—but don't force it. If water still escapes, stop and wait for professional help. Do not attempt to dig or cut into underground lines.
Write down the date, which zone (if your system has zones) was running, and take photos of wet spots or pooling water. Keep your water bill handy; showing a sudden spike supports your observation.
When to Call a Local Specialist
Call right away if you see persistent wet areas, hear water running underground after the system shuts off, or if your water meter shows movement when nothing is on. November is ideal timing in McKinney—you'll get the leak fixed before winter dormancy and before your spring start-up.
A specialist can use pressure testing and sometimes ground-penetrating equipment to locate the leak without digging everywhere. They'll also inspect valves and connections for damage. Getting this done before you winterize prevents freeze damage and ensures your system is ready next spring.
Don't wait until spring to address a leak. Underground damage typically worsens over time, and fixing it now costs less than dealing with a ruptured line in your lawn later.
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