So your yard keeps flooding, and you can’t figure out why. Let’s rule out the obvious, shall we? If it hasn’t been raining a lot and you haven’t been forgetting to turn the sprinkler system off, we know exactly what you should check next. If you have an underground sprinkler system, your problem could be coming from underneath the ground, not above it. Keep reading to find out why your yard is flooding and what you can do to fix it.
A Problem from Down Below – If you have an underground sprinkler system, your problem could be as simple as a broken pipe. Think about it: All of that water you’re using to water your lawn or garden is being pumped from your house, through pipes underground, and out of the sprinkler heads. If for some reason there is always a flooded area of your lawn, a pipe could be cracked. Not only is this a huge waste of water, but it is also unhealthy for your plants.
Damaging to Plants – Take a closer look at the plants or grass in the flooded area. When plants get waterlogged, their cells begin to burst; for larger plants, the effects of this are obvious and can be spotted on the underside of leaves and stems. Brown wart-like features will appear on the underside of leaves, as the water is pushed through the plant. Grasses will literally drown in a flood zone, and bacteria as well as larvae will flourish.
Fixing the Problem – It is important that you fix the problem immediately, not only for the health of your plants but also for the wellbeing of your bank account. Using an underground sprinkler system that is cracked is a huge waste of energy and money. The first thing you have to do is located the break – yes, this requires you to dig up your system. If you weren’t the one who installed the system, then have the person who knows where it is come and dig it up. After you’ve unearthed your sprinkler system, you need to locate the break or crack and replace that part of your system. Once the break or crack is repaired, your flood zone should recede. Be careful not to over water your garden or lawn for a few days while plants dry out.
