How to Know It’s Time to Upgrade Your Sprinkler System (Before Water Bills Spike)

If your water bill keeps climbing while your lawn still looks uneven, your sprinkler system may be the problem. Many Utah homeowners rely on irrigation systems that were installed years ago and no longer match today’s water efficiency standards, soil conditions, or landscape demands. Knowing when to upgrade can prevent wasted water, turf stress, and unnecessary expense.

Signs Your Sprinkler System Is No Longer Performing Efficiently

Older irrigation systems often show warning signs long before a major failure occurs. Pay attention to the following indicators:

• Uneven watering patterns such as dry patches next to oversaturated areas
• Frequent sprinkler head damage caused by worn seals or outdated materials
• Visible leaks or pooling water around valves, lines, or heads
• Controller limitations that prevent zone-specific scheduling
• Rising water bills without changes in landscape size or usage

Utah’s clay-heavy soils, temperature swings, and water conservation requirements make precision irrigation especially important. When your system cannot adjust watering output accurately, water waste increases quickly.

Why Older Systems Cost More Over Time

An outdated sprinkler system often applies water inefficiently due to poor pressure regulation and lack of modern controls. Overwatering leads to runoff, shallow root systems, and higher municipal charges. Underwatering stresses turf and plants, which often leads homeowners to increase run times, compounding the issue.

Modern systems use:

• Pressure-regulated sprinkler heads
• Smart controllers that adjust based on weather data
• Zoned watering that matches plant types and sun exposure
• Improved pipe materials with longer service life

Without these features, your system works harder than necessary and delivers inconsistent results.

When Repairs Are No Longer the Smart Option

Repairing individual components can work temporarily, but repeated service calls often indicate a system that has reached the end of its effective lifespan. If you are replacing heads, valves, or wiring every season, a system upgrade may reduce long-term costs.

Consider an upgrade if:

1. Your system is more than 15 years old
2. Replacement parts are no longer readily available
3. You cannot fine-tune watering schedules by zone
4. Seasonal adjustments require manual resets
5. Water usage continues to increase year over year

Benefits of a Modern Sprinkler Upgrade in Utah

Upgrading your sprinkler system allows you to match irrigation output to Utah’s climate and current water guidelines. Improved efficiency reduces waste while maintaining healthier landscapes.

Benefits include:

• Lower monthly water bills
• Improved lawn and plant health
• Reduced runoff and soil erosion
• Better compliance with local watering restrictions
• Fewer emergency repairs during peak season

Work With Bonneville Sprinkling for System Upgrades

Bonneville Sprinkling provides professional sprinkler system evaluations, upgrades, and installations designed for Utah landscapes. Their team assesses your existing system, identifies inefficiencies, and recommends upgrades that improve performance without unnecessary replacements.

If your irrigation system is showing signs of age or your water bills are increasing without explanation, working with Bonneville Sprinkling allows you to address the issue before peak watering season. A properly designed upgrade protects your landscape, conserves water, and keeps long-term operating costs under control.

Scheduling an evaluation now helps ensure your sprinkler system is ready to perform efficiently throughout Utah’s growing season