Uneven irrigation watering - Areas too wet or too dry due to irrigation controller programming

Uneven irrigation is a common issue many homeowners face, where some areas of the lawn become waterlogged while others remain dry. This can lead to patchy grass, wasted water, and unnecessary frustration.

The cause of this problem is rarely straightforward—it’s often a combination of factors. In this blog, we’ll explore the key contributors to uneven watering and discuss the most common issue we find when attending sites: incorrect controller programming.

Basic irrigation controller displaying settings for start time, run time, and watering schedule.

Factors Contributing to Uneven Watering

1. Sprinkler Run Time

   • If your sprinklers run for too long, certain areas might become oversaturated, especially those with slower drainage. On the flip side, short run times might not give the system enough time to cover the entire area effectively.

2. Frequency of Sprinkler Operation

   • Overwatering is often caused by sprinklers being set to turn on too frequently. This can lead to soggy patches, especially in areas with slower-draining soils.

3. Soil Type

   • Clay-heavy soils hold water longer, making them prone to waterlogging. Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering to stay hydrated.

4. Site Exposure to Sun and Wind

   • Lawns with more sun exposure dry out faster than shaded areas, requiring more water. Wind can also speed up evaporation, particularly in open spaces.

5. Elevation of the Site

   • Gravity affects water distribution. Higher areas may receive less water, while lower areas can collect excess water, leading to uneven results.

6. Leaks in the System

   • Leaks can cause certain areas to get flooded while leaving others under-watered. Regular inspections of your system are essential to catch and fix these issues early.

7. Unpredictable Weather

   • Sudden rain, heatwaves, or cold snaps can disrupt even the most carefully planned irrigation schedules.

8. Sprinkler Type

   • Different sprinklers have different water delivery rates. Mismatched sprinklers within the same zone can result in inconsistent coverage.

9. Connected Sensors and Controllers

   • Sensors and controllers play a vital role in optimising irrigation. However, if they’re not calibrated correctly, they might lead to over- or under-watering.

The Most Common Issue We Find: Incorrect Controller Programming

One of the most frequent problems we encounter when diagnosing uneven watering is controllers programmed to water multiple times per night. This often happens due to a bit of confusion when setting up the watering program with conventional irrigation controllers.

It’s easy to see why this happens—programming an irrigation controller isn’t something most people do often. With so many options in modern controllers, it can quickly feel overwhelming.

The Root of the Problem: Multiple Start Times Many people mistakenly believe they need to set a start time for every station in their system. However, this isn’t the case. You only need one start time per irrigation cycle, and you assign the run times for each station within that cycle.

Our Advice: Keep It Simple

I like to tell my customers that simplicity is key. Here are some tips:

• Stick to one program, one start time if possible.

• Only add more programs or start times if your plants truly require it.

• If you need to water certain areas multiple times a day, adjust the run times for those specific stations rather than adding extra start times.

By simplifying your controller settings, you can avoid overwatering, ensure even coverage, and save water.

Smart Solutions for Unpredictable Weather

Weather can be a big challenge when managing an irrigation system, but smart irrigation controllers offer a modern solution. These controllers take real-time weather forecasts into account, automatically adjusting watering schedules to suit the conditions.

For example:

• Before Rain: They can reduce or skip watering.

• During Heatwaves: They can increase watering to prevent stress on your lawn.

• After Rain: They delay watering until the soil starts to dry out.

These adjustments help conserve water, lower your bills, and ensure your lawn stays healthy year-round.

Smart irrigation controller adjusts schedules based on weather data for efficient water management.

Stay Tuned for More Tips This is part of our ongoing blog series tackling common irrigation challenges and sharing practical solutions. Be sure to check back for more expert advice on keeping your system running smoothly!