If an irrigation system fails, damage can start quickly and begin to compound. The Memphis heat can cause rapid plant stress during the spring and summer months. Plants can begin to wilt and the lawn can turn brown.
For these reasons, every minute counts when it comes to emergency irrigation repair in Memphis. If you’ve spotted signs of a leak or other irrigation trouble, it’s important to bring in a professional who can identify what’s going on and put solutions in place to correct the problem.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most important things you ought to know if you think you need an irrigation emergency service in Memphis. Since time is of the essence, your first steps are critical!
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How to shut off irrigation in an emergency
The very first thing that people need to know if their irrigation system fails is how to shut it off.
You do not want a sprinkler system leaking in Memphis as the leak can cause a lot of problems for your property.
Here are step-by-step instructions to shut off your system.
- Grab a pair of pliers
- Locate your backflow device (usually in a blue or green irrigation box, but sometimes under a fake rock)
- Locate the two handles and turn them clockwise
- Call emergency irrigation repair in Memphis. If it is after-hours or the weekend, leave a message so that they can schedule you for the next business day.
What can go wrong when an irrigation system fails
When an irrigation system stops working, there are multiple problems that can arise. Some are going to be blatantly obvious while others might show up over time.
Lawn and landscape decline
Grass and landscape plants can experience stress when deprived of water in the Memphis heat. Your lawn and landscape combined might be worth thousands of dollars and you don’t want to risk damage.
A quick response to irrigation system failure can help you avoid costly lawn or landscape replacement.
Water waste = dollars down the drain
When the sprinkler system is leaking, it’s literally sending wasted water down the drain. That adds up to wasted dollars. Water isn’t cheap and you certainly don’t want to waste any of it.
Unfortunately, subtle leaks do sometimes go unnoticed. A sudden or unexpected spike in a water bill is sometimes a homeowner’s clue that something is wrong.
Water damage
When water is pooling from a leak, it has the potential to cause foundation or structural damage. You don’t want that excess water leading to trouble.
If you have soggy spots in the yard due to leaks, these areas might be getting waterlogged and lead to turf damage. Too much water can drown grass roots and eventually cause it to die in that area.
The same goes for irrigation within plant beds. Too much water can make your soil waterlogged and drown your plant roots.

Can I repair my own irrigation system?
If you are in need of a Memphis sprinkler repair service, you might be tempted to take matters into your own hands. A leak can be alarming and we understand you want to take action fast.
It is not recommended to repair your own irrigation system as it can often be more complicated than people realize.
More complex repairs should always be done by a licensed irrigation company with experience in both plumbing and electrical. If you do attempt to repair your own irrigation system, please keep in mind that you may cause additional damage as well as potentially void any warranties your system may carry.

The case for irrigation maintenance
Problems with irrigation happen…and they can’t always be avoided.
There are many reasons why homeowners end up needing a broken sprinkler repair in Memphis. Sometimes it’s something obvious, like a head getting damaged with a mower or a ball. Sometimes, a system is just older and components start to fail.
Unfortunately, some irrigation problems are more subtle and may go unnoticed for a while. Hidden system failures might include underground leaks, wiring issues, or controller malfunctions. By the time that you notice damage, the problem might have already been occurring for a while.
Because things can go wrong, keeping up with irrigation system maintenance can be an important way to protect your investment in your lawn and landscape. It’s also a proactive way to identify problems before they become more serious.
Spotting a minor leak early on will allow you to correct it before it becomes a substantial issue.
For that reason, part of a routine maintenance inspection should involve identifying problems that can be repaired.
Common irrigation system repairs include sprinkler head replacements, valve repairs, pipe repair or replacement, and wiring or electrical issues.
With regular maintenance, these issues can often be detected early while they are still a simple fix. While it can be tempting to tackle DIY repairs, you don’t want to risk further damage or costly mistakes. A certified irrigation system technician is best-equipped to diagnose and repair your system.

Choosing irrigation repair services in Memphis
When it comes to keeping your irrigation system in top-working order and also getting problems fixed quickly, you want to be selective in choosing irrigation repair services in Memphis.
One of the most important things that you can look for in irrigation repair services is a company that is both highly experienced and qualified.
Before hiring someone to fix your irrigation system, do extensive research and inquire about their references. Additionally, verify that the technicians have proper certification and are familiar with your irrigation system as well as local codes and regulations.
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we have expert knowledge of all major brands of residential irrigation systems. You also want to verify that any technician working on your property has proper certification and is familiar with local codes and regulations. Mid South Irrigation & Landscape is fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
All of our employees are covered under workers’ compensation insurance. Our licenses include a Home Improvement Contractors License and two licensed Backflow Device Testers for the State of Tennessee.
If you think you’re in need of irrigation system repair in Memphis, we’re here to help.
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we are truly here for YOU. This will help you let go of your worries and feel confident that you are in good hands.
Do you have irrigation system questions or concerns at your Memphis home? Reach out to discuss your irrigation needs today.