Diagnose problems · SFWMD water restrictions · Reclaimed water & backflow
Diagnostics
Restrictions
Reclaimed Water
Sprinkler Problem Diagnostics
Select all symptoms you're seeing — we'll diagnose what's wrong and who should fix it.
💧 Water / Pressure Issues
🚫One zone not working at all
📉Low pressure / weak spray
💥Very high pressure / misting
💢Water hammer / banging pipes
🔧 Physical Problems
🔧Broken / stuck sprinkler head
🌵Dry spots despite watering
💦Wet / soggy area between cycles
🌱Uneven coverage
⚙️ System / Controller
⏰Schedule not running correctly
📴System not turning on at all
🌊 Water Source / Compliance
📊Water bill very high
🔴Backflow preventer leaking
🏛️Received violation notice
🟣Reclaimed water questions
📞 Get Expert Help
✅ Request Received!
We'll call you back shortly. For emergencies call (561) 316-7450.
FL Water Restrictions
SFWMD enforces year-round irrigation schedules across most of South Florida. Know your watering days.
📅 Year-Round SFWMD Watering Schedule
Who
Allowed Days
Hours
Even address
Thu & Sun
Before 10am or after 4pm
Odd address
Wed & Sat
Before 10am or after 4pm
Commercial
Tue & Fri
Before 10am or after 4pm
Max 1 hour per zone per watering day. Even/odd = last digit of street address number.
Dry season (Nov–May): Some areas restrict to 1 day/week. During drought Phase alerts, restrictions tighten further. Always check sfwmd.gov for your specific zone and any active alerts.
⚖️ FL Rain Sensor Law — FS 373.62
Every irrigation system connected to potable or reclaimed water MUST have a working rain sensor or soil moisture sensor that automatically bypasses the controller after adequate rainfall. This is state law — not optional.
Fine for non-compliance: up to $500. A broken or missing sensor can also cause water restriction violations if the system runs during rain events.
🔍 Does Your System Have a Rain Sensor?
✅ Yes
❌ No
❓ Don't Know
Good — you're compliant with FL law. Make sure it's functional: after heavy rain, your system should NOT run. If it still runs during or right after rain, the sensor may be faulty. Test it by holding a glass of water to the sensor disc to simulate rain — the zone should shut off within seconds.
Action required — FL law requires a rain sensor. We can install a wireless rain sensor for $75–$150. It also saves water and reduces your bill. Call us to schedule installation.
Look for a small white or gray disc mounted on your fascia, roof edge, or fence — usually near the controller. If you don't see one, or if your system runs during heavy rain, you likely don't have a working sensor. We can inspect and install one for $75–$150.
🚨 Received a Water Violation Notice?
1Check your watering days using the schedule above. Even/odd address and property type determine your days.
2Verify your rain sensor is functional — a broken sensor causes violations when the system runs during rain events.
3Review your controller schedule — check both start times AND days. Multiple start programs running add up.
4If you have newly planted sod or landscaping, apply for a 30-day temporary watering exemption at sfwmd.gov (daily watering allowed during establishment period).
5Respond to the notice in writing by the deadline. First violation is typically a warning with no fine.
Well water: SFWMD watering day restrictions still apply to private well irrigation — you're on the honor system, and drought emergency orders can restrict well-based irrigation. Chemical injection or fertigation from wells has additional FL DEP requirements.
🔧 Irrigation Compliance Help
Rain sensor installation, controller programming, backflow repair — we handle it all.
✅ Got it!
We'll be in touch shortly. For rain sensor installs, we often get same-day or next-day appointments. (561) 316-7450
Reclaimed Water & System Guide
Purple pipe explained — plus a complete guide to every irrigation system component.
💜 What Is Reclaimed Water?
Reclaimed water ("reuse water") is highly treated wastewater processed to a safe level for outdoor irrigation. It's delivered through purple-marked pipes and fixtures. It is NOT safe to drink, swim in, or use indoors. It IS an excellent and often cheaper source for lawn and landscape irrigation — available in many Palm Beach and Broward County communities. Purple Pipe = Reclaimed Water
🔍 Do You Have Reclaimed Water?
Purple-capped sprinkler heads at your irrigation zones
Purple pipes visible at the meter or backflow device
"DO NOT DRINK" signage on the connection
Separate "reuse" or "reclaim" billing line on your water bill
⚠️ Critical: No Cross-Connections Allowed
Florida law requires strict separation between reclaimed water and potable (drinking) water. The reclaimed supply CANNOT connect to indoor plumbing, hose bibs, or pool systems in any way. Violations result in utility shutoff, fines, and potential health liability. A licensed plumber must install and certify the separation.
🔌 Adding Reclaimed Water Requires a Plumber
Installing a reclaimed water connection requires a licensed plumber to:
Install the reclaimed water connection and meter
Ensure complete separation from all potable water lines
Repaint/replace all exposed pipes and fittings in purple
Pass a cross-connection inspection by the water utility
Pull required permit — inspected before use
🔩 Irrigation System Component Guide
⏰
Controller / Timer
Brain of your irrigation system
▼
What it does: Programs watering days, times, and zone durations. Controls all zone valves via low-voltage wiring.
FL requirement: Must support rain sensor bypass input (FS 373.62). Smart controllers that use ET (evapotranspiration) data can reduce water use 30–50% vs. fixed timers.
Recommended: Rachio, Hunter Hydrawise, Rain Bird — all support local FL ET data and SFWMD schedule programming.
Common failures: Zone output fails (one zone never turns on from controller); programming lost after power outage; display failure.
What it does: Prevents irrigation water (which contacts soil, fertilizer, and pesticides) from flowing back into the drinking water supply.
FL requirement: Required on ALL irrigation systems connected to potable water. Most FL utilities require annual testing by an ASSE 5000 certified tester — results submitted to the utility. Keep test records.
Common failure: Bonnet seal (top cap) cracks or weeps — common after cold snaps or years of UV exposure. FL's sun degrades the rubber seal faster than northern climates.
Important: Backflow preventer work is plumbing — not irrigation tech work. Must be done by a licensed FL plumber.
Repair cost: Seal replacement $75–$200 | Full replacement (installed): $200–$600
🔌
Zone Valves (Solenoid Valves)
Opens each irrigation zone on command
▼
What it does: Electrically operated valves that open when the controller sends a signal (24V AC), allowing water to flow through that zone.
Common failures: Solenoid burns out (zone stays off); diaphragm tears from debris or age (zone stays on or pressure loss); manual bleed screw left open accidentally.
DIY check: Turn the manual bleed screw on the valve 1/4 turn — if the zone comes on, the solenoid or wiring is the problem. If not, the diaphragm may be torn or clogged with debris.
FL note: Hard water and sand in the supply can clog valve seats — flush the system periodically.
Solenoid only (DIY): $15–$40 | Full valve replacement: $40–$100 DIY | Service call: $100–$300
🔵
Supply Pipe (Main & Lateral Lines)
PVC underground distribution network
▼
What it is: PVC or poly pipe running from the backflow preventer to zone valves (main line) and from valves to sprinkler heads (lateral lines). Typically buried 6–12 inches in FL's sandy soil.
FL failure modes: UV degradation of above-ground PVC; root intrusion (especially from Ficus, palms, and aggressive tropical species); soil movement in limestone areas; cuts during landscaping or construction.
Signs of leak: One zone always low pressure; soggy area that doesn't dry out; meter spinning with system off; unexplained water bill spike.
Detection: Underground leaks in FL's sandy soil can be difficult to locate — professional leak detection equipment ($200–$400) may be needed.
Break repair: $300–$1,200 depending on depth, access, and pipe size | Leak detection: $200–$400
💧
Sprinkler Heads
Pop-up rotors, sprays, and drip emitters
▼
Types:
• Pop-up rotors — rotating stream, 25–50 ft radius. Good for large turf areas.
• Pop-up sprays — fixed pattern, 5–15 ft radius. For smaller areas and beds.
• Drip emitters — slow-drip at root level. Best for shrubs, trees, and beds. Most water-efficient.
FL tip: Use matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles so all heads in a zone apply the same amount of water regardless of radius. Prevents dry spots and overwatering simultaneously.
Common issues: Head struck by mower; nozzle clogged with hard water scale; head not retracting (debris in retract spring); head tilted from soil movement.
Replacement head (DIY): $5–$30 | Irrigation tech visit: $100–$200 for multiple heads
🔧 Licensed Irrigation Plumbing Service
Backflow preventer repair and installation, supply line breaks, reclaimed water connections, and zone valve replacement — Palm Beach and Broward counties.
✅ Request Submitted!
We'll follow up shortly. Backflow preventer repairs often scheduled same-week. (561) 316-7450
Built for Florida homes - accounting for Florida's hard water, private well water, and county permitting.
On this page, Florida irrigation estimates run about $300-$1,200, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
What affects the price?
Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the pipe materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
Can I DIY this, or should I hire a licensed plumber?
In Florida, minor maintenance may be DIY, but anything beyond that generally calls for a licensed plumber, and many jobs require a permit and inspection. When a permit, or your main water or drain lines are involved, hire a Florida-licensed plumber.
Does homeowners insurance cover it?
It depends on the cause and your specific policy. Sudden, accidental damage is more often covered than gradual wear-and-tear or maintenance - confirm the details with your insurer.
How long does it take?
Many common jobs are completed the same day, while larger projects can take longer. Your licensed plumber can confirm a timeline after assessing your home.
Plan with confidence
Planning estimate, not a quote — confirm with a licensed Florida plumber. Confidence is qualitative: ranges reflect this page’s Florida assumptions, not a guaranteed price.
Key assumptions
Estimates on this page are Florida-specific and reflect Irrigation for typical Florida homes.
From this page: On this page, Florida irrigation estimates run about $300-$1,200, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Your actual cost depends on your home's condition, layout, and local labor and permit rates.
Factors that raise or lower cost
From this page: Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the pipe materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
Generally raises cost: harder access, older homes, added permits and inspections, premium fixtures or materials, and emergency or after-hours work.
Generally lowers cost: easy access, bundling several items in one visit, standard fixtures, and off-peak scheduling.
Preparation checklist
Clear access to the work area and locate your main and fixture shut-off valves.
Check with your county or city building department (AHJ) on whether a permit and inspection are required.
Note the make, model, or measurements of existing fixtures and pipe materials.
Get the scope, total price, warranty, and cleanup terms in writing before work starts.
Verify the plumber holds an active Florida license and carries insurance.
Questions to ask your plumber
Are you licensed and insured in Florida, and who pulls the permit?
Is the quote itemized for parts, labor, permit fees, and disposal?
What could change the final price once the work begins?
What warranty covers the parts and the labor?
How long will the job take, and will my water be shut off?