Common Irrigation Problems That Occur During Fall & Winter in Tennessee

Why Fall & Winter Cause Hidden Irrigation Problems in Tennessee

Tennessee’s climate sets the stage for unique challenges when it comes to irrigation. Unlike states with consistently cold winters, Tennessee experiences frequent freeze–thaw cycles, where daytime warmth melts moisture and freezing nights refreeze it. This can trap water in your irrigation lines, valves, and heads. This leads to cracked components without any obvious signs until months later.

Add in clay-based soil, common to Tennessee, which expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for underground irrigation system problems.

Even if you’ve turned your system “off,” damage can silently build up underground or in your controller box, making spring startups a nightmare if left unchecked.

Most Common Fall & Winter Irrigation Problems Homeowners Face

Even when your system is dormant, cold weather can still cause serious issues due to multiple factors. Below are the most common sprinkler problems we see across Clarksville and the surrounding areas each winter:

Sprinkler Head Leaking After Cold Weather

One of the most obvious issues is a sprinkler head leaking even after you’ve shut down your system. This often happens when residual water inside the head freezes, expands, and cracks the plastic or seals and is often found during spring startup.

Common Causes include:

• Pooling water near sprinkler heads
  
• Wet or muddy spots during winter
  
• Water seeping out when the system is off

Replacing a sprinkler head can sometimes be a simple DIY fix. However, if the leak is caused by underground line damage or a cracked riser, professional repair is often needed to prevent recurring leaks.

Sprinkler Valve Leaking Due to Freeze Damage

A sprinkler valve leaking is one of the most expensive irrigation system problems if ignored.

During winter, valve boxes can trap cold air and moisture. When water freezes inside the valve, it can crack diaphragms or damage internal seals. The result is a valve that leaks continuously even when the system is turned off.

Why this is dangerous:

• Water loss continues unnoticed
  
• Utility bills spike unexpectedly
  
• Underground erosion can occur
  
  

If you notice soggy areas around valve boxes or hear running water when the system isn’t active, a leaking valve should be addressed by a pro immediately to avoid long-term damage.

Low Pressure on Sprinkler Head in Early Spring

A tell-tale spring symptom of winter damage is low water pressure on one or more sprinkler heads. Many times people blame the low water pressure on municipal water supply issues, but in many cases, this isn’t the cause and should be checked out by a professional irrigation company.

Common culprits include:

• Cracked underground pipes
  
• Broken fittings weakened by freezing
  
• Root intrusion worsened by compacted winter soil
  
  

Pressure problems rarely fix themselves. Over time, small cracks widen, leading to uneven watering and additional irrigation system problems that affect lawn health.

Underground Pipe Cracks from Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Underground pipes are susceptible to Freeze Expansion, especially in shallow or uninsulated systems. Tennessee’s frequent temperature swings can create micro-fractures in PVC lines, which may not show symptoms until water flows again in spring.

Because these cracks are invisible from the surface, the damage often goes unnoticed until:

• You see isolated low-pressure zones
  
• There’s standing water where none should be
  
• Your irrigation system constantly refills

Controller & Sensor Issues During Winter Dormancy

Cold, damp weather is also tough on irrigation controllers and sensors. During winter, we often see:

• Dead batteries in control panels
  
• Power surges from storms affecting timers
  
• Weather sensors malfunctioning from frost buildup
  
• Unexpected system activation due to electrical glitches
  
  

These issues can cause systems to activate unexpectedly, fail to respond to schedules, or skip watering cycles altogether. Regular inspection helps ensure your controller is ready when spring arrives.

Problems That Start in Winter but Appear in Spring

Winter may be when the damage occurs but spring is when the symptoms surface. These issues may catch homeowners off guard if they weren’t inspecting or winterizing properly, which is why professional inspections before and after winter are so important.

Zone Failures During Spring Startup

One of the first signs of trouble is when an entire Zone fails to activate. This could point to a frozen or failed Zone Valve, damaged wiring, or internal electrical faults from winter storms.

Common causes include:

• Frozen and cracked valves
  
• Electrical wire damage
  
• Debris buildup from winter runoff
  
  

While some homeowners attempt DIY fixes, diagnosing zone failures accurately often requires pressure testing and electrical troubleshooting that require specialized tools and experienced technicians.

Uneven Coverage & Dry Spots

Another subtle sign of damage is when you notice patchy watering or dry spots once your system is active. This is usually due to:

• Imbalanced water pressure
  
• Leaky or partial pipe damage
  
• Heads misaligned by ground movement
  
  

Over time, uneven coverage leads to stressed lawns, dead zones, and wasted water.

DIY vs Professional Repair – What Tennessee Homeowners Should Know

Some minor tasks—like replacing a cracked sprinkler head or adjusting a spray pattern—can be done by confident DIYers. However, for winter-related problems, many repairs are best left to professionals. 

DIY-friendly tasks include:

• Replacing damaged sprinkler heads
  
• Checking controller batteries and settings
  
• Visual inspections for pooling water
  
  

Professional-only Repairs Include:

• Sprinkler valve leaking repairs
  
• Underground pipe replacement
  
• Electrical diagnostics
  
  

Attempting major repairs without the right tools can lead to further damage—or void your manufacturer warranty. Also, digging during winter can be risky due to the frozen soil and hidden utilities. When in doubt, trust a licensed irrigation specialist who has the expertise and experience to make sure your repairs are done to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Schedule a Fall or Winter Irrigation Inspection Today

The best way to avoid spring surprises is to schedule a seasonal irrigation inspection. Early detection allows AquaQuest to identify leaks, pressure issues, and freeze damage before they escalate.

Benefits of Seasonal Inspections Include:

• Preventing freeze damage before it starts
• Catch hidden issues early
• Save money on water bills and major repairs
• Ensuring smooth spring startup
• Protect your landscape investment
  
  

Whether you’re in Clarksville, Nashville, Springfield, or any surrounding Tennessee community, our team has the experience and tools to keep your system running efficiently year-round.

Call now or request a quote online to schedule your inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions