Florida Irrigation System Guide
Diagnose problems · SFWMD water restrictions · Reclaimed water & backflow
Sprinkler Problem Diagnostics
Select all symptoms you're seeing to diagnose what's wrong and who should fix it. Common symptom categories include: Water/Pressure Issues (one zone not working, 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); Water Source/Compliance (high water bill, backflow preventer leaking, violation notice, reclaimed water questions).
FL Water Restrictions
SFWMD enforces year-round irrigation schedules across most of South Florida.
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? Test it by holding a glass of water to the sensor disc to simulate rain — the zone should shut off within seconds. If you don't have one, a wireless rain sensor can be installed for $75–$150. Look for a small white or gray disc mounted on your fascia, roof edge, or fence, usually near the controller.
Received a Water Violation Notice?
- Check your watering days using the schedule above. Even/odd address and property type determine your days.
- Verify your rain sensor is functional — a broken sensor causes violations when the system runs during rain events.
- Review your controller schedule — check both start times AND days. Multiple start programs running add up.
- If you have newly planted sod or landscaping, apply for a 30-day temporary watering exemption at sfwmd.gov (daily watering allowed during establishment period).
- Respond 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.
Reclaimed Water & System Guide
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.
Do You Have Reclaimed Water? Signs include: purple-capped sprinkler heads at your irrigation zones; purple pipes visible at the meter or backflow device; "DO NOT DRINK" signage on the connection; a 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 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 the required permit (inspected before use).
Irrigation System Component Guide
Controller / Timer — Programs watering days, times, and zone durations; controls zone valves via low-voltage wiring. FL requirement: must support rain sensor bypass input (FS 373.62). Smart controllers using ET data can reduce water use 30–50% vs. fixed timers. Recommended: Rachio, Hunter Hydrawise, Rain Bird. Common failures: zone output fails, programming lost after power outage, display failure. Cost: basic timer $50–$150 DIY; Smart Wi-Fi controller $200–$400 + $75–$150 installation.
Backflow Preventer (PVB) — Prevents irrigation water (which contacts soil, fertilizer, and pesticides) from flowing back into the drinking water supply. Required on ALL irrigation systems connected to potable water. Most FL utilities require annual testing by an ASSE 5000 certified tester. Common failure: bonnet seal cracks or weeps — common after cold snaps or years of UV exposure; FL's sun degrades the rubber seal faster. Backflow work is plumbing — must be done by a licensed FL plumber. Repair cost: seal replacement $75–$200; full replacement installed $200–$600.
Zone Valves (Solenoid Valves) — Electrically operated valves that open when the controller sends a 24V AC signal. Common failures: solenoid burns out (zone stays off); diaphragm tears (zone stays on or pressure loss); manual bleed screw left open. DIY check: turn the manual bleed screw 1/4 turn — if the zone comes on, the solenoid or wiring is the problem; if not, the diaphragm may be torn or clogged. FL note: hard water and sand can clog valve seats — flush the system periodically. Cost: solenoid only $15–$40 DIY; full valve replacement $40–$100 DIY; service call $100–$300.
Supply Pipe (Main & Lateral Lines) — PVC or poly pipe running from the backflow preventer to zone valves and to sprinkler heads; typically buried 6–12 inches in FL's sandy soil. FL failure modes: UV degradation of above-ground PVC; root intrusion (Ficus, palms, aggressive tropical species); soil movement in limestone areas; cuts during landscaping. 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 sandy soil can be hard to locate — professional leak detection ($200–$400) may be needed. Break repair: $300–$1,200; leak detection: $200–$400.
Sprinkler Heads — Types: pop-up rotors (rotating stream, 25–50 ft radius, large turf); pop-up sprays (fixed pattern, 5–15 ft radius, smaller areas/beds); drip emitters (slow-drip at root level, most water-efficient). FL tip: use matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles so all heads in a zone apply the same amount of water. Common issues: head struck by mower; nozzle clogged with hard water scale; head not retracting; head tilted from soil movement. Replacement head DIY: $5–$30; irrigation tech visit: $100–$200 for multiple heads.