Sprinkler Head Leaking After the Zone Shuts Off: Is It Normal?

Seeing water trickle from a sprinkler after the zone shuts off does not always mean something is broken. The key question is how long the water continues and whether the head sits lower than the rest of the zone.

Low-head drainage

Water remaining in lateral piping can drain toward the lowest sprinkler after the valve closes. This typically slows and stops once the piping empties.

When leaking suggests a valve problem

If water continues for an extended period or returns even when the system has not recently run, the zone valve may be allowing water to pass when it should be closed.

Check more than the head itself

Replacing a sprinkler head will not fix a valve that is leaking internally. Correct diagnosis prevents unnecessary parts replacement.

Can low-head drainage be reduced?

Depending on the sprinkler model and system design, check-valve heads can sometimes reduce drainage from low points.

For sprinkler leak and valve diagnosis in Bloomfield Hills, call or text (248) 970-0700.