Low Head Drainage vs Sprinkler Leak: What to Observe

Low head drainage vs sprinkler leak: the distinction

Toro explains that water may drain temporarily through the lowest head as a line empties, while continuing seepage may point to a zone-valve problem. That guidance concerns an operating system. It does not verify winterization and is not a reason to turn water back on after closing.

Reference: Toro: Irrigation Help Topics

Write down what you observed

Note the head's location, the last known watering time and how long you saw water appearing. Mention rain or another source that may have wet the area. This timeline is more useful than deciding every puddle is harmless drainage or every wet head is broken.

Raise the issue before closing

Tell the office about the symptom when you book. Ask whether it needs separate diagnosis and whether it changes the closing plan. Save the technician's findings with the zone record. Next season, the provider can use that history instead of trying to reconstruct an old problem from memory.