Start with the pattern
Is the dry area confined to one corner, repeated in every zone, or next to a driveway or sidewalk? A single patch can point to a blocked or misdirected head. Several patches may call for a broader look at coverage, pressure, or the watering schedule. Grass can also look stressed for reasons unrelated to irrigation, so avoid treating every brown spot as a sprinkler failure.
Watch one complete cycle
From a safe distance, note which zone is running and where the spray goes. Look for heads that do not rise, water striking pavement, unusually weak spray, or a head hidden by plants. Keep people away from damaged electrical equipment and do not dig around utility lines to investigate a suspected leak.
“The north side stays dry during zone three, and the head near the fence barely sprays.” That is more useful than simply saying “the lawn is brown.”
Check the schedule last
Local rules, rainfall, soil, shade, and turf type all affect how a system should be scheduled. Check current watering restrictions for your address before changing run days. If one area remains dry while others are wet, increasing every zone’s time may waste water without fixing the coverage problem.
When to call
Call if the head is damaged, pressure seems unusually low, the same patch returns, or the cause is not visible. A technician can check the system at the property and recommend a repair based on what is actually happening.
General homeowner information only. Ask a qualified irrigation professional to assess your property before making repairs or changes.