Outdoor & Irrigation Plumbing in Yakima, WA

Leaking hose bibs

A faucet that drips from the handle may just need a new packing washer. One that leaks inside the wall when you turn it on often split during a freeze. If you see water inside the house near an outdoor tap, shut it off at its own valve or the main.

Supply lines in the yard

Underground lines to sprinklers, garden taps and outbuildings can crack from frost, roots or a shovel. Soggy ground, a meter that keeps moving or low pressure in one zone all point to a leak. A plumber can locate and repair it.

Backflow protection

Irrigation systems connected to drinking water need a backflow assembly so yard water can't flow back into the house supply. Many systems need this tested on a schedule; your water provider can tell you what applies to your home.

Spring start-up

Open the supply slowly to avoid a pressure surge, then walk each zone looking for geysers, puddles and heads that won't pop up. Check the backflow assembly for drips. The usual last freeze around mid-May is worth keeping in mind before you fill lines.

Fall shut-down

Close the irrigation supply, drain or blow out the lines, and open drain valves as your system needs. The first freeze often arrives near the end of September, earlier than many people expect. See our shut-down guide.

Getting help

Tell the plumber what you see, which zone or tap is affected and whether the leak is inside or outside the house. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.