Is It Worth Upgrading My Older Lawn Sprinkler System?

If you’re tired of high water bills, patchy grass, and constant sprinkler repairs, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Amarillo still rely on sprinkler systems that were installed years ago. These older systems often waste water, cost more to maintain, and struggle to keep up with today’s efficiency standards.

So, is it worth upgrading an older lawn sprinkler system? In most cases, the answer is yes. Let’s look at why older systems fall short, what modern upgrades can do, and how much water and money you could save.

The problems with older sprinkler systems

Most irrigation systems weren’t built to last forever. If yours is more than 10 years old, chances are it’s showing its age.

Here are the most common problems:

• • Outdated controllers. Old analog timers run on fixed schedules. They can’t adjust for rain or changes in weather.
  • Leaky valves and pipes. Over time, valves stick, seals wear out, and underground lines can crack.
  • Broken or mismatched sprinkler heads. Old heads often spray unevenly, creating dry patches and puddles.
  • Poor zone design. Many older systems don’t separate sunny lawns, shaded areas, and planting beds. That leads to overwatering in some areas and underwatering in others.
  • Frequent repairs. The older a system gets, the more time and money you spend just keeping it running.

Why older systems are inefficient

Homeowners often feel the pain of an old system in two ways:

1. 1. Higher water bills. An inefficient sprinkler wastes hundreds of gallons every month.
   2. Frustration. It takes constant tweaking to get even coverage. You may still end up with brown spots in the lawn and soggy soil in other areas.

Worse, Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle are in a region where water conservation matters. The area relies heavily on the Ogallala Aquifer, and local water restrictions are becoming more common. That makes efficiency even more important.

The improvements modern technology offers

Upgrading doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Many systems can be retrofitted with new components that make a big difference.

• • Smart WiFi controllers. A controller like the Rain Bird ESP-TM2 connects to your phone. You can adjust watering schedules from anywhere, reduce run times after rain, and fine-tune each zone individually.
  • High-efficiency nozzles. Newer nozzles apply water more slowly, allowing Amarillo’s clay soils to absorb it instead of letting it run off.
  • Drip irrigation. For flower beds and shrubs, drip delivers water directly to the roots with little waste.
  • Better zones. Adding or restructuring zones ensures grass, trees, and beds all get the right amount of water.
  • New valves and heads. Modern parts last longer, seal tighter, and provide more even coverage.

Together, these upgrades create a system that’s easier to use, more reliable, and much more efficient.

Potential water savings

The savings aren’t just theoretical. Studies back them up:

• • The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has found that better irrigation scheduling and technology can reduce outdoor water use by 15–25% on average.
  • A study from the USGA Green Section noted that proper nozzle selection and system maintenance significantly cut both water use and costs.
  • Research on the Texas High Plains shows the economic value of water efficiency is especially high given pressures on the Ogallala Aquifer.

For Amarillo homeowners, that translates into real dollars. According to City of Amarillo water rate schedules, an inefficient sprinkler system can add $20–$50 per month to a typical summer bill compared to a modern, efficient one. Over a season, that’s hundreds of dollars, often enough to cover the cost of an upgrade in just a few years.

When upgrading makes sense

Upgrading isn’t always optional. Here are times when it makes the most sense:

• • Your system is more than 7–10 years old.
  • You’re making frequent repairs.
  • Water bills are going up even though your watering schedule hasn’t changed.
  • You’ve added landscaping that your old zones don’t cover.
  • You’re still using an analog timer or outdated controller.

Sometimes small fixes can keep a system running. But if you’re checking multiple boxes above, a larger upgrade is usually the smarter choice.

What an upgraded system looks like

At Amarillo Land Services, an upgraded system isn’t just “new parts.” It’s a complete improvement in design, efficiency, and ease of use.

That might mean:

• • Replacing old sprinkler heads with modern Rain Bird rotors or high-efficiency nozzles.
  • Adding new zones for better coverage.
  • Installing a WiFi controller for remote scheduling.
  • Switching flower beds and shrubs to drip irrigation.
  • Replacing worn valves and fixing underground leaks.

The result is a lawn that stays healthy, a system that’s easier to control, and water bills that make more sense.

Why trust Amarillo Land Services?

Upgrading an irrigation system is an investment, and you want it done right. We bring both credentials and local expertise:

• • Licensed and insured irrigation professionals
  • BBB Accredited with an A+ Rating
  • Members of the Texas Panhandle Builders Association
  • Members of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
  • Local experience with Amarillo’s soil, weather, and water use challenges

We don’t just install parts. We design systems built for Amarillo lawns and landscapes.

Service area

We provide sprinkler upgrades and installations in:

• Amarillo
• Canyon
• Bushland
• Potter County
• Randall County
• And the Texas Panhandle.

Ready to upgrade your sprinkler system?

If your sprinkler system is old, inefficient, and driving up your bills, an upgrade is worth it. You’ll save water, reduce frustration, and keep your lawn looking its best.

Call Amarillo Land Services at (806) 477-2605 or request a consultation online today. Let us help you design a system that saves water and works for years to come.