Storm & Flood Damage Repair in Brownsville, TX
After a hurricane or tropical storm, the sprinkler system is rarely the first thing on anyone's mind. When the cleanup is done, though, damage hidden in valve boxes, controllers and lines can waste water for months. We do post-storm checkups and repair what the storm broke.
Signs your system needs a post-storm check
- Valve boxes are full of mud or standing water
- The controller is dead, scrambled or was under water
- Heads are clogged with silt, sand or debris
- A fallen tree or limb uprooted part of the lawn
- Zones run weakly or not at all since the storm
- New soggy spots appear where the ground settled
What we do
We check the system in the order water flows through it, from the source to the last head.
- 1
Look
We inspect the backflow preventer, the valve boxes, the controller and the yard for obvious damage.
- 2
Diagnose
We run each zone, look for broken lines under uprooted areas, test valve solenoids and check heads for silt.
- 3
Explain the price
You get a list of what is damaged, what is urgent and what can wait, with prices before work starts.
- 4
Repair and test
We clear and repair valve boxes, flush lines, replace damaged heads and controllers and run every zone.
What to do right after a storm
Leave the sprinklers off until the ground dries out. Saturated soil does not need more water, and running a damaged system can make a broken line worse.
If the controller was under water or the power was out for a long time, check whether it still shows the right date, time and program. If it is wet, keep it unplugged until it has been checked.
Make a quick note of anything you see, such as a broken head, a geyser or a box full of mud. That helps us bring the right parts the first time.
Fallen trees and heavy equipment do their own damage. When a tree comes down or a crew drives a loader across the yard, buried lines and heads underneath can crack without any sign on the surface. Running each zone after the cleanup is the only sure way to find it.
Power surges during storms can also damage controllers and rain sensors. If your controller works but acts strangely after a storm, it may have taken a surge, and a reset or a new controller may be needed.
Coastal storms can also push salt water and wet sand inland in low areas near the bay. Salt is hard on brass fittings, valve solenoids and controller terminals, so we rinse and inspect parts that were exposed. Sand that washes into an open valve box can also find its way into a valve when the zone runs, keeping it from closing all the way. Clearing it early prevents a stuck zone later.
Quick checks before you call
- Once the ground has dried, run each zone briefly and watch for geysers, weak spray and heads that do not rise.
- Look in the valve boxes for mud, standing water or wires that have pulled loose.
- Take photos of any damage for your records before anything is repaired.
- If a tree fell near the irrigation lines, ask the tree crew to note where heavy equipment drove so we know where to look first.
Storms and the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Brownsville sits near the Gulf, and tropical systems are part of life here. Hurricane Dolly in July 2008 brought heavy rain across the Valley, and Hurricane Hanna in July 2020 caused widespread flooding in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Long, heavy rain is often harder on irrigation than wind, because it fills valve boxes with silt and leaves heads buried in mud.
Low spots and poorly drained clay hold standing water for days after big storms. Valves sitting in water can corrode, and wiring splices can fail. Sandier areas toward the coast drain faster but tend to wash sand into heads and nozzles. We tailor the checkup to what the storm did on your street.
Request your free estimate
Tell us what your system is doing. We will call you back to talk it through and set up a time to look.
Storm & Flood Damage Repair: common questions
Should I run my sprinklers after a hurricane?
Not right away. Wait until the soil dries and you have checked for broken heads or lines. Running a damaged system can wash out soil and waste water.
Can a flooded valve box damage my system?
Yes. Silt can get into the valves and stop them from closing, and water can corrode wiring connections. Clearing the box and testing each valve fixes most of it.
My controller was under water. Is it ruined?
Not always, but it should be checked before it is powered back on. Many controllers can be dried out and reset. Some need to be replaced.
How soon after a storm can you come out?
Demand is high after a big storm. Call as soon as you can and we will get you on the schedule. We aim to respond the same day.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover sprinkler damage?
That depends on your policy. We can give you a written description of what we found and repaired, which helps if you file a claim.
Related services
Timer & Controller Repair
A zone that will not start or will not stop usually traces back to the timer, wiring or a valve. We troubleshoot and fix it.
Learn more →Leak & Broken Pipe Repair
Soggy spots, bubbling soil and a climbing water bill usually point to a cracked line or a worn valve. We find it and fix it.
Learn more →Sprinkler Head & Nozzle Repair
Broken, tilted or clogged heads waste water and leave dry patches. We replace or adjust them and fix overspray.
Learn more →