Contact me here to make an appointment.
Sprinkler System Check-Ups include:
- controller scheduling and consultation
- walk-through of system to evaluate needs or changes
- adjusting nozzles and unclogging (sprays, rotors, risers, etc.)
- check controller battery
- check rain or freeze sensors if available
Sprinkler System Checks DO NOT include repairs or upgrades (e.g., broken lateral or mainlines; raising or replacing heads; broken wires or troubleshooting).
Sprinkler System Check Procedures and things to look for in the process:
Spray zones on
Watch each spray head on the zone and its spray pattern. Make sure that the nozzle is emitting a uniform pattern of water over the turf and/or landscape area. If it is check the nozzles radius. Make sure the nozzle is spraying in its set position and not spraying sidewalks or the house. If you need to turn the nozzle grab the spray neck and nozzle and turn until spray is in correct position.
If the water coming out of the spray nozzle has an irregular pattern, a small piece of debris is probably blocking the spray. A small flat head screwdriver can dislodge this. Pay attention to spray heads that are suppose to spray a 360 degree pattern. If the spray pattern is irregular, grass may be blocking the spray. And sometimes on an open orifice nozzle small stones and snails will get into and block the spray. Use the flat head screwdriver to dislodge these. Checking a spray zone while it’s running is the best way to check it. The water and the screwdriver help each other dislodge debris. If when the system is on water is coming out from around the spray head. There are a few issues to look at, bad wiper seal, cracked spray body, broken riser, or lateral break.
Rotor zone on
Watch each rotor head and spray pattern. These don’t clog very often, but sometimes the rotor can get unadjusted from it’s normal radius. The whole rotor may need to be turned back to it’s original position. Sometimes you can grip the rotor and turn it back. If not you may need the rotor key to readjust the gear settings. Each rotor is different and that means different keys. Adjustment is easier if the zone is on. Over time you may notice an irregular spray pattern and grass could be blocking the spray. If water is coming out from around the rotor head look for the same issues that we saw in a spray head leaking.
Leaks with zones on
Watch for water leaking out of the ground around the heads. Look close to curbs and driveways where cars park. Look at risers next to the house where maintenance people may have bumped and broke a riser. If the leak stops when the zone is off this is a lateral leak.
Leaks with zones off
Watch for puddles of water. After your system has run the low heads on a zone will have a puddle of water around them. This does not mean there is a leak. It is normal. If hours after the system has run, you still see a puddle, there could be a problem. This usually means that a control valve has a weeping diaphragm or other problem. If you notice a puddle or mushy area in the yard away from sprinkler heads, this could be a mainline leak. To isolate the problem to the irrigation system go to the Double Check Assembly located near the water meter in the rectangle green box. Turn one of the handles off for a while and see if the water dries up. If the water dries up it is an irrigation problem.
** Ask us about an Irrigation Water Audit **
Irrigation Photos
I take great care to make a repair job as clean as possible. It is my goal to leave the job with the customer wondering where I did the work. The pictures below are during the excavation and the clean-up afterward.
