SPRINKLER REPAIR: HOW TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS

How to Identify Common Sprinkler Repair IssuesTrying to figure out why your sprinklers stopped working? It may be simpler to fix thanyou think — a quick inspection and simple repair fixes can get the system running again.Learn the basics of troubleshooting broken sprinklers and how to make minor repairsyourself.Check the Water Pressure.Poor water pressure can cause sprinkler heads not to pop up, or worse, cause weakstreams that don’t reach the grass or plants. To check the water pressure, measure it atthe outdoor faucet with a water pressure gauge. Most residential systems should havepressures between 40 and 60 psi; anything below 40 psi is too low and anything above80 is too high. Then adjust the pressure accordingly with a screwdriver on your home'sPressure Regulator.Check for Leaks in the System.After identifying water pressure issues, it's important to inspect the sprinkler system forvisible leaks. Leaks can happen from a faulty connection or root growth and can lead tomajor water loss. Visually examine each section of piping from the water source to theirrigation heads, checking for any pools of water that is a sign of a leak. Carefullyescavate the area. If minor repairs are necessary, use PVC Primer and Cement to repairconnections. Severe breaks will require more serious repair such as replacing sections ofbroken pipes or valves.Identify Clogged or Dirty Sprinkler Heads.Clogged or dirty sprinkler heads can cause a significant reduction in water delivery andcoverage. Cleaning or replacing the heads will help improve the water flow, however, itis important to take extra caution when removing, adjusting or cleaning the heads asthey might contain mineral deposits that can be corrosive. If the nozzles are clogged,clear them with warm water and a brush. When dealing with severely blocked nozzles,replacement may be necessary to ensure optimal coverage.Examine the Timer and Controller Settings.If your sprinkler system is not working correctly, the timer and controller settings mayneed to be examined. It is important to check if all of the stations are set correctly andare running for the duration that you have specified. Additionally, ensure that any “raindelay” options are turned off when it is not raining and that the system has power.Checking these components can help to identify issues quickly and reduce or eliminatecostly repairs or maintenance visits.Investigate Faulty Valves, Filters, and Other Components.To identify here a faulty valve, open the valve lid and inspect the internal parts. Make sure allof the parts are in working order and move freely. If any issues are apparent, refer to thediagram that came with your sprinkler system to ensure that you have identified all ofthe components correctly. To check for a faulty filter, remove it from your system andswirl water through it to examine how fast it drains. If it drains too slowly, it may need tobe replaced or cleaned. Properly inspecting and cleaning these components can helpidentify repair issues quickly and keep your sprinkler system running efficiently allseason long.