SPRINKLER REPAIR: HOW TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS

How to Identify Common Sprinkler Repair Issues
Trying to figure out why your sprinklers stopped working? It may be simpler to fix than
you 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 repairs
yourself.
Check the Water Pressure.
Poor water pressure can cause sprinkler heads not to pop up, or worse, cause weak
streams that don’t reach the grass or plants. To check the water pressure, measure it at
the outdoor faucet with a water pressure gauge. Most residential systems should have
pressures between 40 and 60 psi; anything below 40 psi is too low and anything above
80 is too high. Then adjust the pressure accordingly with a screwdriver on your home's
Pressure Regulator.
Check for Leaks in the System.
After identifying water pressure issues, it's important to inspect the sprinkler system for
visible leaks. Leaks can happen from a faulty connection or root growth and can lead to
major water loss. Visually examine each section of piping from the water source to the
irrigation heads, checking for any pools of water that is a sign of a leak. Carefully
escavate the area. If minor repairs are necessary, use PVC Primer and Cement to repair
connections. Severe breaks will require more serious repair such as replacing sections of
broken pipes or valves.
Identify Clogged or Dirty get more info Sprinkler Heads.
Clogged or dirty sprinkler heads can cause a significant reduction in water delivery and
coverage. Cleaning or replacing the heads will help improve the water flow, however, it
is important to take extra caution when removing, adjusting or cleaning the heads as
they 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 may
need to be examined. It is important to check if all of the stations are set correctly and
are running for the duration that you have specified. Additionally, ensure that any “rain
delay” 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 eliminate
costly repairs or maintenance visits.
Investigate Faulty Valves, Filters, and Other Components.
To identify a faulty valve, open the valve lid and inspect the internal parts. Make sure all
of the parts are in working order and move freely. If any issues are apparent, refer to the
diagram that came with your sprinkler system to ensure that you have identified all of
the components correctly. To check for a faulty filter, remove it from your system and
swirl water through it to examine how fast it drains. If it drains too slowly, it may need to
be replaced or cleaned. Properly inspecting and cleaning these components can help
identify repair issues quickly and keep your sprinkler system running efficiently all
season long.

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