Irrigation System Tune Up

Hello Everyone,

Today we will discuss tuning up your sprinkler system. This needs to be done about 2 times every year, just like the dentist!

The first thing you will need to do is figure out how many zones you have. One valve will control a zone. The amount of zones is determined by the size of your yard. 

After you determine that, check around each zone for leaks. They are sometimes apparent by just observing the ground around the zone.

The next thing to check is the sprinkler heads to see if they are leaning. If so straighten them. This will help eliminate wasted water. The heads should usually be at right angles to the ground but sometimes on an incline this will change. Just observe the spray pattern and use good common sense. 

Another way to save on wasted water is to make sure that all broken heads are replaced. All heads in the same zone should be the same brand and type. For instance, if the zone you are examining is using a spray head, do not replace it with a rotor head! These 2 types of heads put out totally different amounts of water and your grass could get too much or not enough water. Also, manufactures put different flow rates on their heads so it's best to use the same brand throughout the zone.

Next you may want to replace the batteries in the controller. They usually have a regular 9 volt battery and it's best to have a good charge on that.

Some professionals do not clean the heads and instead just replace them. If you have a spray type head you can clean the filter. A small brush or toothbrush will work. Just be very careful not to scratch the screen. It's easy to do and a small scratch can really harm the spray pattern.

You can also adjust the spray pattern on a spray type head with an adjustment screw that is located on top of the head. Turn it so that the spray reaches the next head, called "head to head spacing," and is not spraying any sidewalks or anything.

Rotor heads can be cleaned as well, although it's not recommended unless you have dry spots in your lawn due to a weak spray.

The filter on a rotor head is located below the cap and drive assembly. Sometimes when putting this back together more dirt gets in than was there initially. So do not clean this unless there is a problem.

Adjusting the stream on a rotor head is something else you can do if the stream is not going where it needs to. The screw is located on the side on the head at the top. Just be careful when turning as it may come loose and fly out. If you adjust to default, which is no water hitting the screw, you should be ok.

That's it for now. 

​See you soon.