Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler Systems
  • Sprinkler System Install
  • Sprinkler System Repair
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Info coming soon. In the meantime, please contact us if you are interested in a sprinkler system installation.

Sprinkler System Repair

Info coming soon. In the meantime, please contact us if you are in need of a sprinkler system repair or are contemplating replacing your existing sprinkler system.

CONTROLLERS AND TIMERS

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CONTROLLER FAILS TO KEEP PROPER TIME?

1.  There may be no power or improper voltage going to the motor. If so, check the Electrical Circuit and Connection Diagram or proper connection of power to controller. Check voltage supply to ensure voltage to motor is 120 or 240 volts as specified for model type.

2.  Your clock motor may be turning but the time dial is not turning. The drive gear located behind the time dial may be broken. If so, remove the time dial and inspect the drive gear. Install a new drive gear noting "this side out." Reinstall the time dial and be sure it turns freely clockwise.

WHAT IF MY CONTROLLER DOES NOT TURN ON IN THE MANUAL MODE?

That means no power is getting to the controller. First be sure that the controller is properly wired as per the Electrical Circuit and Connection Diagram. Also check your circuit breaker.

WHAT IF MY CONTROLLER FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY IN AUTOMATIC (AUTO) MODE?

1.  This may be due to the Daywheel not being properly programmed. Check the Setting and Operation instructions for programming the Daywheel.

2. Your Auto-Off-On knob may not be set properly
Be sure to turn the Auto-Off-On knob to AUTO position.

3.  The switch may need adjusting. Remove the controller face from its enclosure after disconnecting power to the unit. The switch adjustment screw is located on the switch cover. A clicking of the switch should be heard when the switch arm is slowly pulled back at the halfway point between the edge of the time dial and the far edge of the timing pin. With a small screwdriver, tighten the screw clockwise to cause the switch to active sooner. If the switch is activating sooner than desired, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise slightly.

4.  The switch contacts or relay may be worn out. 
Replace switch or relay (refer to parts list) ensuring that the controller is properly rewired. (Note: A nut driver tool is available to assist in removing black retainer nuts.)

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND IF MY CONTROLLER WON'T TURN OFF?

1.  If your switch is being activated, ensure that wires do not push against the switch or relay. Check that wires leading to the switch are not pulled out.

2. Your controller may be improperly wired. Check the Electrical Circuit and Connection Diagram and make sure that the input wires are not wired directly to load.

3.  A switch adjustment may be needed for proper automatic operation. Make the needed switch point adjustment as outlined in last question on AUTO MODE. (See below)

4.   The switch knob may not be in the OFF position. Be sure to turn the Auto-Off-On switch to OFF.

Rotor Heads
WHAT IF A GEAR DRIVE ROTOR ISN’T TURNING?

If your sprinkler isn't turning properly, try cleaning the filter. If sand or debris gets into the rotors gear drive it will wear out prematurely and at this point the entire head will need to be replaced.

 

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
ARE THERE CERTAIN STEPS I SHOULD TAKE TO MAINTAIN MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM?

Every month:

1. Check your timer settings and make any adjustments to run times to compensate for any under or over watering.

2. Activate each valve electrically with the controller to check operation.

3. Unclog nozzles on your spray heads if needed and check rotor heads for rotation.

4. If you have a mainline filter, clean it out.

5. Check for damage from lawn mowers, vehicular traffic and vandals.

Mid-season checkup:

1. Clean out the filters in all your sprinkler heads.

2. Check the height of the heads relative to the landscaping and turf grass and raise or lower as needed to provide good coverage and prevent damage.

3. Check to make sure wires and wire nuts in splice and valve boxes are water tight and secure. 4) Check pump operation/intake screen if applicable. Check rain sensor operation if so equipped.

End of season:

1. If you live in an area prone to freezing temps your system MUST be “winterized” by blowing out the systems valves and piping with compressed air to prevent damage. Contact a local licensed irrigation professional to find out if this is done in your area.

HOW DO I CLEAN OUT THE FILTER ON A SPRINKLER HEAD?

 For spray and rotary nozzles lift up the pop up riser and unscrew the nozzle then remove the filter from the bottom of the nozzle. Clean the filter and reinstall the nozzle and filter back onto the riser then turn the water on to readjust the nozzle back to its original position by twisting the lower part of the pop up riser below the nozzle.

For gear drive rotors remove the riser assembly from the canister in the ground by turning the ribbed twist cap around the top circumference of the head counter clockwise until the riser assembly will lift out of the canister. Once removed look on the bottom of the riser assembly to find the filter basket. Remove the filter basket by grabbing the center pin with a pair of needle nose pliers and pulling out. Clean and reinstall the filter basket and riser assembly back in the canister, then turn the water on and readjust the head back to its original position by twisting the LOWER part of the pop up riser BELOW the top turret clockwise to the desired location.


HOW TO I WINTERIZE MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM?

In a freezing climate it is advisable to "winterize" the sprinkler system in order to avoid damage. Special attention should be given to removing water from the pipes, valves and sprinkler heads, before freezing occurs. This may be accomplished using three techniques; the manual drain valve method, the automatic drain valve system, or the air blow-out practice.

Local irrigation contractors usually offer this service for a reasonable fee that may also include start-up in the spring. Depending on how extensive your system is and what type of equipment you have installed, you may want to choose a professional who is fully equipped to provide this service.  Let us recommend a professional in your area.

 

WATERING

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER?

For optimum results, we suggest you water less often for a longer period of time rather than frequently for shorter periods. Frequent watering keeps lawn root growth at a surface level. By watering infrequently you promote the expansion of deep-water sources that encourage deep root growth. 

 

HOW LONG SHOULD I WATER?

That depends on how quickly water is dispersed by your sprinklers. You can determine this by putting pans on your lawn when watering. After 15 minutes, measure the water depth. multiply by 4 to get the water sprinkled per hour. On average, you can expect about ½ inch of water in 15 minutes from sprayheads and ½ inch of water in 60 to 90 minutes from rotors. 

 

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH WATER MY LAWN NEEDS?

In normal season weather (80 to 90 degrees), most lawns need about 1 inch of water a week. When temperatures go up, so does your lawn watering needs because so much of the water gets evaporated. Desert areas in mid-summer require up to 2 inches of water per week. Judge your own lawn accordingly.

 

IS A CERTAIN TIME OF DAY BETTER FOR WATERING?

The optimal time for watering your lawn is early in the morning. if not possible, evening watering is next best. Mid-day watering is discouraged, unless it is cool out or if you have a new lawn that needs constant moisture. Do not water more than once a day unless heat is causing extreme evaporation. Heavy clay soil or hillside irrigation with considerable runoff may also require additional watering periods.