Irrigation Repairs
Keeping a well maintained irrigation system is important to prevent unnecessary system leaks. These leaks not only waste water but could leave you paying a really high water bill. Look for wet spots in the yard and repair broken PVC pipes. Check for broken and misdirected heads. Roads and driveways that are receiving irrigation are considered to be “wasting water” and can face fines.
Incorrect Sprinkler Height
Heads installed at the incorrect height can cause damage to the sprinkler system. Heads that are too low are not able to rise above the turf and prevent the water from spraying properly. Heads that are too high are tripping hazards and can damage your lawn mower. If a sprinkler head was installed near a plant or shrub, it may need to be moved as the plant grows.
Clogged Sprinkler Nozzles
Clogged sprinkler nozzles can prevent the sprinkler from working properly. It can often be filled with dirt or debris. Carefully remove the rotor and the spray nozzle to clean.
Repairing a Solenoid Switch
When a solenoid valve (also called an electric valve or automatic sprinkler valve) fails to close it is almost always because something is stuck inside it. This might be a grain of sand, a small twig, a insect, or even a tiny snail. To fix the valve you need to disassemble it and replace the solenoid switch inside.
Here are a few steps on how to repair a broken solenoid switch:
- Shut off the water to the sprinkler system.
- Remove lid from valve box and clean out mud from inside of box with hand trowel.
- Pack valve box with dry rags to absorb water.
- Twist out the low-voltage solenoid valve, and then wait for excess water to drain out.
- Unscrew the bonnet from the top of the valve using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Remove the spring and diaphragm gasket from under the bonnet.
- Install a new valve diaphragm onto the valve.
- Set spring on diaphragm, place bonnet on top.
- Put steel ring on top of bonnet, then screw down the bonnet, alternately tightening the screws.
- Replace the solenoid, and make the wire connections with waterproof wire connectors.
- Pull rags from valve box and fill box with clean stone.
- Turn on the water to the sprinkler system and check for leaks.
