Sprinkler system tune up

[RichUT]

Our sprinkler system is in need of a tune up. There are patches of the yeard getting little to no water because the heads are either the wrong kind or have sunk too far.

Who should I call to come out and get it working right? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, the control box is acting all screwy. It's probably time to replace it. Is that something I could do myself, or should I pay someone to swap it?

 

[Ignatius]

You can definitely replace the control box, it's very easy. There's a wire running from each of the heads, as well as a common wire and a ground (or two) into the control box. Just label each wire before disconnecting it from the old box so you know which one goes where, install the new box, and reconnect. Takes about 10 minutes...

 

[bradford702]

Raising the head is also easy. Just unscrew the head to see what type of extension you need. I took one of the heads to the hardware store got the necessary parts to fit it and went back home. You just need to figure how high you want to raise them. I am not the biggest DIY but it was still pretty easy.

 

[brntorng]

If you're replacing the controller, make sure it is capable of meeting your local watering schedule. For example, some controllers can't be programmed for Austin's latest twice a week schedule.

Many home irrigation systems are poorly designed which may be part of your problem. Whether installed by the lowest bidder or a thrifty homeowner, they're not up to par and become maintenance nightmares and irrigate improperly. The problems can be manifold, starting with the connection to the water supply to the sprinkler heads. If you're reasonably handy, there's not much you can't do to get it in shape. Hunter is considered my most to be the premier equipment supplier for the industry, so if you have to replace components, they're a good source to go with.

If you need to buy parts, check out Sprinkler Warehouse in Houston. Great prices and service for top notch equipment--most likely far better prices than your local supplier. Their web site also has good recommendations for equipment and installation advice. If you want to upgrade/retrofit your sprinkler heads, consider the MP Rotators. They are very adjustable while maintaining watering rates and the design significantly reduces water waste. They can be used on virtually any existing sprinkler body.

 

[taco]

I just noticed that the zone in my front yard barely gets water pressure - the heads raise halfways and just drool.

I had the yard aerated a couple of months ago and it was fine after that but all of a sudden it has problems.

I think there has to be a broken pipe causing the lack of pressure, How do I find it?

Any ideas?

 

[RichUT]

Should have mentioned that I am in the Austin area.

Good to know on the control box. Looked very straight forward, but always good to hear that is actually the case.

Anyone have a recommendation on which control box to get?

 

[Ignatius]

I've had an Orbit box for 5-6 years that does great, gives me 2-3 options on cycles/schedules also, so that (as mentioned above) I can take into account our two watering days per week in the summer. This is the only one I've had, but it seems like as long as it's a reputable irrigation equipment manufacturer (ie anything you'd get at Lowe's/Home Depot), the features as probably more important than the name.

Two things to keep in mind:

1. If you don't have a rain sensor shutoff valve sensor, definitely get one. If you can't/don't want to run a wire for this, Orbit makes a wireless model that works great. This way you're not paying $$ to water your lawn while it's pouring rain.

2. I know someone makes a controller box with a remote; if you're going to be doing any amount of sprinkler head/nozzle replacement and alignment, this would be a great feature, as opposed to walking back and forth between the controller and the various sprinklers.

 

[kmac30]

if it was working before the holes in the yard and not after, i'd look for a break somewhere. it could be as simple as having a sprinkler head knocked off kilter. if you think a pipe was broken from the aeration, it couldn't be too deep and you should see a wet spot when the sprinklers are running. you're going to have to turn it on and check it out, get a little wet.

my house is old and the sprinkler system is old. i had a guy come out to give me a quote on fixing some things (i wasn't sure if i could do it). his solution was to replace the entire thing. i had another guy come out and it was pretty expensive to replace a few valves. i ended up doing it myself and it was actually really fun (i enjoy working on the sprinkler system)

 

[HilltopHorn]

taco, if you have a break somewhere in your zone, start one of the heads and choke it down. If its a spray head, like a fan, then there is a screw in the middle of the nozzle, screw it all the way in on each head and your leak will eventually show. If you have rotors in that zone, you need to get some caps or plugs, probably 3/4" and dig each head up, and cap it where it the head comes off the pipe. About the only way to do it, and i imagine you will find the break at one of your heads...probably a broken riser.

 

[TheFied]

I have a Hunter sprinkler system. I have a few heads that are also not popping out much above the grass so it only waters like an 12" radius. Where can I get Hunter extension parts?

 

[brntorng]

In response to various comments and questions:

The best rain sensor is made by Hunter hands down. (That's true of almost everything having to do with irrigation.) It will stop the system when it starts raining, not after an accumulation. They have a wireless model that makes it easy to install anywhere. And, they have a model that is also a freeze sensor to avoid problems when we have a hard freeze.

I have a Toro Ecxtra controller that I like because I can do all the programming on my computer and then transfer it to the controller. It will also compensate for seasonal transpiration rates for your zip code. Very nice. Other than that, I'd defer to the list of recommended controllers on Sprinkler Warehouse's site, some of which offer wireless remote control--a nice feature when you're adjusting the sprinklers by yourself. Austin Water is recommending the units that have an internet connection and adjust daily for the transpiration rates. Not a bad approach if you're willing to pay the monthly service fee. That's why I prefer the Ecxtra because it just uses historical seasonal data--for free.

Low pressure problems in a single zone is almost certainly a faulty valve. Most can be repaired with new guts to avoid replacing the whole valve.

Sprinkler Warehouse has Hunter parts. You aren't likely to find better prices anywhere and they deliver next day to Austin with UPS Ground.