Of all the things that can go wrong with a residential irrigation system in Florida, sprinkler head issues are the easiest to spot. In fact, it would be difficult not to notice donut patterns and brown spots in the grass. Ponding water, misting, and drifting can cause runoff to flow across sidewalks and driveways. These and other problems often come from a faulty or malfunctioning sprinkler head.
If these conditions are observable in your landscaped area, you are likely dealing with one or more of the sprinkler head problems listed below:
1. Blockages/Clogging
Water that fails to come out of a sprinkler head is typically a sign of blockage. Similarly to a shower head in the bathroom, it can become clogged with debris, causing a decrease in water pressure. Some of the usual culprits for a clogged sprinkler head include:
- Accumulation of dirt. Automatic sprinkler systems for residential properties have sleeves buried in the ground. These sleeves house sprinkler heads that pop up when the water turns on. However, regular use can lead to dirt and mud infiltrating the holes in the sprinkler head. As a result, it may not work properly. The last thing you want is a clogged sprinkler line.
- Debris in screens. Debris can build up in the sprinkler heads’ screens, which keep mud and dirt out of the nozzle. This buildup prevents proper water flow.
- Debris in nozzle and sprinkler head. A sprinkler head can also become clogged when debris gets into the nozzle or spray head. Cleaning a Rain Bird sprinkler head nozzle usually removes blockages. However, if sand or dirt has gotten in, you may need to replace the wiper seal or the entire sprinkler head.
How to go about fixing sprinkler heads:
If a sprinkler head is only partially clogged, use a paper clip or a piece of stiff wire to clear the hole. However, for a complete blockage, you’ll need to remove the head from the sleeve and take it apart. Then, soak it in water and clean it with a wire. At the end, flush the head with running water. Make sure also to clear the sleeve and remove debris before replacing the head.
2. Misting
High or fluctuating water pressure can cause spray heads to mist or fog, which can lead to poor coverage. This may also damage the lawn irrigation system.
How to fix it:
If only one zone is misting, you may fix the problem by decreasing the flow control at the valve. If that doesn’t work, consider contacting an irrigation professional to install a valve pressure regulator. You can also control excessive pressure at the point of distribution by switching to different sprinkler components. Using spray heads and rotors with a pressure-regulating stem can help manage water flow.
3. Leaks Around the Stem
Sprinkler leaks often happen when sprinkler heads are installed incorrectly. These heads, which are sometimes called “mower bait” by lawn-care professionals, can get caught under a lawn mower and destroyed. Normal wear and tear will also eventually damage the wiper seal of the sprinkler head, resulting in leaks around the stem of the spray head.
However, leaks in your sprinkler system are not only the result of faulty sprinkler heads. They can also result from improper installation, freeze damage during winter, or damage due to mowing, digging, and other landscaping activities. A faulty valve box is also a potential culprit.
How to fix it:
A quick fix to this problem is to step down lightly on the stem while the irrigation system is operating. This is designed to make water flush quickly between the stem and the cap. Thus, it helps dislodge any debris caught between the wiper seal and stem. If this solution doesn’t fix the problem, you may have to replace the cap.
4. Inaccurate Pattern
It is not uncommon for sprinkler heads to settle or tilt over time. This can happen due to the weight of landscaping equipment on wet soil, as well as natural soil compaction and foot traffic. As a result, water may be distributed unevenly, leading to brown spots, misting, and runoff. Grass clippings, dirt, and debris can also build up around heads and disrupt the spray pattern.
How to adjust sprinkler heads:
To repair tilted and sunken heads and correct the spray pattern, all you need to do is manually lift and straighten the head by packing soil around it until it is level with the ground. When you put the sod pieces back in place, make sure to water them in order to encourage reestablishment.
While repairing some of these issues may be relatively easy for homeowners familiar with their lawn irrigation system, other problems may be more complex. In these cases, you may need the help of a landscaping professional who specializes in irrigation maintenance and repairs. Your best bet is to talk to a licensed lawn irrigation contractor in your area. They can help identify what’s causing your sprinkler head issues and suggest cost-effective solutions for you and the environment.
If you own a rental property, check out this article for expert advice on sprinkler systems and other essential property upkeep tips.
