Sprinkler Repair and Maintenance

• Check that the battery is still in working order. With systems that contain 9 Volt batteries, it is always a good idea to replace the batteries annually at the start of spring.
• Check the clock to verify the correct date and time is still set.
• Ensure the timer setting is still set at the proper frequency and duration for each zone. You may want to adjust this setting annually as gardens grow and develop with new plants you may have introduced, and to accommodate any changes in the landscape.

• Inspect each sprinkler to confirm they are free from any obstacles, grass or roots growing over them. If the sprinkler head sprays directly against an obstacle, it is important to either move the obstacle, or re-position the sprinkler head. It is possible to raise the position of sprinkler heads if they are set too low.
• As a general rule, all sprinkler heads should be level and flush with the soil level and should be firmly compacted vertical in the soil in order to water your garden effectively.
• Any broken or leaking sprinkler heads and drip irrigation emitters should be replaced. The sprinkler heads should extend fully during a watering cycle and retract fully when the water is shut down. If not, they are bound to cause water wastage and possible further damage to pipelines when the lawnmower runs over.
• Ensure all sprinkler heads are set to apply water to the intended area of your garden as it happens very easily that sprinkler heads are accidently adjusted to apply water to walls and paving etc.
• If the pressure is too low, the sprinkler head will not extend fully, and water will flow out of the sprinkler head instead of spraying. Also, if the pressure is too high, it will form a mist instead of a spray.
• It is often necessary to remove and clean any debris from the sprinkler nozzles as these are often the culprit for ineffective water distribution.

• Switch all watering zones off and turn your system control station off (electrical off switch). Now check your water supply meter to see if the red indicator is moving in a clockwise direction. If so, you may very well have a water leak in the main PVC water supply pipeline or possibly a zone control valve seeping water. You should immediately isolate the water supply line and call Sprinkler Easy to fix the problem for you a.s.a.p.
• If your sprinkler system water is independently supplied by a well and you notice leaks, we have the tools and expertise to check your system for you.
• It often happens that leaks occur in the lateral piping of your sprinkler system (secondary stage after the control valves) and only during a watering cycle. These leaks are usually due to a broken sprinkler connection joint, or a crack in the PVC piping and is often noticed when water flows up to the soil surface and form a wet area. Turn each zone on individually and check for signs of leaks. Isolate any zones that may have a leak problem until the necessary repairs have been made.

The early hours of the mornings are the best time of day. Preferably between 4 am and 6am. This will allow the water to absorb deeper into the soil with minimum evaporation. It is not a good idea to water late evenings as wet areas on the soil will encourage moss and different diseases. Avoid watering during the hot hours of the day as the most evaporation will occur, and the water will not seep as deep into the soil as needed. It is also expensive and a huge waste of our valuable water resources.
 

• Start determining the best duration (water spray time) by watering for only 15 minutes at first (or before water starts to flow off the soil surface). When you notice water flowing off steep down slopes, reduce the duration and increase the frequency (more often water spray time) with a minimum of 1 hour between durations in a single morning.
• The frequency during hot summer months should be twice a week, or even 3 times a week if it's a dry season.
• During Winter, once per week should provide your garden with enough moisture as your plants and grass require less water than in the summer.
• Always remember to check the moisture content of your soil. This will teach you what your garden is asking for. To determine the moisture level in your soil, take a spade and dig 10" to 12" next to the plants and feel the soil for moisture content.
• For lawn, the water should soak 1" to 1 ½" below surface during a watering cycle. This will allow the moisture to soak deeper to about 4" to 6" until the next watering cycle - ideal conditions for healthy grass root germination and growth.

• Ensure the Rain Sensor is mounted correctly and open to detect rain when necessary. It should also be in proper working order and set to be in the Active mode position.
• If your Rain Sensor has a button on top, press to check if the water flow shuts off. If it does not have a button to press, it will not be of the cork-disc sensor type.
• Release the button to check whether the system resumes to spray your garden.
• If not, you may have an electrical problem and the sensor may need to be repaired or replaced.