How to Repair and Troubleshoot an Irrigation System
- 1). Turn on the water pressure to your irrigation system. When a problem is spotted such as a leaky head, a geyser, an errant spray pattern or water bubbling up from the ground, insert a marker flag. When all zones of the irrigation system have been checked, turn off the water pressure.
- 2). Remove any leaking sprinkler heads. Do this by unscrewing the sprinkler from the riser. Be careful not to allow debris to fall into the PVC supply pipe.
- 3). Check the sprinkler body for cracks or gashes. If there are cracks replace the sprinkler head. If none are found pull the riser out of the body with needle nose pliers. Unscrew the nozzle from the top of the riser and check for debris. Blow through the nozzle. If no air passes through, replace the nozzle.
- 4). Turn the water pressure on, and check to see if each repaired or replaced head is functioning properly.
- 5). Dig up any area where water has been bubbling up from the ground. Locate the PVC pipe beneath the sod. Clear the dirt away from the pipe, and examine for leakage. When the leak is located, use a PVC cutting tool to remove the broken pipe. Attach a coupling to both ends of the cut pipe using PVC cement. Insert the proper length of PVC pipe into each coupling using PVC cement.
- 6). Turn the water pressure on again and check for leaks.
- 7). Locate all geysers. If necessary, dig the sod away from the area to expose the PVC supply pipe. A geyser usually indicates a missing sprinkler head. Find the place on the supply pipe where the head screws in. Place the appropriate type head on the pipe, and check for leaks.
- 8). Adjust heads with errant spray patterns. For a pop-up head that is spraying in the wrong direction simply rotate the sprinkler body until the spray covers the desired area.
- 9). Adjust a gear driven sprinkler by twisting the nozzle clockwise until it stops. This is the fixed side of the arc of spray. Using a key if one was provided with your sprinkler, or a screw driver, adjust the degree of arc you desire. When finished, test the arc of spray by turning the nozzle to the right, then to the left.
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Turn on the water pressure and check your work for leaks or further adjustments.
