Common Irrigation Challenges

Leaning sprinkler nozzle

Adjust sprinkler head.

Remove soil around the sprinkler head, re-adjust the sprinkler body to a perpendicular position, then backfill the hole with soil firmly packed to secure head in place.

Adjust direction of spray to insure the water is irrigating the grass, rather than sidewalks, streets, fences, buildings, and such.

Plants block / obstruct the sprinkler spray pattern

Add a riser or change the method of irrigation.

For example, instead of watering shrubs with sprinklers, change irrigation method for this zone or valve to low-volume drip emitters.

Run-off

Set sprinkler run time to stop watering before water starts running off your lawn.

For example, instead of watering for 15 minutes, divide the watering time into three run times, or 5 minute sessions, with at least an hour time in between for the water to soak into the soil.

Replace spray nozzles with rotary nozzles.

Overspray

Adjust spray pattern, relocate sprinkler heads, or change spray nozzles.

Adjust timer to water for shorter periods of time to prevent run-off.

Misting or fogging

Result of excessive (high) pressure –Reduce pressure by installing a pressure regulator before or at the valve; set pressure according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Adjust the flow control on the remote control valve.

Mismatched sprinkler heads

Replace with consistent sprinkler head type and brand for matched precipitation rate within each zone.