My Rain Bird Sprinkler Rotor Does Not Reverse

Gear Damage

• All rotating Rain Bird sprinklers have tiny gears that sit inside the sprinkler body. As water flows through these gears, they turn the nozzle up to a full circle. Sometimes, the gears can become damaged when a lawnmower or vehicle runs over the sprinkler. Damaged sprinkler gears can not be replaced, as Rain Bird does not offer a repair kit for any of its rotating sprinklers. Instead, the entire sprinkler must be replaced with a new unit.

Water Pressure Problems

• Because Rain Bird sprinklers require consistent water pressure of about 60 psi to operate properly, it's possible that low water pressure will affect the sprinklers. Low water pressure can be caused by nearby construction, municipal maintenance or peak demand times in your neighborhood. Symptoms of low water pressure include sprinkler heads that malfunction, stop rotating or spray low volumes of water on your lawn. If you suspect low water pressure in your system, contact your water provider and ask if they are aware of the problem and when it might be corrected. Utilities are often aware of large-scale pressure problems.

Nozzle Filter

• All Rain Bird rotating sprinklers have a small plastic filter that sits inside the sprinkler and just below the nozzle. This filter is designed to trap dirt and other debris inside the water line before it reaches the nozzle. A dirty filter can cause low water pressure at the nozzle and gear system. Inspect and clean your filters at least once per season to make sure the flow of water is not being impeded. The filters on all lines of Rain Bird rotating sprinklers can be inspected by twisting off the nozzle and pulling out the filter.

Damage from Friction

• When a Rain Bird sprinkler rotates, the nozzle pops up above ground. When the sprinkler moves up and down, dirt or sand can become lodged between the supply tube and the sprinkler body. Over time, the friction between the sand and plastic can cause a rut in the plastic. This rut can become caught on the sprinkler body and cause the unit to stop rotating at a certain point. Inspect your nozzle supply tubes annually for signs of wear, and replace units that appear to be damaged or developing ruts.