Sprinkler System Problems

System Doesn't Activate Automatically

• If the irrigation system doesn't activate automatically, confirm that the irrigation controller is to the "On" or "Auto" position. Twist the dial or press the button to reveal the watering start times and confirm that a start time has been entered. Twist the dial or press the button to reveal the set watering days and confirm that the day in question is scheduled within the rotation. If the watering day and watering times are inaccurate, correct them and set the program back to "Auto."

Water Valve Doesn't Open

• If the irrigation controller activates the sprinkler system and part of the system doesn't come on, there might be a problem with one of the water valves. Twist the dial or press the button on the controller to highlight the valve number and confirm that a run time has been set for that particular valve. If the alarm LED is illuminated on the controller, the valve or valve solenoid might have a short circuit that has disabled the station. Locate the short circuit and repair it.

Sprinkler Waters Unnecessary Areas

• If some of the underground rotor sprinklers pop up and water unnecessary areas, such as pavement or walls, adjust the spray heads so that the watering area is limited only to the lawn or garden. The rotary sprinklers usually come with an adjustment tool, which fits into the arc adjustment or rotation range adjustment slot on top of the spray head. Insert the tool into the slot and twist it to the left to curtail the spray range from the adjustable side. Adjust the arc until it lines up perfectly with the edge of the lawn. Each rotor sprinkler has a fixed side, which can't be adjusted. If the fixed side is the side that overreaches, you can either dig up the housing and realign it or some models allow you to adjust the stem within the housing.

Spray Is Stunted Or Not Affective

• Most rotor sprinklers come with a nozzle tree, which features different nozzles that render different spray patterns. If you need to replace a nozzle, insert the supplied tool into the pull-up slot, twist the tool and pull the stem up to reveal the nozzle. Twist the radius adjustment screw counterclockwise to loosen it and the nozzle. Remove the nozzle and insert the new nozzle. Tighten the radius adjustment screw until the nozzle is held firmly in place. Lower the stem back into the housing.