
Sprinkler systems are a great way to keep your lawn watered and healthy. However, they may sometimes need adjustments to ensure even water coverage and to prevent over-spraying. The most common problems with sprinkler systems include incorrect water distribution, leaking sprinkler heads, non-functional individual sprinkler heads, and low water pressure. One way to adjust your sprinkler heads is by using a flat-head screwdriver to turn the screw in the nozzle head. Turning the screw clockwise will reduce the radius of the water spray, while turning it counter-clockwise will increase the radius.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Screw adjustment | Clockwise to restrict flow and reduce range; counter-clockwise to increase flow and range |
Screw location | Top centre of the nozzle |
Screw type | Flat-head |
What You'll Learn
Clockwise turn reduces water pressure
Adjusting the water pressure in your home is a relatively simple task. However, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect water pressure. Too much water pressure can cause pipes to shake, rattle, and hammer, which can lead to leaks and damage to your appliances. On the other hand, too little water pressure can result in an insufficient flow of water for your daily needs.
To adjust the water pressure in your home, you will need to locate the pressure regulator. This device is installed in every residential structure that doesn't use groundwater and is typically located near the water meter. Once you have found the regulator, follow these steps:
- Using a pressure meter, determine the current water pressure in your home by attaching the meter to an outdoor faucet or laundry spout.
- Loosen the lock nut that holds the regulator in place.
- Find the adjustment nut on the regulator valve's top.
- Turn the adjustment nut clockwise to increase water pressure or counter-clockwise to reduce it.
- Replace and tighten the lock nut to secure the regulator in place.
- Test the water pressure at various faucets in your house to ensure it meets your desired level.
It is important to note that making adjustments to the water pressure should be done gradually, as small changes can have a significant impact on the overall pressure. Additionally, if you are unsure about adjusting the pressure yourself, it is recommended to consult a licensed contractor or plumber for assistance.
Now, let's discuss the specific scenario of adjusting the set screw on a sprinkler head. In this case, a clockwise turn of the screw will indeed reduce the water pressure and restrict the flow of water. This is true for most sprinkler heads, including pop-up and shrub models with plastic or brass heads. By turning the screw clockwise, you are lowering a post into a socket in the filter, which restricts the water flow. This is different from the adjustment mechanism in Toro sprinkler heads, where the screw itself restricts the water flow.
In summary, while a clockwise turn of the set screw on a sprinkler head will reduce water pressure and flow, the overall water pressure in your home can be adjusted by manipulating the pressure regulator as described above. It is important to be cautious when making these adjustments to avoid potential issues with water pressure that can lead to leaks, damage, or inadequate water flow.
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Counter-clockwise turn increases water pressure
A counter-clockwise turn increases water pressure. This is true for both sprinkler systems and water pressure regulators.
Sprinkler Systems
For sprinkler systems, the adjustment screw is usually located in the top centre of the nozzle. Turning this screw counter-clockwise will increase the flow and range of the sprinkler. This is true for most pop-up and shrub sprinkler models, including Rain Bird and Toro brand sprinklers.
Water Pressure Regulators
Water pressure regulators are typically bell-shaped and located near the building's water meter. They have a pressure gauge nearby. On most pressure regulators, turning the screw counter-clockwise will decrease the output pressure from the valve.
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Adjust spray direction to ensure even water coverage
Adjusting the spray direction of your sprinkler heads is crucial to ensure even water coverage on your lawn. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with the process:
Identify the Sprinkler Type:
First, you need to determine the type of sprinkler heads installed in your system. The adjustment process varies depending on the sprinkler type. The three main types are impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers, rotor sprinklers, and pop-up sprinklers.
Assess Your Lawn's Watering Needs:
Locate the areas of your lawn that require adjustments. Look for sections with brown or withered grass, which indicates a need for more water. Also, identify any swampy or soaked areas that require less water.
Gather the Right Tools:
Different sprinkler heads require specific tools for adjustment. For rotor nozzle adjustment, use a rotor adjustment tool or a Hunter adjustment key. For pop-up sprinkler heads with a variable arc spray nozzle, use a flat-headed screwdriver.
Adjust Rotor Sprinkler Heads:
Stand behind the rotor sprinkler (never in front, due to water pressure) and turn the spray head to the left to complete its cycle. Find the "right stopping point" by turning the head to the right until it stops spraying. Look for the "+" and "-" signs on the rotor, along with a tiny keyhole. Insert the rotor adjustment tool into the keyhole and hold the head at the "right stop." Turn the key left to increase the arc and right to decrease it.
Adjust Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads:
Locate the small screw at the top of the nozzle. Use a flat-headed screwdriver to turn the screw and adjust the radius of the nozzle opening. Turn the screw clockwise to reduce the radius and counter-clockwise to increase it.
Adjust Impact Sprinkler Heads:
Impact sprinklers are usually adjusted by simply rotating the head. Turn the head clockwise to increase the arc and counterclockwise to reduce it. You can use an adjustment ring to get a better grip on the nozzle during this process.
Additional Tips:
Keep the water running during adjustments to easily visualize the spray pattern. Ensure that each irrigation head overlaps with the next one to achieve full coverage. Periodically adjust your sprinkler heads as the weather changes to maintain optimal water distribution.
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Identify sprinkler type before adjusting
Identifying the type of sprinkler you have is the crucial first step in making adjustments. There are three main types of sprinkler heads: impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers, gear-driven rotors, and pop-up sprinklers. Each type has a unique method of adjustment, so it is important to know which type you are dealing with before you begin.
Impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers rotate back and forth, spraying water in different directions with a multi-trajectory stream. They create a distinctive clicking sound as the water hits the impact arm. To adjust the rotation, locate the trip pin on the side of the sprinkler head. Moving the trip pin towards or away from the centre will decrease or increase the rotation angle, respectively. You can also adjust the stream distance by manipulating the diffuser pin on top of the sprinkler head.
Gear-driven rotors are known for their wide coverage, as they rotate back and forth with a single water stream. To adjust the rotation distance and arc pattern, locate the adjustment screw on the top of the sprinkler head and use a flathead screwdriver to turn it clockwise or counterclockwise.
Pop-up sprinklers, unlike gear-driven rotors, have a fixed position and do not rotate. They provide precise watering in a specific area with a circular spray pattern. To adjust the spray range, locate the radius adjustment screw on the top of the sprinkler head and use a flathead screwdriver to turn it clockwise to reduce the spray distance or counterclockwise to increase it.
Once you have identified the type of sprinkler you are working with, you can gather the necessary tools and begin making adjustments to ensure optimal water coverage for your lawn.
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Assess lawn's watering needs
A healthy lawn is a well-watered lawn. Knowing how often to water your lawn is easier said than done. Here are some tips on how to assess your lawn's watering needs:
- Your grass needs at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week, even in winter. In summer, your grass will need more water due to higher temperatures leading to more evaporation.
- Rainfall counts as water for your lawn, so be careful not to overdo it with the sprinklers when it has been raining.
- Determine your soil type, as this affects how much and how often you should water. You can buy a soil test kit or consult a lawn care professional. Sandy soil, for example, does best with watering every third day.
- Water your lawn in the morning, as this helps you conserve water. Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation.
- Avoid having wet grass at night, as this can lead to fungus and other issues.
- It's better to water your lawn every few days rather than every day. This allows a lawn's root system to grow deeper, which helps the grass retain water for longer.
- To deliver an inch of water to your lawn, it takes a sprinkler system roughly an hour. To get a more exact idea of how long you should leave the water running, place empty tuna or cat food cans on your lawn, run your sprinklers and time how long it takes until there's an inch of water in the cans.
- One method to assess your lawn's watering needs is the so-called "screwdriver test". Your lawn is getting enough water if you can easily stick a screwdriver 6 to 8 inches into your soil.
- Signs your lawn needs more watering: after walking across your lawn, you can clearly see your footprints in the grass; your grass turns from vibrant green to a duller, bluish-grey colour; some leaf blades start to wilt.
- Signs your lawn is getting too much water: water from your sprinkler system runs into the street and down the gutter; an overwatered lawn can sometimes display the same symptoms as an under-watered one, so be sure to check if it feels damp before turning on the sprinklers.
- If you have a sprinkler system, check it regularly and fix any broken sprinkler heads, faulty valves, or leaky hoses as soon as you discover them.
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Frequently asked questions
Your sprinkler head may need adjusting to correct its spray pattern and direction.
Your sprinkler head may need to be replaced because it is broken.
Your sprinkler head may be broken and need to be replaced. Alternatively, there could be a bad solenoid valve in the valve box.
There could be a leak in the system somewhere, such as a cracked pipe, a busted head, or a leaking valve in the valve manifold.
Bonus:
You can adjust the water flow by turning the screw in the nozzle head. Clockwise reduces the radius (how far the water sprays), and counter-clockwise increases the radius.