How are sprinklers triggered?
The typical sprinkler head consists of a plug held in place by a trigger mechanism. The most common type of trigger is a glass ampule filled with a glycerin-based liquid that expands when heated. 155º As soon as the trigger mechanism is heated to the required temperature, it trips and the water is released.
What causes a sprinkler head to activate?
Most sprinkler heads feature a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid. This liquid expands when it comes in contact with air heated to between 135 and 165 degrees. When the liquid expands, it shatters its glass confines and the sprinkler head activates.
What causes a sprinkler system to stop working?
A sprinkler system can stop working for many reasons. Most of the time it’s something very simple like the irrigation controller is turned off or has lost its programming due to a power loss or surge.
Do you have to have your own sprinkler system?
Yes, each sprinkler zone should have its own valve. If these troubleshooting tips haven’t helped you solve your irrigation problem, they should at least allow you to have an educated conversation with any irrigation technician you call to the rescue.
Why does my irrigation system keep running after turning off the water?
The solenoid is located on the top of the valve and looks like a cylinder with two wires protruding out of it. It’s also possible that there is debris in the valve, which is causing the valves diaphragm to remain open.
Why is my irrigation valve box full of water?
Why is my irrigation valve box full of water? An irrigation valve box can hold water after a heavy rain or when a valve, pipe or fitting is leaking. If the valve box is always full of water and you have ruled out irrigation leaks, check to make sure your French drain pipe isn’t clogged, if you have one.
Are there any problems with my sprinkler system?
Fortunately, you can troubleshoot your lawn sprinkler problems easily. Here are seven common problems and how you can fix them: 1. Broken spray heads: If you notice that your sprinkler heads don’t pop up or they pop up only to spray water everywhere, you may have a broken spray head.
What to do if your sprinkler system is clogged?
Clogged sprinkler heads: You may have a clogged sprinkler head if the head doesn’t rise and there is no water. Dirt, sand and other debris build up in the sprinkler head filters. To clean a filter: Turn off your water, lift the pop up riser, remove the nozzle and the filter, clean the filter and return to the nozzle. 3.
Why are there nozzles at the top of the sprinkler heads?
Nozzles included, compensate for differences in the area covered by each sprinkler head. If system pressure drops under 50 psi system may fail to operate or operate erratically. Smaller nozzles used at sprinkler heads will help with low water pressure but will increase sprinkler run time required.
Why does my sprinkler system keep skipping zones?
If the pump is located more than a few feet from the water source, the inside valve disc pops up and down, skipping zones as the supply line fills with purging air. To fix this problem, move the indexing valve closer to the water source, so that the electric control valve or pump is closer to the indexing valve to pressurize the supply line.
