Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Slide 1 Maintenance and Troubleshooting LHAP 302 - Irrigation Slide 2 Maintenance - Spring Start up Get backflow prevention device checked (or get your cross connection certification) Close the drain Slowly open water to each section of the lineWhen you get to the valves open each zone individually using the clock ( this is a good time to change the batteries on the clock) Check Sprinklers Slide 3 Sprinkler startup Sprinklers - broken misaligned Overspray Nozzle adjustment Nozzles - clogged Leaking - broken - debris - low head drainage - water leaking through the valve Pressure problems Too low - streaming Too high - misting https://www.leekgarden.com/how-to-fix-sprinkler-system/ Slide 4 Sprinkler Maintenance - Spray bodies http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Irrigation_System_Maintenance_Introduction.asp Any breaks in sprinker body or missing heads replace immediately. Replace worn washers or seals Check flow pattern Adjust spray arc so it doesn’t spray on sidewalks or driveways Adjust sunken or tilted heads Pressure problems Can be a result of clogged nozzles New development https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-Replacing-A-Spray-s/6834.htm https://www.hunterindustries.com/irrigation-product/spray-bodies/pro-sprayr Slide 5 Troubleshooting Sprinkler System Pressure Problems Slide 6 Impact Rotors Impact sprinklers are water lubricated DO NOT apply a foreign lubricant Replace washers seals and springs Check pressure Adjust arc Impact sprinklers are water lubricated Do not apply a foreign lubricant Replace washers seals and springs Check pressure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzXmWd_6Ktg Slide 7 Gear Drive Rotors Small pieces of debris may enter the gears If the rotor stops turning or is slower than the rest try cleaning the filter at the base of the sprinkler. If this doesn’t work the whole sprinkler may have to be replaced https://ww3.rainbird.com/homeowner/products/rotors/32SA.htm Slide 8 http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Irrigation_System_Maintenance_Introduction.asp Water wasted due to system damage and/ or inefficiencies Slide 9 Sprinkler startup Pipe - what are the symptoms of a broken pipe? (sometimes take a bit to find) Cracked/broken - earth shift -root intrusion - head run over - shovel blight Leaking - seal wear, aging - bad connections Slide 10 Valve Troubleshooting Valve won’t turn off Valve seeping can show up as a puddle at the lowest sprinkler head. Causes: solenoid or solenoid seat is damaged ( plunger stuck open) valve seat damaged Crack in the bonnetBleed open or screw missing Debris in the intake port Valve Won't Turn Off Check Solenoid Solenoid Stuck Open Valve Functioning Normally Valve Won't Turn Off Check Inlet Port Inlet Port Plugged Clear Debris Valve Functioning Normally Valve Won't Turn Off Check Valve Seat Object on Valve Seat Clear Debris Valve Functioning Normally Valve Won't Turn Off Check Upper Chamber Crack/hole in Upper Chamber Replace Valve/Bonnet Valve Functioning Normally Slide 11 Valve TroubleShooting Valve won’t turn on Always do the obvious and check the water source first. Flow control downby - pass port plugged Plunger in down position Check electrical Valve won't turn on Water Source Shut Off Open Water Source Valve Functions Normally Valve Won't Turn On Flow Control Closed Open Flow Control Valve Functions Normally Valve Won't Open By Pass Port Plugged Clean Out By-pass Port Valve Functions Normally Valve Won't Open Check Solenoid Plunger Valve Functions Normally Valve Won't Open Check Electrical Slide 12 Controller Maintenance Plug the controller in Update the time and date Check the connection on all of the wires Make sure all sensors (rain, freeze) are connected Replace the back up battery Manually check each zone at start up https://www.lowes.ca Schedule the controller to reflect the current season and irrigation needs Slide 13 Controllers https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-replacing-a-controller-s/7083.htm A Controller may not activate the valves if: There is no power going to the controller It is not programmed correctly The switch is not on auto or ON Sensors are activated If a fuse is blown ( this is most likely a short in the field wire) Slide 14 Electrical Troubleshooting AC = alternating current (household voltage) DC = direct current (polarized – positive and negative side (battery)) Volt/Ohm meter Red + Black - Comparison between water and electricity Water Electricity Pressure (psi) voltage (volts – V) Friction Loss (psi) resistance (ohms) Flow (gpm) current (amps – A) SHORT – resistance is below 20 ohms for a single solenoid (break)OPEN - resistance is above 60 ohms when measuring the field wire. (cut wire) http://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/ 2018-05/Irrigation Troubleshooting Guide.pdf Slide 15 Electrical Troubleshooting Do a visual check first - sometimes it’s obvious what the problem is. Slide 16 Slide 17 Ian Morrow - Olds College Slide 18 Inspecting a sprinkler system - general maintenance Slide 19 Blowout - (south of the border)