Troubleshooting and Maintenance

PowerPoint Slides

Extracted Text and Images

1. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

LHAP 302 - Irrigation

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

Course visual for Maintenance - Spring Start up

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/

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

Course visual for Sprinkler Maintenance - Spray bodies

5. Troubleshooting Sprinkler System Pressure Problems

Course visual for Troubleshooting Sprinkler System Pressure Problems

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

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

8. Slide 8

Water wasted due to system damage and/ or inefficiencies

Course visual for http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Irrigation_System_Maintenance_Introduction.asp

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

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

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

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

Course visual for Controller Maintenance

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)

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/