Homeowners

Regular maintenance checks include flushing clogged nozzles, a key step to ensure your system runs smoothly. Typically, nozzles experience wear and tear over time and may need to be replaced. The most commonly used nozzles are spray and rotator types.

Sprinklers may stop working due to wear, clogs, or damage from external sources such as landscaping equipment or digging. Most sprinkler replacements are straightforward and can be completed quickly, barring complications from tree roots or concrete encapsulation.

Common Sprinklers Used:

• Rotors

• Spray bodies, which are fitted with either a spray or a rotator nozzle.

Sprinkler repair typically takes less than 15 minutes per unit, depending on the situation.

In North Central Florida, PVC is predominantly the piping of choice, especially for pipes with 1” diameter or smaller, often taking under an hour to repair. In colder climates, polyethylene pipes are common, along with ½” drip tubing for new landscape beds, known for its ease of repair yet difficulty in detection when issues arise.

Common flow issues in irrigation systems include valves that are stuck open. This can lead to small leaks or full-on water flow, depending on the severity. Sticking valves can be temporarily shut off via the backflow preventer or the irrigation isolation valve, though a call to a technician is advised for a permanent fix.

Note: Regular maintenance of valve boxes, keeping them clear and accessible, can significantly reduce the complexity and cost of future repairs.

Electrical diagnostics involve continuity and voltage tests from the irrigation controller—these tests help identify issues without intrusive methods like digging. Knowing how to correctly test low-voltage circuits is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenses caused by inexperienced handling.

Common Electrical Issues:

• Accidental wire cuts during excavation

• Corrosion due to poor wire splicing and the wrong materials (non-waterproof wire nuts)

Wiring issues often go unnoticed until visible stress appears on the landscape. Using a wire tracker facilitates the detection of wire cuts and buried components, ensuring efficient repairs.

Both flow and wiring diagnostics often involve estimates based on time and materials due to the variability in each situation.