Whether in the historic Old Belford School district or over by the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD schools, residents of Bedford, Texas, face significant sprinkler system challenges. The extreme heat of a Texas summer, the occasional winter freezes, and clay-heavy soil can cause clogs, pipe stress, and valve issues in your sprinkler system.
In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to troubleshoot common sprinkler problems you may encounter in Bedford, TX.
If you need assistance with your sprinkler system, the professionals at HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler can help. We’re located at 2521 Brown Trail, Bedford, Texas, and have over 40 years of experience dealing with sprinkler system issues. We offer fast and reliable repairs and maintenance to help conserve water and promote a healthy lawn. Our company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and the knowledge of how to address the sprinkler needs of Bedford residents.
Clogged Nozzles and Valves
Clogged nozzles and valves can prevent your lawn from getting the water it needs and reduce the sprinkler system’s water pressure. Keep reading to learn how to clean them.
Cleaning Valves
If you have a sprinkler head or zone that is either stuck “ON” or stays on even when you try to shut it off using the controller, it may be due to debris inside the valve. The debris can prevent the valve from receiving a signal from the controller.
To clean the valves, you’ll need the following:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Screwdriver
- Flexible wire
- Clean water
- (Optional) Cleaning needle
- Step 1. Turn Off Power to the Sprinkler System
- Step 2. Turn Off the Water Supply
- Step 3. Get Pictures of the Inside of the Valve Box So You Know How to Reassemble It
- Step 4. Unscrew the Screws to Take Off the Valve Body’s Lid
- Step 5. Unscrew the Bonnet Screws
- Step 6. Inspect the Plunger For Damage
- Step 7. Take the Diaphragm and Spring Out
- Step 8. Clean Valve Ports
- Step 9. Put the Valve Body Back Together
- Step 10. Turn the Power to the Controller and Water Supply Back On
Cleaning Clogged Nozzles
A clogged nozzle can prevent the water from reaching all the areas of your lawn that it needs to. Cleaning the nozzle when it gets dirty can help it perform optimally.
You can take the following steps to clean a clogged nozzle.
Supplies You Will Need
- A pair of rubber gloves
- A cloth, sponge, or soft brush
The following are needed if the sprinkler head is especially dirty
- A bucket with warm water
- Vinegar or a mild dish soap
- Step 1. Shut the Water Supply Off
- Step 2. Remove the Nozzle and Filter Basket (If Included)
- Step 3. Take Apart and Inspect the Sprinkler Head
- Step 4. Clean Off the Sprinkler Head
- Start by rinsing the sprinkler and filter beneath a tap to remove any built-up debris.
- Inspect the sprinkler head to determine the extent of debris buildup. Remove with a soft sponge if there is minimal to moderate debris.
- Step 5. (Optional) Soak the Sprinkler Head and Filter if Necessary
- Step 6. Flush the Sprinkler System
- Step 7. Rise the Nozzle and Filter Thoroughly
- Step 8. Put the Sprinkler Head Back Together and Reinstall It
- Step 9. Test Out the Sprinkler Heads to See if They are Working
- Step 10. Adjust Spray Area if Needed
Leaky Sprinkler Heads and Pipes
Leaky sprinkler heads and pipes can damage lawns, increase your water bill, and reduce water pressure in your system.
Leaky Sprinkler Heads
A leaky sprinkler head can have numerous causes, including, but not limited to, high levels of foot traffic, contact with lawn mowers, age, or manufacturing defects. Often, you’ll need to replace broken parts in the sprinkler head or replace it outright.
- Step 1. Contact Your Utility Company Before Digging
- Texans should dial 811 to learn the location of utility lines before they dig.
- Step 2. Shut Off the Water to the Sprinkler System
- Step 3. Dig Around the Sprinkler Head
- Step 3. Unthread the Riser
- Step 4. Inspect Parts for Damage and Replace If Needed
- Step 5. Resemble and Test the Sprinkler Head
Leaky Sprinkler Pipes
As with a leaking sprinkler head, a leaking sprinkler pipe can damage your lawn and increase water bills.
Tools you’ll Need
To replace a section of your sprinkler pipe, you’ll need a shovel and, depending on the type of pipe you have, either a tubing cutter, tin snips, or a pipe cutter.
Please note that replacement parts or materials specific to a certain type of pipe will be mentioned in the corresponding sections for each type of pipe.
Before Beginning the Repair
- Step 1. Before you dig, be sure to contact your utility company to determine the location of utility lines. Texans must call 811 at least two business days before digging, even if it is in a yard. The website Texas811.org offers more information.
- Step 2. Dig around the area of the leak. Be sure not to force the shovel down, as it could damage the underground flex or supply line. When you approach the sprinkler head while you are digging, switch to using a small trowel or your hands to reveal it and pull it out of the ground.
- Step 3. When you reach the supply line, dig 12 inches out on each side horizontally. Then, when you’ve uncovered the damaged section, clear away about six inches from each side of it.
Replacing a section of Flexible Hose
- Step 1. Measure and create a guideline of about two inches on each side of the leaking section of the hose. Use a pipe cutter, tin snips, or a tubing cutter, to remove the damaged section.
- Step 2. Use the piece you just removed as a guide and cut a piece of flexible house section that is the same length as the one you are replacing.
- Step 3. Put compression couplings on each side of the flexible hose section you just cut. To prevent the couplings from slipping or moving, slide them around one or two inches onto the hose. If needed, you can apply some water to each hose end to make it easier to fit the couplings.
- Step 4. Push the couplings onto the hose on each side until they become tight.
- Step 5. Reactivate the water and watch for leaks.
Repairing or Replacing a Section of PVC Supply Line
The extent of damage a PVC supply line has dictates whether you can repair it or need to replace it.
- A minor leak can be sealed using epoxy, silicone, or rubber repair tape.
- A major leak requires removing the damaged piece and splicing in a telescopic slip covering.
Replacing a Section Flex Line
If your sprinkler system has a flex line that goes to the sprinkler head that develops a leak, that line will need to be replaced.
- Step 1. Once the soil has been dug between the fitting or shut-off where the flex line attaches to the main water supply and sprinkler head, unscrew the sprinkler head with a counterclockwise motion. Remove the opposite end of the flexline the same way from the shutoff valve or PVC fitting.
- Step 2. Securely wrap the one-inch end (large side) of the new 12-inch flex hose with two or three layers of Teflon tape. Screw the flex hose clockwise into the shut-off valve or PVC fitting till it fits snugly, and then make it wrench-tight.
- Step 3. Turn the water supply back on to clear out debris and dirt from the flexline. Flush the flex line for a minute or so. Then, turn the water supply off.
Step 4. Attach the sprinkler head to the flex hose by threading it to the flex hose’s small end until you’ve got it hand-tightened firmly (you don’t need Teflon tape here). You don’t need to use a wrench to tighten it. - Step 5. Turn the water supply on again and watch for any leaks.
Broken or Misaligned Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads are crucial to your lawn’s irrigation. If they are damaged or misaligned, it can result in your lawn not being properly watered. Both over- or under-watering can occur.
Adjusting Misaligned Sprinkler Heads
How you adjust misaligned sprinkler heads depends on the type. Please take care not to damage the sprinkler head when making adjustments.
To adjust sprinkler heads, you’ll need the right tools. You may need the following tools to adjust sprinklers:
- Vise grip or pliers
- Slotted screw driver
- Rotor screw driver
- Narrow flat head screw driver
- Hex wrench
The following are several sprinkler head types and how to adjust them.
Rotor Sprinkler Heads
Please note that rotor sprinkler heads can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you should always first consult the owner’s manual, the company website, or contact the company for information on your specific model.
The following are general instructions for fixing sprinkler heads.
Adjusting the Arch
Please note that some rotor sprinklers do not have an arrow; these will need to be adjusted while the sprinkler is running. Be sure not to get hit with water when doing this.
- Step 1. Turn the sprinkler head to the left (counterclockwise) until it stops so it can finish any cycle it may be doing. The direction the arrow points to indicates the “left stop.”
- Step 2. To adjust the left stop, you may be able to use a wrench to turn the sprinkler to point the arrow where you want it to face. If you aren’t able to use a wrench, remove the rotor from the sprinkler head by unscrewing it, pulling the rotor out, and putting the left stop in the desired position before screwing the rotor back into the sprinkler head.
- Step 3. Turn the rotor to the right by gently applying pressure to the top of the rotor. Do this until you’ve reached the correct stop position. Be sure not to force the rotor to turn, as doing this can damage your sprinkler.
- Step 4. Hold the rotor to the right, and put the rotor adjustment tool into the keyhole.
- Step 5. Turning the key to the left will increase the arch, and turning the key to the right will decrease it.
- Step 6. Take out the key and watch the spray pattern. You may need to make adjustments to the sprinkler based on your observations.
Pop-up sprinkler heads
Adjusting pop-up sprinkler heads is easier while the system is turned on. Because the heads are pushed up by water pressure, you won’t have to manually attempt to pull up the riser, potentially damaging it in the process. When the riser is out of the ground, you can attach the headlock tool to hold it up.
Adjusting the Spray Radius
- Step 1. Take a flat-head screwdriver and locate the radius adjustment screw located on top of the rotor.
- Step 2. Increase the sprinkler’s spray radius by turning the adjustment screw clockwise, or decrease the spray by turning it counterclockwise.
Adjusting Where the Water Sprays
To control where the water sprays (not counting the radius), you can turn the sprinkler valve stem by hand to aim the arch where it needs to be. If it is too hard to turn by hand, you may need to use vice grips or pliers.
Impact Sprinkler Heads
Impact sprinklers are a kind of rotary sprinkler. These rotate while spraying in several directions.
Adjusting Direction and Spray Pattern
To adjust water direction and spray pattern, move the metal stops or tabs left or right. The tabs may need to be pinched and moved using a vise grip or pliers.
Adjusting Spray Distance
Adjust the spray distance by raising or lowering the spray deflector. When the spray deflector is raised, water is sprayed farther out, and when it is lowered, water sprays closer to the sprinkler.
Repairing Sprinkler Heads
If your pop-up sprinkler system head is damaged, you may need to replace part of or all of it.
You may be able to replace parts of a sprinkler head, such as a nozzle. However, if the head is too old or the damage to it too great, you may need to replace the entire head.
You can generally replace a sprinkler head by following these steps. Please note that certain sprinkler heads may vary.
- Step 1. Before digging, always call to ensure you will not strike any utility lines. Texas residents must call 811 two business days before digging. More information for Texans can be found at Texas811.org.
- Step 2. Be sure to shut off the water and power to your sprinkler system.
- Step 3. Once you have received approval to dig, use a small shovel to dig around the sprinkler head or heads that are malfunctioning. Take care not to damage buried pipes, and remove the last soil using your hands.
- Step 4. Remove the broken sprinkler head with a screwdriver or pliers.
Step 5. Attach the replacement sprinkler head and check that it is secure.- Step 6. Before covering the workspace backup with dirt, be sure to test the sprinkler head to ensure it is working properly.
- Step 7. After you’ve checked that the sprinkler head is working as it should, turn the water off and carefully fill the area with dirt again.
Faulty Sprinkler Timers or Controllers
Your sprinkler system’s timer, also known as the controller, tells the system when to water your lawn. If they are not set up correctly or malfunction, your lawn may not be adequately watered.
Timer Issues
If you are experiencing problems with your timer, the system may not turn off and on as it is supposed to, it may skip water cycles, or watering could occur at the wrong time.
What you can do
Start by checking the timer setting to ensure it is set correctly. If that’s the case, you can try resetting the timer. If the timer is reset and the problem persists, you may need to contact a sprinkler system professional.
Electrical Issues
Electrical issues can affect timers and controls. Indications that an electrical problem is occurring can include controller commands not affecting the sprinkler system and a blank or flickering controller display. Because of dangers involved in troubleshooting electrical issues, you’ll want to leave electrical work to certified professionals.
Issue with the Programming
If you’ve tested your system and there doesn’t seem to be any mechanical or electrical problems, the problem may not be with the controller itself, but how it is programmed.
What you can do
The following include common problems with controller programming that you can check for, which might be mistaken for a damaged controller. Please note that some controllers may work differently.
- The system is inactive: A correctly programmed sprinkler system won’t activate until it is set to “automatic.”
- Start or run times aren’t saved: Programmed start or run times may not be saved, causing the programming to be lost.
- Manual override is activated by accident: An accidentally activated manual override may be indicated by a sprinkler running when it shouldn’t be. You can often fix this issue by turning the sprinkler system off and on again. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you can check the programming to make sure start and run times are set correctly. Be sure to delete any incorrectly scheduled waterings.
When to Contact a Professional
There are several situations where you’ll need to get a professional’s help with your sprinkler system. Whether it requires special tools, is too dangerous, or you are unable to find the problem or solution yourself, it is essential to know when to contact a sprinkler system professional.
The following are a few cases where you’ll want to contact a professional.
- Electric Issues: If you believe there is an electrical problem, it is essential to contact a professional, as trying to address the issue yourself could be dangerous.
- Programming: When you think you are dealing with a programming error on your sprinkler system’s controller, but are unable to resolve it yourself, contact a professional.
- Other Problems: If you encounter a problem you don’t know how to resolve, or you feel unsafe or uncomfortable doing so, please contact a professional.
Let Us Help
By contacting a professional, you may save yourself considerable time and stress. Call the professionals at HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler for help resolving your sprinkler Issues.