Weak Sprinklers.

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 08-06-2009, 10:45 PM   #1
Pro
 
MZ-HANDYMAN's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Remodeling 30+ yrs
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 356

Weak Sprinklers.


My next door neighbor was asking me if I knew anything about sprinkler systems the other day and mentioned that his system is weak.

Sorry picture was taken right at nightfall...

While I was replacing my Brake Pads on my truck his sprinklers came on so I snapped a picture of them. I hadn't really looked at his yard but he just has Polkadots of grass where the sprinkler heads are, The rest is brown.

I asked him if they covered the entire yard when installed and he said they actually all overlapped each other.

My suggestion was to remove one sprinkler head and clean it real good and try that station and see if it sprays any better, If it does either clean or replace all of them. If that doesn't work check the lines where the water enters the station(s) total of 4.

NOTE: Lately the city has been messing with the water lines in the area which may have inadvertantly put junk in his lines.

This will be a freebie aside from a beer or 6 So if you have any suggestions or HELPFUL comments it'd be great.

Thanks!

MZ-HANDYMAN is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 08-06-2009, 10:49 PM   #2
Pro
 
MZ-HANDYMAN's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Remodeling 30+ yrs
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 356

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Just so you know... If the 2 things I suggested don't work I'm referring him to a Sprinkler guy.
MZ-HANDYMAN is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 10:51 PM   #3
Yard Boi
 
HusqyPro's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscaping
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Genesee, ID
Posts: 440

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


What is the pressure at the valve?

Have any houses been built in the neighborhood since his sprinkler system was installed?

What is the pressure on the service line to the house?

It looks like what happened is the pressure dropped since it was installed. When you install a sprinkler system you calibrate it to the pressure at that house. Lets say for example the pressure is 30 psi. Then 3 more houses go up all feeding off the same line. Pressure drops to 22 psi. The sprinklers get weak.

Simple fix is to recalibrate the control valve to the current water pressure. If you know the brand of sprinkler (Toro, Rain Bird, etc.) you can look it up on a chart from the manufacturer.
__________________
Bob's Lawn & Landscape
When You Want The Best
Serving the LC Valley & Moscow-Pullman
HusqyPro is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 10:57 PM   #4
Fentoozler
 
Celtic's Avatar
 
Trade: Professional Pie and Pastry Taster
Join Date: May 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 5,585

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


He could charge the neighborhood kids $5 each to have a water balloon fight on his lawn.
__________________


The UD is quite possibly man kinds finest accomplishment.
Celtic is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 11:09 PM   #5
Pro
 
MZ-HANDYMAN's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Remodeling 30+ yrs
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 356

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


All these houses are 40+ yeas old. I'll check the MFG info tomorrow morning. If I go out there now I might get shot since everyone is on edge lately with my truck getting broke into.

Our houses have pretty good pressure, I made a sprayer with a tiny hole for cleaning out my pond filters and if I spray it on the concrete it cleans like a pressure washer. I'm guessing closer to 50+ psi.

Thanks
MZ-HANDYMAN is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 11:22 PM   #6
Pro
 
Workaholic's Avatar
 
Trade: Painting Contractor
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Huntsville Alabama
Posts: 1,349

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Dude are there any jobs you do that you do not need to ask the people at CT about?
__________________
Sean
Workaholic is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 11:25 PM   #7
Moderator
 
Double-A's Avatar
 
Trade: GC - Remodeling Specialists
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 4,618
Send a message via ICQ to Double-A

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


If the city had lines open in the area, its possible that a lot of debris has been stirred up. Have you popped the top on one of the sprinkler heads and checked the filter? It might be full of junks.
__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006
Double-A is offline  
Old 08-06-2009, 11:44 PM   #8
Pro
 
MZ-HANDYMAN's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Remodeling 30+ yrs
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 356

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


I'm taking the day off tomorrow and thats when I'll look at his sprinklers. I'm sure they've never been checked or maintained.

Like I said, I'm going to try first cleaning one head to see if it helps that one head. If so, I'll clean or replace the rest. If it doesn't help I'm going to follow Bobs advice at the station. If that doesn't work I'll tell him to call a Pro.

I'm not perfect so, I ask a few Q's There is always someone willing to help...

Last edited by MZ-HANDYMAN; 08-06-2009 at 11:59 PM.
MZ-HANDYMAN is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 12:51 AM   #9
Crash Test Dummy
 
ChainsawCharlie's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscaping
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kauai
Posts: 2,206

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Has it always been weak, or is this a recent development?

Check for leaks. Or blockage in the valve.

Last edited by ChainsawCharlie; 08-07-2009 at 01:00 AM.
ChainsawCharlie is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 01:08 AM   #10
LET ME SHOW YA SOMETHIN!!
 
CrpntrFrk's Avatar
 
Trade: I do that too!
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Globe, Arizona
Posts: 1,399

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ChainsawCharlie View Post
Has it always been weak, or is this a recent development?

Check for leaks. Or blockage in the valve.
I am not trying to start something but i think you are on ignore.
__________________
DO IT!! DO IT!! DO IT!!
CrpntrFrk is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 01:52 AM   #11
Crash Test Dummy
 
ChainsawCharlie's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscaping
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kauai
Posts: 2,206

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


I know.

Imagine how disappointed he'll be when he "logs out" to read my response.
ChainsawCharlie is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 10:57 AM   #12
Thom
 
thom's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor/Homebuilder
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 3,194

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


It is unlikely that debris in the lines would clog all the sprinkler heads partially and evenly. Checking sprinkler heads is a long shot. Most likely, removing a single head then turning on the system will produce a low flow at that open pipe.

Check the control valve. There are different types of automatic valves, some of which can get restricted with sand.

Check the flow back at the manifold. Try removing the vacuum breaker cap then turning on the system. This will get you closer to the source. Check the valve that controls the water supply to the manifold to insure it is fully on.

The problem here is more likely restricted flow than low pressure. Look for something that restricts flow.
thom is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 03:42 PM   #13
Side Effects May Vary
 
ModernStyle's Avatar
 
Trade: Professional Painting
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Fort Wayne Indiana
Posts: 1,654

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


I had a weak sprinkler once, the doctor perscribed me Viagra
ModernStyle is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to ModernStyle For This Useful Post:
Kuba (08-07-2009)
Old 08-07-2009, 03:57 PM   #14
Crash Test Dummy
 
ChainsawCharlie's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscaping
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kauai
Posts: 2,206

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


No need for a paint sprayer now, I bet...just chug down a 5 gallon bucket the night before a job?
ChainsawCharlie is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to ChainsawCharlie For This Useful Post:
Workaholic (08-07-2009)
Old 08-07-2009, 04:00 PM   #15
Side Effects May Vary
 
ModernStyle's Avatar
 
Trade: Professional Painting
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Fort Wayne Indiana
Posts: 1,654

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


built in stir stick
ModernStyle is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 04:08 PM   #16
Pro
 
MZ-HANDYMAN's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Remodeling 30+ yrs
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 356

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ModernStyle View Post
I had a weak sprinkler once, the doctor perscribed me Viagra
OK I tried that but the sprinkler heads satyed in the upright position even after we turned the water off. That was 3 hours ago so if it last one more hour we're calling a Tree Doctor.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Anyway I knocked on his door this morning but seems he isn't home today. And now it's too flippin hot to go outside messing with anything.

Thanks for all the help though. If I fix his sprinklers he better let the ones between our houses spray my little side lawn too!
MZ-HANDYMAN is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 04:43 PM   #17
LET ME SHOW YA SOMETHIN!!
 
CrpntrFrk's Avatar
 
Trade: I do that too!
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Globe, Arizona
Posts: 1,399

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Quote:
Originally Posted by MZ-HANDYMAN View Post
OK I tried that but the sprinkler heads satyed in the upright position even after we turned the water off. That was 3 hours ago so if it last one more hour we're calling a Tree Doctor.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Anyway I knocked on his door this morning but seems he isn't home today. And now it's too flippin hot to go outside messing with anything.

Thanks for all the help though. If I fix his sprinklers he better let the ones between our houses spray my little side lawn too!
Hot!? Where are you at MZ?
__________________
DO IT!! DO IT!! DO IT!!
CrpntrFrk is offline  
Old 08-07-2009, 04:48 PM   #18
Crash Test Dummy
 
ChainsawCharlie's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscaping
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kauai
Posts: 2,206

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


Texas, I believe.

Last edited by ChainsawCharlie; 08-09-2009 at 04:58 AM.
ChainsawCharlie is offline  
Old 09-06-2010, 06:01 AM   #19
Bathroom remodeler
 
timothytaylor's Avatar
 
Trade: Bathroom Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Buxton, Derbyshire
Posts: 19

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


it definitely must be a water pressure problem. ask your good neighbor to check his sprinkler lines.
__________________
Discount bathrooms installation and remodeling - fairfieldbathroomsdirect, UK | Business Line: 08000852226
timothytaylor is offline  
Old 09-06-2010, 09:04 AM   #20
LRG WoodCrafting
 
Leo G's Avatar
 
Trade: Master Sawdust Producer
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Posts: 13,199

Re: Weak Sprinklers.


1 yr old thread
__________________
Sawdust Follows Me Everywhere

Quote:
Originally Posted by HusqyPro View Post
Carpenter by day.
Mad scientist by night.
http://lrgwood.com
Custom Cabinets in Hartford County Connecticut
Leo G is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
09 fire sprinklers for single family. K2 General Discussion 16 09-28-2008 09:40 PM
Today's estimate pics (not for the weak stomachs) JPV123 General Discussion 38 02-28-2008 12:06 PM
Hunter Sprinklers jerome8283 Landscaping 7 07-08-2007 10:57 AM
Maximum coverage sprinklers snapper21 Landscaping 6 06-20-2006 03:26 PM
Slow toilet/ weak flush paintr56 Plumbing 14 06-13-2006 06:11 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?