How to Repair Common Issues in Your Reticulation System

But there are instances where your irrigation system might have a few issues here and there. It could be that a sprinkler head is broken or the water pressure is too weak. In this article, we’ll be discussing the most common issues in your reticulation systems in Perth and how you can repair them so your lawn stays lush and vibrant.

Fixing a leak

Sprinkler system leaks usually come from underground irrigation pipes. Addressing this problem on your own can be pretty difficult so it’s best to contact a professional to dig your yard and find out the exact source of the leak.

Once they’ve identified the source, they’ll replace a section of the pipe with a new one. Depending on the extent of the leak, the entire pipe may need replacement also. The technician will also look for leaks on the sprinkler heads to identify if those are causing the problem.

When the system is off, make sure that the heads aren’t dripping or spraying. If they are, chances are you will need to replace them.

Replacing broken sprinkler heads

Sprinkler heads are prone to breaking and cracking. Over time, the plastic casing deteriorates due to frequent sun exposure so the first thing you should do is to look for visible signs of wear and tear. If the sprinkler heads are mounted too high, they can potentially get run over by lawn mowers so be on the lookout for that.

Once you’ve identified a broken sprinkler head, turn off the system and gently dig around the sprinkler head. Remove the head from the riser using a hand tool. Next, attach the new head, screw it tightly, and test it out before replacing the dirt back on the riser.

Cleaning clogged sprinkler heads

It’s not uncommon for sprinkler heads to be clogged with dirt, mud, and debris. This can lead to uneven watering of your lawn which is why you want to address it as soon as possible. You’ll know a sprinkler head is clogged when it’s spraying water erratically.

Start by digging out the clogged sprinkler head and remove it from the riser. Next, lift the sprinkler head out of the canister to take it apart. From there, you’ll see a filter or a screen inside the head. Remove any grass, dirt, and other stuck particles from the filter by scrubbing it with an old toothbrush under running water.

Once the filter has been cleaned thoroughly, put the sprinkler head back together and test it out to make sure it’s spraying water evenly.

Testing the water pressure

Reticulation systems require adequate water pressure to water your lawn evenly. It’s a good habit to test the water pressure from time to time so your sprinklers can hydrate your lawn properly. The first test you’ll need to do is static pressure which determines the amount of pressure in your sprinkler system when it’s inactive.

Simply use a pressure gauge to monitor the upstream and downstream pressure of your sprinkler system. Ideally, you should perform this test in the morning when the pressure is at its lowest. This ensures you get an accurate reading on the pressure gauge.

The next test you’ll perform is a direct water pressure test. While the sprinklers are running, attach the pressure gauge to the valve that’s farthest from the connection point. If a specific area is giving you trouble, that’s the head you want to test first. The ideal water pressure should be around 30-50 psi for most irrigation systems so keep these numbers in mind when testing your system’s water pressure.

Contacting a professional

While it’s great that you can perform maintenance and repairs on your reticulation system, sometimes the problems can be quite difficult to deal with. If you’re experiencing low water pressure and single zone issues on a regular basis, then it may be best to leave it up to the professionals.

If you’re looking for expert reticulation repairs within the Perth area, then look no further than Property Plumbing. With years of industry experience and expertise, our team of technicians can diagnose even the trickiest of irrigation problems and address them immediately.

We all know how important a reticulation system is to the health of your lawn. Thus, it’s extremely important that you keep it in tip-top-shape. Whether you need a reticulation service at home or your business, Property Plumbing is ready to tackle the job at hand.

To learn more about our services, feel free to contact us today and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.