TUTORIALS

HOW TO TURN OFF WATER TO YOUR SYSTEM FOR A LAWN SPRINKLER REPAIR:

If there is an issue with your irrigation system, these instructions will detail how to shut the water off. Then you can call us for repairs, if you can’t resolve the issue yourself. Once you find the pipes and valves where the water comes from the city main, up underground and then up into the house, you may begin.

Written Instructions

There is an irrigation T which feeds all the irrigation water through a backflow preventer valve. There are several kinds of backflow preventers that basically work the same, so whichever type you have should work with these instructions.

Butterfly Valves

There will be two butterfly valves. Turning one of the valves perpendicular to the pipe will stop the flow of water to the irrigation system. Sometimes the valve can be difficult to turn. If so, use a wrench to turn it. Remember when it is perpendicular to the pipe, the water will be off.

Anti-Siphon Valve

There is a different kind of valve called the anti-syphon valve. If you have this type of valve, you tighten the valve where the X is on top to stop the water flow and loosen it to turn the water back on.

Water Conservation Issues

If the problem is big enough to force you to turn off your sprinklers, it’s an indication to seek irrigation repair right away. This is true for all types of sprinklers.

Water Pressure and Broken Pipes

Water pressure is a common complaint with all types of garden sprinklers. Stationary sprinklers may be drooling rather than spraying. Oscillating sprinklers may not have enough water to make their rounds. Traveling sprinklers may be creating puddles rather than spreading out the water.

The drip system is especially sensitive to water pressure issues. It may stop working faster than sprinklers since the force of the water flow is already kept low.

Typically, water pressure issues are caused by a broken line within the sprinkler system. The water may even be puddling where the pipe is broken. A marshy area with too much water is often a sign.

Most sprinkler system piping is readily accessible if you know where to dig. It is inadvisable to attempt to repair this yourself without full knowledge of the entire system.

Damaged Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads may last for years without a problem. On the other hand, they can become clogged or even damaged by environmental factors. This leads to a different kind of water pressure problem. Some aspects of the ground sprinklers may work while others may become inactive.

Sometimes it is a matter of simply replacing the damaged sprinkler head. However, if the problem has gone on for a very long time, it may have affected the system in other ways. These will need to be addressed.

Broken Timers

Of course, overwatering or underwatering can be caused by broken timers. This isn’t usually an issue where you feel you need to turn off the water, but it will prevent you from wasting water.

In this situation, you should get an irrigation repair specialist to look at the system. A replacement timing mechanism can make all the difference.

Avoid Drowning or Drought with Timely Irrigation Repair

The amount of water needed to create a healthy lawn and plants is not an exact science. However, there is a delicate balance that is needed to ensure that the plantings get enough water without getting drowned or left in a drought. Of course, newly seeded yards need the most careful attention, even if it isn’t a large area.

Whatever water needs you have for your lawn garden and plantings, we’ve got answers. Please call us if you are shutting off your lawn sprinkler system. We can help get it going again quickly and effectively.