Author: Justin Wilson

A Rain Bird sprinkler system in a yard, watering the grass. The Rain Bird sprinkler head, mounted on a tall pipe, sprays a fine mist of water over the green grass, ensuring even coverage. Surrounding the grass are plants and flowers, adding color to the garden.

Mastering the Art of Sprinkler Head Adjustment: A Guide to Optimizing Your Irrigation System

Written by Justin Wilson on December 20, 2024. Posted in Irrigation, Sprinkler Repair. No Comments on Mastering the Art of Sprinkler Head Adjustment: A Guide to Optimizing Your Irrigation System

Last Modified: 12/20/24

Having a sprinkler system is a good start, but it doesn’t always mean your lawn is being watered properly. Over time, sprinkler heads can get misaligned, and your lawn’s needs can change. With simple sprinkler head adjustments, you can make sure your irrigation system works efficiently, avoiding issues like uneven patches, underwatering, or overwatering. This guide will walk you through how to keep your lawn healthy and your system running smoothly

To adjust your sprinklers, it helps to understand when and why your irrigation system may need to be fine-tuned. When you find adjusting the system is needed, you must learn how to change the spray pattern, distance, direction, and arc. Read on to learn everything you need to know about sprinkler head adjustments.

The Importance of Sprinkler Head Adjustments

With the proper know-how, you can achieve efficient and effective irrigation, giving your lawn the right amount of water in the correct places. Failure to implement these adjustments could lead to issues like the following:

Uneven watering: Without the perfect spray pattern, you may see patches in your lawn where some areas of grass receive more water than others. This can cause water to pool, appear as leaks or cause disease in your landscape.
Water Waste: If your spray patterns overlap, overwatering the lawn or watering the hardscapes, you will ultimately waste water, spiking your water bills unnecessarily.
Property damage: Over time, your sprinkler heads may move in the wrong direction from people or pets stepping on them or mower vehicle and equipment damage. Some sprinklers may accidentally begin spraying structures like your house, shed, and more, causing water damage or rot.
Under or overwatering: Without the right water level adjustments, you may under or overwater your lawn, which will not keep the grass healthy.

Ultimately, mastering your sprinkler head adjustment strategy can help you enjoy healthier plants and water conservation savings.

Identifying Common Adjustment Needs

Sprinklers require adjustment for numerous reasons beyond being knocked out of place. The following are a few factors that could necessitate adjusting your sprinkler heads:

Landscaping changes: Changing your landscaping means also updating your sprinkler patterns. For example, if you install a stone patio, you likely won’t need any water in that area. Heads may need to be re-positioned, relocated, or added to prevent watering the patio and ensure adequate coverage.
Vegetation growth: As plants grow in your yard over time, consider what may or may not need watering. For example, young trees will likely need more frequent watering than mature ones. Bubblers may need to be relocated further into the root zone, or heads may need to be raised. Installation of taller heads may also be a benefit to clear higher turf or plant material.
Seasonal adjustment requirements: You must also change your sprinkler water schedule and seasonal adjustment percentage based on the season, temperature, and weather.
Water distribution irregularities: By monitoring your yard regularly, you can view water distribution irregularities, such as patches in your grass or areas with stunted growth, to make further adjustments. Adding heads or coverage areas may be needed to achieve the maximum and most efficient coverage.

Adjusting Different Sprinkler Head Types

Different types of sprinkler heads require specific adjustments to optimize water distribution efficiency while minimizing overspray. Here are some basic instructions for a few of the most popular types of sprinklers:

Gear-driven rotor sprinklers: Use a rotor adjustment tool to increase or decrease the arc setting using the sprinkler head’s plus and minus symbols. Many common rotors can be adjusted with a screwdriver and Allen wrench to adjust the rotor throw distance. Many common rotor heads have a fixed stop on either the right or left top side of the head. The plus or minus adjustment will typically adjust the arc limit on the opposite side.
Pop-up sprinklers with adjustable spray: Use a screwdriver or adjustment screw tool on the top of the head to adjust the throw distance. Adjusting the arc is achieved by turning the entire head in the direction you need to adjust. Adjustable style spray heads have a nozzle that either the top or an adjuster just below the top can rotate to adjust the arc of the head.
Drip sprinklers: Adjust from the emitter to select the right flow rate for the plant material. Many drip emitters are adjustable which can assist in areas of different plant material.
Impact sprinklers can be adjusted by rotating the head to adjust the stop-side arc and the metal arc limit adjustor to adjust the non-fixed side of the arc.
Fixed-spray sprinklers: Fixed-spray sprinklers are minimally adjustable. They will have a distance adjuster that can be increased or decreased with a small screwdriver. The arc is generally fixed and non-adjustable. The right and left stops are adjusted by spinning the entire head.

Step-by-Step Adjustment Techniques

Now that you have an idea of how to adjust your sprinkler heads, let’s go through some step-by-step instructions. The exact spray pattern adjustment steps will depend on the type of sprinklers you have, so you may need to check your manual for more specific instructions.

1. Find the Adjustment Screw Thread

The first thing you should do is locate the sprinkler head adjustment screw thread, as this will allow you to make your adjustments. The screw thread is on the top or of the sprinkler or in two places on top for gear drive rotor sprinklers. You will need a screwdriver or special tool to make any adjustments to this screw adjuster.

2. Rotate the Screw or adjuster To Change the Spray Pattern

Now, you can turn your screw clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the distance of the spray pattern. For many types of sprinklers, this action will affect the arc, ultimately increasing how far the water sprays, though it could also affect the direction of the water.

Before changing anything, be sure that the sprinkler head and water are in the right positions. Some sprinklers must be positioned a certain way before you can begin adjustments. For example, with a gear-driven rotor sprinkler, the head should be facing to the left at a completed cycle before you make any adjustments.

3. Follow the Arrows To Change the Spray Distance

Most sprinkler heads will also have arrows with plus and minus symbols indicating spray distance control. When you turn your adjustment tool accordingly, you can control how much water the sprinkler will let out. The spray distance screw thread may be in the same spot as the previous adjuster, or it may be located elsewhere on the sprinkler head, depending on which type you have.

4. Test and Change Accordingly

As you make any changes, you must turn the water on so you can test what you’ve done and adjust accordingly. After adjusting all sprinkler heads, ensure you have uniform coverage across your yard to avoid over- or underwatering.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips

As you go through your sprinkler head adjustment steps, you may discover issues like clogs, leaks, or damaged components. You can clean filters to resolve clogs, though damaged components and leaks often require repairs from a professional.

Conducting routine maintenance can help you prevent issues with your irrigation system. We recommend replacing worn-out parts, cleaning filters, and checking for leaks regularly to keep your irrigation system functioning optimally.

Videos on Adjusting Rotors

Need Help Adjusting Your Sprinklers?

Adjusting your sprinkler heads for optimal water efficiency and total yard coverage isn’t always an easy task. If you need help, call American Irrigation Repair today at (512) 943-6080 to get answers to any further questions you might have and schedule sprinkler head adjustment services or repairs.

How To Service Sprinkler Systems

Written by Justin Wilson on November 20, 2024. Posted in Sprinkler Maintenance, Irrigation. No Comments on How To Service Sprinkler Systems

Installing a lawn irrigation system ensures your garden gets enough water without requiring extra time and attention from you. You’ll also want to know how to service sprinkler systems if you want to keep your equipment in excellent condition for as long as possible. American Irrigation Repair shares some essential sprinkler service maintenance steps below.

How To Tell If Irrigation System Repair Is Necessary

The longer you ignore sprinkler damage, the worse it’ll get. Call an irrigation system specialist for immediate inspection and repair services. Irrigation system repair is likely necessary if you notice one or more of the following problems:

Damaged sprinkler risers or heads
Leaks
Visible damage to water lines
Increasing water bills without an obvious reason
Areas of extra green grass growth or marshy areas in the lawn

Best Sprinkler Maintenance Tips To Remember

If you want to learn how to service sprinkler systems and keep your yard healthy and looking its best, consider these expert tips.

Conduct Seasonal Sprinkler Checks

Typically, sprinkler maintenance should occur once in the fall and again in the spring. A sprinkler winterization process protects the equipment from ice damage. We recommend a minimum of twice-per-year inspections and tune-ups.

The basic steps in winterizing sprinklers might include:

Turn off the main water supply
Drain all pipes
Ensure any exposed above-ground valves or piping are fully insulated and protected

Once spring comes around, you’ll then gradually turn on the water supply to avoid problematic pressure surges. As you do, look for leaks and sprinkler heads that aren’t working.

Clean Sprinkler Heads Correctly

Sprinkler head cleaning forms part of essential maintenance. Sometimes, dirt and residue can clog sprinklers and cause problems like misdirected or inadequate water streams.

Grass runners can grow over the sprinkler heads blocking them from popping up or shrub heads can become covered or blocked by plant growth or mulch.

Irrigation experts can quickly clean your sprinkler heads because they know what to look for. The beauty of having professionals do it is that they can also replace the faulty heads immediately to keep your irrigation working smoothly.

Inspect Sprinkler Valves

Valve adjustment is sometimes necessary to ensure the irrigation system’s performance. Depending on your system, you might find valves in the areas near the heads or around the property water meter, backflow preventer, or emergency shut-off location. Valves can be located above or underground. Once you locate the sprinklers’ valves, look for water seeping from around the components. This is a warning sign that your irrigation system is wasting water and needs repairs.

Locate and Repair Leaks

Has your lawn sprinkler system sprung a leak? Turn off the equipment at the controller.

For pipe leaks, experts will do the following:

Remove the damaged portion of the line using pipe cutters or a saw.
Install couplings or repair fittings on the ends of the pipe.
Insert a replacement section of pipe or repair coupling.
Backfill and clean up the work area.

Then, they’ll test the system to see that the sprinkler service has done its job.

Get Professional Help With Lawn Sprinkler Upkeep From Our Seasoned Irrigation Crew

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to service sprinkler systems. Our professionals at American Irrigation Repair do it all, from sprinkler head adjustments to winterization and repairs. After nearly 30 years of service, we’re one of the top, multi-award-winning irrigation companies serving Leander, Texas.

See why American Irrigation Repair has more than 2,000 positive customer reviews—call (512) 943-6080 to request our services!

The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” of Irrigation

Written by Justin Wilson on November 20, 2024. Posted in Irrigation. No Comments on The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” of Irrigation

The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” of Irrigation: Lessons Learned in 27 Years in the Business

When I first entered the irrigation business nearly three decades ago, I made my fair share of mistakes like many newcomers. One of the most memorable—and consequential—was what I now call the “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule.” It was a lesson that took time and experience to fully understand one that I share with new irrigation professionals every chance The crux of the lesson? Don’t cut corners by digging a small hole just for the time or energy. While it might seem like a shortcut, it only leads to more headaches, costly repairs, and wasted time.

Let in the long run me take you back to my early days in the industry, around Austin, Texas, where I first learned this lesson the hard way.

The Rookie Mistake: Small Holes, Big Problems

When I started in the irrigation business, I was young, eager, and eager to prove myself. We were often under tight deadlines and working with limited resources. It made sense to me at the time to dig smaller holes to access broken pipes or faulty components. After all, the smaller the hole, the less effort and time spent digging, right?

It seemed like a good idea in theory. I thought by keeping the excavation minimal, I was saving time, energy, and labor costs. I figured I could get in, make the repair, and be on my way, all while keeping things tidy and efficient.

But, as I soon found out, this approach was anything but efficient in the long run.

The Problems with Small Holes in Irrigation

Digging small holes may seem like a good idea at first, but it quickly became clear that it created a slew of issues. First and foremost, small holes made it difficult to properly align the fittings. If I didn’t have enough space to work with, getting the correct angles on pipe joints and fittings was a nightmare. The lack of space made it nearly impossible to ensure everything lined up precisely, which led to misaligned fittings, poorly solvent-welded joints, and, ultimately, leaks.

Additionally, small holes created a problem with water drainage. After cutting into the pipe, there was often residual water left in the hole. With a small excavation, there was nowhere for that water to go, and it just pooled in the area, making it a mess to work in. The water, dirt, and debris from the soil also tended to infiltrate the system, causing even more problems down the road.

And that was just the beginning. The real issue lies in the long-term effects. When debris or soil gets into the lines, valves, and fittings, it causes all sorts of havoc. Dirt and particles can clog the lines, affecting water flow and causing the system to malfunction. The particles can also get caught in valves, causing them to stick or fail entirely.

Furthermore, poorly aligned and solvent-welded fittings don’t hold up over time. They may not leak immediately, but over weeks and months, they weaken, leading to eventual leaks that can be costly to repair. I learned the hard way that these minor oversights—created by cutting corners in the digging process—often turned into much bigger headaches down the road.

The Turning Point: Embracing the Bigger Hole

It took me a while to fully understand the value of digging a bigger hole. At first, I resisted the idea because it felt like more work. I wasn’t excited about the prospect of extra digging or additional effort. But after a series of frustrating repairs and the realization that I was just digging myself into more problems, I finally decided to try something different.

This is when I discovered the importance of giving myself the room to work. Digging a larger hole actually made the repair process more efficient and far less stressful.

By digging out a larger area, I could easily access all the components and get a clearer visual of how the fittings and pipes should be aligned. I could make sure everything was connected properly without being hindered by tight space. A larger hole also allowed for better drainage, which was crucial for keeping the area dry. If any residual water remained in the trench after making the repair, it could naturally flow away from the work area instead of pooling in the excavation.

Most importantly, a larger hole meant there was less chance for dirt, debris, or soil to get into the system. When you have the space to move around, it’s easier to keep everything clean, which reduces the risk of contamination in the lines. And, as anyone in the irrigation business knows, keeping the system clean is one of the most important aspects of maintaining long-term functionality and reliability.

The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule”

Through trial and error, I came to understand what I now call the “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” of irrigation. This rule is simple: when you’re making repairs or working on an irrigation system, give yourself plenty of space to work. Digging a larger hole may take a little more time and energy upfront, but it will save you a great deal of frustration, time, and money in the long run.

Here’s why:

Proper Alignment of Fittings: A larger hole gives you enough room to carefully align your fittings and pipes. This ensures that everything is properly solvent-welded and securely in place, reducing the risk of leaks or future failures.
Easier Drainage: If there’s any residual water left in the system after cutting into the pipe, a larger hole allows it to naturally drain away from the work area. This keeps your feet dry and prevents the hole from becoming a muddy mess.
Less Debris Contamination: More space means less chance for dirt and soil to fall into the system, ensuring the lines, valves, and fittings stay clean and free of obstructions that could cause clogs or system failures.
Long-Term Durability: Properly aligned, well-sealed fittings and a clean system are less likely to fail prematurely. A bigger hole ensures that you do the job right the first time, which means fewer repairs in the future.
Increased Efficiency: It may feel like more work at first, but a larger hole makes the repair process much smoother. You’ll find that once you have the space to move and work comfortably, the job becomes quicker and more efficient overall.

Passing on the Lesson: Mentoring New Irrigation Pros

After 27 years in the irrigation business, I’ve seen a lot of young professionals make the same mistakes I did. Newcomers often want to save time by cutting corners, whether it’s digging small holes, skipping necessary prep work, or ignoring the importance of proper system maintenance.

But the best piece of advice I can give to anyone entering this business is simple: embrace the “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule.” It’s a lesson that will serve you well throughout your career. By taking the time to do things right, you’ll save yourself countless headaches and avoid the frustration of dealing with preventable leaks, clogs, and repairs.

Remember: Extra Digging Up Front Can be Helpful!

The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” may seem like a small piece of advice, but it encapsulates a broader philosophy about the value of doing things right from the start. When it comes to irrigation, shortcuts can be costly in both time and money. The next time you’re faced with a repair or installation, remember that a little extra digging upfront can save you a lot of trouble down the line.

After 27 years in the business, I can confidently say that this lesson—though learned through mistakes—has been one of the most valuable I’ve taken away. And now, I’m passing it on to the next generation of irrigation professionals so they can avoid the same pitfalls I faced. Because, as it turns out, sometimes the bigger hole really is the better option.

The Importance of Irrigation in the Texas Climate

Written by Justin Wilson on November 1, 2024. Posted in Irrigation. No Comments on The Importance of Irrigation in the Texas Climate

Unpredictable rainfall and high temperatures can make it difficult to grow plants in Central Texas. Your ability to irrigate your lawn or garden can be the difference between having beautiful green plants or a struggling landscape that downgrades the look of the property. Learn more about the importance of irrigation in the Texas climate below.

The Tough Climate in Central Texas

According to the National Weather Service, the Central Texas area averages about 35 inches of rainfall every year. However, much of the rain falls in late spring and autumn, leaving the prime growing season of summer drier than other times of the year.

When rain is not falling regularly in Texas during the summer, when temperatures regularly reach the 90s or higher, you may need irrigation to keep your garden and lawn vibrant and green.

In addition to having an irrigation system available, homeowners in the Leander area may choose to use certain types of grass, garden plants, and landscaping flowers that can stand up to drought. Should your residence end up under watering restrictions during dry conditions, you will be glad to have drought-tolerant plants and an efficient irrigation system.

Managing Water Use in the Leander, Texas, Area

The importance of irrigation in the Texas climate is clear since so many people here need water for lawns, gardens, and crops; however, it can be difficult to conserve enough water for everyone’s needs, including agriculture.

When conservation is highly important to you, trust an irrigation repair and installation service to create a system that focuses on:

Efficiency in water use
Using technology to monitor irrigation needs
Delivering water in the most sustainable way
Watering at times of the day that are most efficient

However, any irrigation system must not sacrifice the health of the plants by excessively reducing water usage. A trusted professional team can give you the perfect balance between conserving water while irrigating and keeping your plants vibrant.

Managing the Importance of Every Drop of Water

The right irrigation system can reduce waste when watering lawns and gardens. Your irrigation system design can use precise application methods that conserve water. The system can ensure the majority of the water reaches the plants rather than being lost to soil erosion or evaporation.

Any irrigation system you use needs to be fully adjustable. You should be able to reduce your water usage in the days after rain rather than saturating your lawn or garden unnecessarily. Some irrigation systems may even automatically apply water at times when soil measurements show that the soil and plants are in need of water application.

Trust American Irrigation Repair for All Your Home Watering Needs

Whether you need a new irrigation system or repairs to your existing layout, American Irrigation Repair can help. We serve the entire Leander, Texas, area. We can help with:

Sprinkler system rebuilds
Modifications to irrigation systems
Repairs and system maintenance
Control box repair and maintenance
Design of sprinkler and irrigation systems

Our team is ready to help you today. Call us at (512) 943-6080 to discuss the importance of irrigation in the Texas climate and your specific needs.

We joined the Liberty Hill chamber

Written by Justin Wilson on October 10, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on We joined the Liberty Hill chamber

Howdy yall! I’m proud to announce we’ve joined the Liberty Hill chamber of commerce. We’ve been serving the Liberty hill area for nearly three decades, seems like we would have joined before now?! member page for American Irrigation at libertyhillchamber.org

Ashly and I were driving the area and went up to the H-E-B in Leander and were joking about all the changes especially in Seward Junction. Do y’all remember when that corner had the old Smokey Mo’s on it forever ago, and a flashing light?!

My Dad was talking to me as we were heading out to hunt the other weekend about when he was in college going to Baylor he would run between Burnet and Waco in his old Mustang. He remembered 29 being a two lane road and there wasn’t much around going from Burnet to Georgetown. I feel old when I find myself reminiscing about the same changes my Dad tells me about. I suppose that is the way life works we always fondly remember the old days.

Enough ramblings of yesteryears for now! Be sure to let us know if you know anyone that is in need of a new sprinkler system or needs help with any type of sprinkler repair in Liberty hill.

Just joined the Round Rock chamber of commerce

Written by Justin Wilson on October 6, 2024. Posted in Sprinkler Installation, Sprinkler Repair. No Comments on Just joined the Round Rock chamber of commerce

After years serving Round Rock Ashly and I finally agreed we needed to join the Round Rock chamber.

Link to American Irrigation Round Rock Chamber of commerce page

Round Rock has some of the more important things in life Ash and I enjoy, going out on a date night, especially when we go eat out 🙂 Some of our favorite date night dine out destinations in downtown are In Round Rock. Ginos over off mays – Dude there pizza, fried cheese or calzones!

Years ago we were lucky enough to tag along with a family member to Italy, my wife swore she would find pasta like in Italy when we returned. Somehow Palermo pasta house came up on her radar. Holy smokes check out the Sugo ravioli this is legit!

We’ve earned favor with the neighbors dropping off Round rock donuts on Saturday morning – in fact one of the best things we’ve ever done!

Basically some of our favorite things to do (EAT) 🙂 are in Round rock, we are glad to plug in and be a part of the chamber. Hopefully this helps us connect with folks who decide to hire us when they need a tune-up, repair on their irrigation system, or new system install.

Ashly & Justin

Top 5 Sprinkler Issues Homeowners Face and How To Fix Them

Top 5 Sprinkler Issues Austin, TX Homeowners Face and How To Fix Them

Written by Justin Wilson on September 30, 2024. Posted in Sprinkler Repair. No Comments on Top 5 Sprinkler Issues Austin, TX Homeowners Face and How To Fix Them

Property owners in Leander, TX, and around Austin depend on their irrigation systems to keep their lawns green and healthy. Over time, even the best systems run into problems that can waste water and cause landscaping and property damage.

American Irrigation Repair discusses below the five leading sprinkler issues that affect irrigation systems in Austin, TX, and how to deal with them.

1. Clogged Nozzles

Dirt, sand, and debris often accumulate in sprinkler nozzles, obstructing water flow and causing uneven watering — leading to dry patches on your lawn and wasted water.

The easiest way to clean the nozzles is with either a small screwdriver or a small metal pick. Basically, you want to knock out any debris in the nozzles to get the full pattern back.

You may need to flush the nozzle to remove debris. To do that, turn off the sprinkler system and unscrew the nozzle from the sprinkler head. Rinse the nozzle under running water and use a small brush or pick to remove debris. If this doesn’t get the heads to work or improve performance, you can call in an irrigation expert to inspect the system for other underlying problems.

2. Leaking Pipes

Because they directly affect water pressure, leaks lead to low water pressure, inadequate watering, and high water bills. Of course, leaks also cause localized flooding in your yard. Leaks can develop from ordinary wear and tear, damage from tree roots, or from freezing and bursting in winter. Sprinkler heads do have a life and after many up and down cycles seals and plastic can wear and develop marring that will cause leaks.

An irrigation expert will identify the leak using appropriate technology and tools. After pinpointing the leak, a technician will expose the damaged area with targeted excavation, and then patch the leak or replace piping, depending on the extent of the damage.

3. Sprinkler Head Damage

Lawnmowers, utility vehicles, foot traffic, pets, or extreme weather can all break or damage sprinkler heads. A broken or misaligned sprinkler head-in leads to uneven irrigation, water waste, and landscaping damage. With Austin, TX water rates being so high, and water restrictions being severe it’s best to fix leaks right away.

An irrigation technician carefully removes the damaged sprinkler head from the riser and then replaces it with a new head that matches your system’s specifications. After repairs, the technician tests the entire system for proper function and adequate water pressure.

4. Valve Malfunction

Faulty valves typically cause various zones in your irrigation system to stop working properly, leak, or have low pressure leading to uneven watering. Valves can fail because of damage from dirt, gravel, age, or debris in addition to ordinary wear and tear. Malfunctioning solenoids can also cause valves to stick open, or to fail to close.

A valve failing to close can become an emergency in short order if the homeowner is out of town or unavailable to turn off the water. Control valves are one of those components that you count on to work all day every day especially when the brutal Austin heat waves hit.

American Irrigation Repair in Leander, TX, and surrounding areas irrigation can inspect all the system’s valves for issues with functionality or performance. Rebuilding, replacing, reconnecting, or adjusting the damaged valves will often resolve the trouble. In some cases, electrical repairs, wire locating, or diagnostics are also necessary.

5. Water Pressure Problems

The low water pressure causes inadequate sprinkler coverage, while high water pressure causes misting, which also wastes water, leads to high water bills and fails to provide proper irrigation coverage.

Technicians address pressure issues by adjusting irrigation regulators, changing nozzle flow rates, adjusting control valves, or installing pressure regulators. If these adjustments don’t solve the problem, the technician will look for blockages or leaks in the irrigation lines.

Call American Irrigation Repair To Handle Sprinkler Issues

American Irrigation Repair handles repair services for all irrigation systems in use in Leander and around Austin. Don’t let sprinkler issues grow into serious problems — count on our expert team to provide cost-effective and efficient repairs.

Call American Irrigation Repair at (512) 943-6080 to schedule service and bring your sprinkler system in Austin, TX back to top form.

A Leaking Sprinkler Valve You Can’t Count On

Written by Justin Wilson on September 24, 2024. Posted in Sprinkler Maintenance. No Comments on A Leaking Sprinkler Valve You Can’t Count On

If there is one thing in a sprinkler system that you want to be able to count on, it’s the lawn sprinkler valves. When the Texas heat is blistering, and the lawn is struggling you need to be able to count on them to turn on and supply water to the sprinklers. Put the control valves need to fire when you ask them to reliably and every time.

Toro Flo-pro, a Leaking Sprinkler Valve You Can’t Count On

Toro’s flo-pro valves were popular in the 90’s especially around the Austin area. When American Irrigation started servicing irrigation systems we’d see these valves many times per week around the Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown service areas. They were common and during that time some contractors seemed to prefer them.

Why Should the Toro Flo-pro Sprinkler Valve Be Replaced?

There were a handful of issues with these particular valves. I suspect they were trying to release something new and improved with the jar-type style valve being promoted as a quicker tool-free way to enhance the serviceability of control valves. Honestly, jar top valves just aren’t necessary if you build a high-quality valve that doesn’t need to be serviced often.

A Poor Valve Solenoid Design

In continuation of the idea of easier servicing / easier on contractors, Toro used a proprietary solenoid on the valve that was sold as quicker to install and didn’t need wire splices to connect the wires. The solenoid was like the push-to-insert light switches where they have a copper spring-type conductor that is supposed to hold the wire and contact it. Contact with the wire was iffy at best, and removing the wire from the solenoid would easily damage it or make it difficult to reconnect.

Later versions of the control valve were manufactured with an improved solenoid more like those sold today, however, the other issues with the valve remained.

Prone to Leaks

It was not uncommon to see the jar top threads work their way loose over the cycles. American Irrigation Repair responded to calls finding a dead dying lawn with green dots where the flo pro valves were located. The top of the bonnet would loosen over time causing the control valve to leak. Often the leak would start small – roots would search out the water and you would end up with a control valve in the middle of a big wad of muddy root ball.

The Valve Diaphragms Were Notorious For failing.

The diaphragms would fail resulting in a no-open condition. The marker for a failed diaphragm was that you could open the control valve from the controller and the solenoid would trigger but the valve would not open. Most of the time the valve would hiss, you could hear it was trying to open. This was caused by the bleed opening on the diaphragm becoming oversized which prevented the solenoid from being able to bleed enough water from the top of the diaphragm to open the valve.

Photo of Flo-pro with the push to insert solenoid:

Picture of the diaphragm:

Grouping of the valves with the later improved solenoid:

Helpful article: How To Tell If a Sprinkler Valve Solenoid Is Bad

Hunter and Rain-Bird Control Valves Have Raised the Bar

If you have toro flo-pro valves in your system, I wouldn’t necessarily replace them if they are working correctly. Once they act up or if you see any signs of leakage you should consider replacing them with a Rain Bird DV valve, or Hunter PGV control valves which have proven to be solid reliable performers.

If you need help, give us a holler at American Irrigation Repair at 512-943-6080. We can do a full tune-up and 20-point analysis of your system and present you with any recommendations we find.

Because of the age of these valves, I did not have recent photos so I grabbed a couple of photos from other sources so I want to give them credit and shout out below!

Sources:

https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/help-identifying-this-toro-valve-pic-attached.327979/

https://www.doityourself.com/forum/lawns-landscaping-outdoor-decor/605220-toro-flo-pro-valve-diagram.html

Heatwave Irrigation System Strategies

Written by Justin Wilson on August 27, 2024. Posted in Irrigation. No Comments on Heatwave Irrigation System Strategies

Living in Austin, Texas, can often mean heatwave alerts. When those sweltering temperatures arrive, everyone wants to avoid the sun as much as possible, but residents aren’t the only ones feeling the heat – lawns suffer serious dehydration, too.

Do you know what to do to keep your Austin lawn looking lush green during a heatwave? In this post, American Irrigation Repair’s lawn experts look at a viable heatwave irrigation system that anyone can easily implement.

Water Your Grass Early in the Day

Watering your grass during the peak of the day’s heat might feel like the reasonable thing to do during a heatwave, but watering on a hot summer afternoon simply wastes water. You might drop the garden hose and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. However, the bulk of that liquid will evaporate so quickly there will be next to nothing left for the thirsty roots across your lawn.

The best time to water your lawn during a heat wave is just before sunrise. Aim to complete your watering schedule before the sun comes up.

Avoid Watering Your Grass Every Day

It may sound like a good idea to water your lawn every day during a heatwave. However, doing so will only lead to plants developing shallow roots. This makes the lawn and garden far less resilient to the heatwave (and any subsequent ones).

It’s always better to water deeper, longer, and less frequently during heatwave conditions. This strategy will force the roots of your grass deeper into the soil, making it all healthier.

Find the Perfect Watering Duration for Your Lawn

Often, people seeking advice on a heatwave irrigation system expect to find one-size-fits-all recommendations on how long to water a lawn during a heat wave. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing. The watering duration depends on a long list of factors, including:

Soil type.
Vegetation.
The configuration of your landscape.

For example, you can water clay soil for just 15 minutes and have great results, while sandy soil needs 60 minutes to do the same. The wisest approach here is to speak to a qualified irrigation expert in Austin for a professional assessment and some tips.

Invest in a Smart Sprinkler System

Do you want a more long-term lawn solution that doesn’t involve some manual labor on your part? Consider installing a smart sprinkler system. Your heatwave irrigation system will be straightforward with a sprinkler setup that can adjust watering schedules based on the weather conditions and the specific needs of your plants.

Smart sprinkler systems reduce the risk of water wastage during a drought via accurate automation. Efficiency is highest with systems designed to monitor soil moisture levels.

Call for More Guidance on Heatwave Irrigation From Your Local Experts in Texas

Do you need more help with putting together a heatwave irrigation system for your lawn or landscaping? Consider custom irrigation guidance for your specific landscape in Austin, TX!

Call American Irrigation Repair today at (512)-943-6080 to schedule your consultation.