Helpful Information
Will a malfunctioning sprinkler head adversely affect your irrigation system efficiency? Absolutely. When your system fails to distribute water evenly, it leads to overwatering in some areas and heat stress in others, so you’ll want to move quickly if a sprinkler head has suddenly stopped rotating as it did before.
If you’d like some tips on how to get your sprinkler system back to peak performance, read on for some information from American Irrigation Repair sprinkler head troubleshooting.
Common Causes of a Non-Rotating Sprinkler Head
Understanding the possible causes of a malfunctioning sprinkler head is the first step in addressing it effectively. Here are the most common reasons a sprinkler might stop rotating.
Debris Buildup
Over time, dirt, sand, and general yard debris can clog and disrupt a sprinkler head’s internal mechanisms and stop it from rotating smoothly.
One solution is regularly cleaning each of the sprinkler heads. Filters are also a preventative measure against buildup that can lead to irrigation system failure.
Water Pressure Problems
Your sprinkler system relies on consistent and sufficient water pressure to operate correctly. When water pressure drops, sprinkler heads often do not have sufficient force to rotate. Excessive pressure also causes parts to wear out prematurely or break unexpectedly.
The main concern is thermal expansion and high water temperatures during summer. Both of these things affect the pressure inside the sprinkler system. Malfunctioning sprinkler heads can also sometimes indicate underlying water pressure issues, so don’t wait too long to schedule a professional inspection.
Obstructions Around the Sprinkler Head
Intuitively, physical obstructions like gravel, plants, or broken ground can also impede the movement of your system’s sprinkler heads. Have small, hard objects worked their way into the moving parts?
Excessive sprinkler head stress like this will stop the rotation and cause lasting damage. If a sprinkler head won’t move, take it as an opportunity. Being proactive about scheduling repairs early restores the sprinklers’ function before things get expensive.
Misalignment or Damaged Parts
Normal wear and tear catches up with all mechanical devices. Has your yard’s sprinkler heads become misaligned or damaged?
The sprinkler head components that commonly wear out include:
- Gears.
- Trip collars.
- Trip pins.
How To Repair a Sprinkler Head That Won’t Rotate
Here are some basic troubleshooting steps to address a sprinkler head malfunction.
Clean Out the Sprinkler Head
A sprinkler professional will begin by unscrewing the sprinkler head and rinsing it thoroughly under clean water. A small brush or pin removes debris from the nozzle and filter. After the thorough cleaning and reassembly, it’s also important to test that the sprinkler now rotates.
Adjust the Water Pressure
The second check will be using a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure in your irrigation system – the ideal result is slightly higher than inside your home, at between 50 and 60 PSI. Low pressure could indicate leaks or problems with cut-off valves or backflow valves, whereas pressure that is too high might need a water pressure regulator repair.
Remove All Obstructions
Is the area around the sprinkler head free of obstacles like pebbles, rocks, plants, or debris? Any of these items could block the sprinkler head’s movement.
The sprinkler head should also be a level surface or platform to provide proper alignment.
Inspect for Damage or Misalignment
Experts will then carefully inspect the sprinkler head for any signs of wear, misalignment, or breakage, paying particularly close attention to the gears, trip collars, and trip pins. If they detect any damaged or misaligned parts, sprinkler repair teams generally adjust or replace these as necessary. The sprinkler head must also correctly align to promote proper rotation.
A non-rotating sprinkler head might come right with a few tweaks, but getting professional help on this ensures you don’t miss anything important. You might save a lot of money and aggravation on catching complex issues early.
Call American Irrigation Repair for Expert Sprinkler Services
These troubleshooting tips for a malfunctioning sprinkler head should prove helpful but don’t hesitate to get some help if problems persist. Dealing with a sprinkler head that will not rotate is just one of the many services that irrigation and sprinkler systems may need.
At American Irrigation Repair, we have provided reliable and prompt sprinkler repair services to property owners across Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and Texas Hill Country since 1997. Whether a sprinkler head needs simple repairs or the property’s irrigation needs a complete overhaul, you’ll find our prompt solutions and excellent customer service reliable.
Call American Irrigation Repair at (512) 943-6080 to schedule service!
