Creating A Gorgeous Garden

5 Causes Of Misaligned Sprinkler Heads

29 December 2021 by Tiffany Gonzales

When your sprinklers are misaligned they won't spray water in the desired pattern over the yard. This can lead to dry spots from poor coverage or to the accidental watering of the street or driveway instead of the lawn. Alignment issues can typically be resolved quickly so that the spray pattern is returned to normal. 

1. Lawn Obstructions

All too often the lawn turf itself interferes with a sprinkler's spray pattern. If the turf grows over the sprinkler head, it may not be able to pop up fully. The result is no spray at all or reduced spray coverage. Turf obstructions can also prevent rotating heads from properly rotating. Walk your lawn weekly and check each sprinkler head to ensure it is popping up properly with no obstructions from the surrounding turf. 

2. Adjustment Issues

Most types of sprinkler emitters are adjusted on site. This means that each individual sprinkler head can be set to any spray pattern desired. If the emitter comes out of adjustment, it may no longer spray in the desired pattern. Adjustment methods depend on the design of the sprinkler head, but there is usually a screw or lever to turn. Simple pop-up sprinkler heads can usually be adjusted by turning the screw on the top of the head, for example.

3. Broken Emitter

Sometimes the emitter is simply broken. Sprinkler heads can break due to age or from outside damage, such as getting run over by a lawnmower. A broken sprinkler head can't typically be repaired, so replacement is usually the only way to fix it so that it sprays in the proper pattern for suitable lawn coverage.

4. Emitter Clogs

Clogs occur when grass, soil, or other small items make their way into the sprinkler outlet holes. Usually, the force of the water clears any possible clogs, but occasionally the clog is severe enough that the water can't flow through and you end up with a stuttering or uneven spray. You can use a paper clip or other small object to clear the debris out of the holes in the sprinkler head, if necessary.

5. Pressure Issues

Finally, don't discount issues with overall water pressure. If multiple emitters are putting out a low or incomplete flow or are failing to rotate as usual, then the main water pressure level may be too low due to a failed pressure switch on the line. Low flow from single or multiple sprinkler emitters may also indicate a line leak. 

Contact an irrigation repair service if you are still having issues with your sprinkler's spray pattern. 

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