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IMPACT SPRINKLER TROUBLESHOOTING
Through many years of experience, we have found that conditions which most often interfere with
the proper operation of impact sprinklers are the use of any lubricants (other than water), low water
pressure, foreign materials in the irrigation water, and excessive damage or wear to sprinkler parts.
Any one or a combination of these factors can cause the sprinkler to stop rotating completely or ro-
tate to one side and fail to return.
If your sprinkler stops working:
DON'T....Spray it with lubricant!
DON'T....Drill out the nozzle!
DO..........Disassemble and clean the unit thoroughly.
DO..........Check for sources of reduction in water pressure.
Problem Cause Remedy
A. Sprinkler does not
rotate back and forth.
1. Insufficient
water pressure. Re-
quirements vary
from model to
model.
a. Remove sprinkler head and attach pressure gauge to riser. Check operat-
ing pressure with line running. If pressure is low. check for breaks in the line
or water running elsewhere which could drain pressure.
Most popular mod-
els need at least 25
psi at the last sprin-
kler head, and
should have an un-
adjusted throw of at
least 36'.
b. Pop-up Models: Check for water coming out around the guide seal below
the sprinkler head. This is a pressure activated seal. if pressure is insuffi-
cient, water will leak around this seal causing the unit to stall and pop up
only part way. If the unit is new or others on the line have same problem, it
is probably related to pressure. If the unit is older, clean or replace the
guide nut seal if necessary.
c. Try switching with another sprinkler closer to water source. If it works,
then pressure could be the problem.
d. If the sprinkler stopped working within a month or two of installation, the
system may not have been designed to accommodate the normal operating
pressure of the type of sprinklers installed. If metal sprinklers are being
used, try switching to plastic. If plastic sprinklers are being used, try a lower
gallonage variety.
e. If measures above do not provide enough pressure boost, system may
have to be rerouted to include less sprinkler heads per line.
A. Sprinkler does not
rotate back and forth.
2. Debris in nozzle
or other parts of
sprinkler.
Build up of water
deposits causing
friction.
a. Remove sprinkler and check for debris in nozzle, swivel bearing, and
inlet. Sometimes, a wire pushed gently into the nozzle will loosen debris so
it can be rinsed out. Do not drill or alter nozzles as this may permanently
hinder the sprinkler performance.
Metal models only: If sand is caught in vane inside of nozzle, it will need to
be removed. Loosen nozzle with wrench and unscrew.
b. Thoroughly wash sprinkler to remove dirt and oil. A vinegar and water
solution will help remove water deposits.
c. Replace bearing washers if oil has been used on the sprinkler.
Impact Sprinkler Troubleshooting Guide
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