How to Fix a Broken Drip Irrigation Sprinkler: A Step-by-Step Guide

Drip irrigation systems are a fantastic way to conserve water and ensure your plants receive the precise amount of moisture they need. However, like any irrigation system, drip irrigation sprinklers can sometimes break or become clogged, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to your plants. Fortunately, fixing a broken drip irrigation sprinkler is a straightforward task that you can easily handle yourself. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

Signs of a Broken Drip Irrigation Sprinkler

Identifying the signs of a broken or clogged drip irrigation sprinkler is crucial for timely repair:

  • Water Pooling: Excessive water accumulation around a particular area.
  • Dry Spots: Plants or areas that are not receiving any water.
  • Leaking Water: Water spraying or leaking from connections.
  • Reduced Water Flow: Noticeable decrease in water output from the emitters.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Replacement drip irrigation sprinkler or emitter
  • Scissors or garden shears
  • Barbed connectors (if necessary)
  • Punch tool (for new emitters)
  • Hose repair coupling (if necessary)
  • Bucket or container

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Broken Drip Irrigation Sprinkler

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before starting any repairs, ensure the water supply to your drip irrigation system is turned off. This prevents water from spilling out and allows you to work safely and efficiently. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.

2. Locate the Problematic Sprinkler

Identify the broken or clogged sprinkler. Run the system briefly to pinpoint the issue, then turn it off again. Look for areas with pooling water, dry spots, or visible damage.

3. Inspect the Sprinkler and Tubing

Carefully examine the problematic sprinkler and the surrounding tubing for visible damage or clogs. Sometimes, the issue may be due to debris blocking the emitter or a small puncture in the tubing.

4. Remove the Broken Sprinkler

Gently remove the broken or clogged sprinkler from the tubing. Depending on your system, you may need to unscrew it or simply pull it out. Be careful not to damage the tubing while doing this. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.

5. Clean or Replace the Sprinkler

  • Cleaning: If the sprinkler is clogged but not damaged, try cleaning it. Soak the emitter in a solution of water and vinegar to dissolve any mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before reattaching.
  • Replacing: If the sprinkler is damaged, replace it with a new one. Ensure the new sprinkler matches the specifications of your system.

Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.

6. Repairing the Tubing (if necessary)

If the tubing is damaged, you will need to cut out the damaged section. Use scissors or garden shears to make clean cuts on either side of the damaged area. Connect the cut ends using a barbed connector or hose repair coupling. Make sure the connections are secure and watertight. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.

7. Install the New Sprinkler

Using a punch tool, create a small hole in the tubing where you want to place the new sprinkler. Insert the barbed end of the new sprinkler into the hole, ensuring it fits snugly. If you’re replacing an emitter, simply push the new emitter into the tubing where the old one was removed. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.

8. Test the System

Turn the water supply back on and run the drip irrigation system to test the new sprinkler. Check for proper operation, ensuring water is flowing correctly and there are no leaks. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.

9. Make Final Adjustments

Adjust the positioning of the new sprinkler if necessary to ensure even water distribution. Check surrounding emitters to ensure they’re working properly, as the system may have been affected by the initial problem.

Tips for Preventing Future Issues

  • Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your drip irrigation system for clogs and damage.
  • Filter Installation: Install a filter at the water source to prevent debris from entering the system.
  • Seasonal Care: Flush the system at the start of each season to clear out any accumulated debris.
  • Monitor Water Pressure: Ensure the water pressure is appropriate for your system to prevent blowouts and leaks.

Contact us if you need to schedule your irrigation maintenance service.

Conclusion

Fixing a broken drip irrigation sprinkler is a simple and effective way to maintain the efficiency of your irrigation system and ensure your plants receive the water they need. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily handle the repair yourself, keeping your garden in top shape. Regular maintenance and attentive care can prevent future issues and prolong the life of your drip irrigation system.

Winterizing Irrigation Systems

Winterizing irrigation systems is an important step to protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures. There are three basic methods for draining leftover water from your sprinkler or irrigation system: manual drain, automatic drain, and blow-out. The method you use depends on the type of irrigation you have in place. If you’re not sure, or don’t feel comfortable winterizing yourself, contact us for help.

Here are the general steps for each method:

Manual Drain Method:

Some irrigation systems are equipped with manual drainage. These systems allow you to empty excess water from the system by simply opening a valve. If you have manual drain irrigation, follow these steps:

  • Shut off the water supply to the system.
  • Look for the manual valves at the ends and low points of the piping.
  • Open all the valves and drain the water from the system.
  • Make sure you also drain the backflow device.
  • Some sprinklers are equipped with check valves. These devices allow water to only flow one way. If you’ve got check valves on your system, try raising the sprinkler heads. This should let water drain out of those mechanisms.
  • Once you’ve drained the entire system, close all the valves.

Automatic Drain Method

An automatic drain system has valves that automatically drain water from the pipes. This happens only when the water pressure falls below a certain number of pounds per square inch. To activate an automatic drain function, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the water supply.
  • Briefly run one of the sprinkler heads to relieve the water pressure in the system.
  • Automatic draining should begin, clearing the pipes of excess water.
  • You may still need to drain the water between the shut-off valve and the backflow device.
  • If the sprinkler heads are equipped with check valves, empty them separately.

Blow-Out Method

The final way of draining an irrigation system is known as the blow-out method. To drain the pipes, you force compressed air through the irrigation system. This discharges excess water through the sprinkler heads. It works if you have the proper irrigation system to handle the pressure. The blow-out method is potentially hazardous.

Malfunctioning Irrigation Timers

Irrigation timers can malfunction due to power outages, faulty wiring, or simply old age.

Some other common causes of malfunctioning irrigation timers can be:

Damaged solenoid: The solenoid is the electrical component that activates the valve to turn on the water. If the solenoid is damaged, it will not be able to turn on the valve, even if the timer is set correctly.
Loose or corroded wiring: The wiring that connects the timer to the valve can become loose or corroded over time. This can cause a short circuit or prevent the timer from sending a signal to the valve.
– Dirty contacts: The contacts on the timer can become dirty or corroded over time. This can prevent the timer from making a good connection and sending a signal to the valve.
– Settings: If the timer settings are not correct, the sprinklers may not turn on or off at the desired times.

If you think your irrigation timer is malfunctioning, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the power supply to the timer. Make sure that the timer is plugged into an outlet that is working properly.

2. Check the wiring between the timer and the valve. Make sure that the wires are not loose or corroded.

3. Clean the contacts on the timer. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts.

4. Check the timer settings. Make sure that the settings are correct for the time of day and the watering schedule.

If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and the timer is still malfunctioning, call us: 702.370.2828.

Regular irrigation system maintenance can help prevent your irrigation timer from malfunctioning. Some preventive services we recommend:

– Install a surge protector on the outlet that the timer is plugged into. This will help to protect the timer from power surges.

– Inspect the timer and wiring regularly for damage.

– Clean the contacts on the timer every few years.

– Replace the timer every 10-15 years.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your irrigation timer in good working order and prevent it from malfunctioning.

GET IN TOUCH

Request Service

Irrigation Repair Services in Las Vegas

We provide professional irrigation repair services, such as maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of your irrigation systems. These services are essential for ensuring the proper functioning and efficiency of irrigation systems for your lawns, gardens, and other green spaces.

Irrigation System Failure in Dry Weather Conditions

Yes, irrigation systems can experience issues and break even during dry weather. Here are a few reasons why irrigation systems might break or malfunction during dry conditions:

Irrigation Repair Las Vegas

Increased Irrigation System Usage:

During dry weather in Las Vegas, the demand for irrigation systems typically rises as plants and lawns require more water. Increased usage can put additional strain on the system, leading to issues such as clogged nozzles, broken pipes, or malfunctioning valves.

Irrigation System Overloading:

In an effort to compensate for the dry conditions, some users may run their irrigation systems for longer durations or more frequently. Continuous operation or excessive watering can overload the system and cause components to fail.

Soil Shifting and Ground Movement:

Prolonged dry spells can cause soil to shrink, shift, or crack. These changes in the ground can put stress on pipes and fittings, leading to leaks or breaks in the irrigation system.

Water Pressure Fluctuations:

In dry weather, water sources may experience fluctuations in pressure. High water pressure can damage sprinkler heads or cause pipes to burst, while low pressure can result in inefficient water distribution or system failure.

Irrigation repair Las Vegas

Lack of Maintenance:

Neglecting routine maintenance can increase the likelihood of system failures. Over time, debris, dirt, and mineral deposits can accumulate in the system, obstructing water flow and affecting the performance of valves, nozzles, and other components.

Our Irrigation Repair And Maintenance Services

System Inspection and Evaluation: Our technicians will assess the overall condition of the irrigation system, including sprinklers, pipes, valves, and controllers. They will identify any issues or areas that require repair.

Leak Detection and Repair: If there are leaks in the system, our irrigation repair technician will locate and repair them. Leaks can waste water and cause damage to the landscape if not addressed promptly.

Sprinkler Repair and Adjustment: Broken or malfunctioning sprinkler heads, nozzles, or valves will be repaired or replaced as needed. Our technician will also ensure that the sprinkler heads are properly adjusted to provide adequate water coverage.

Controller and Timer Troubleshooting: If the irrigation controller or timer is not functioning correctly, the repair service will diagnose and fix the issue. We may have to reprogram the controller or replace faulty components.

Pipe and Valve Repair: Damaged or broken pipes and valves will be repaired or replaced to restore proper water flow and prevent water waste.

System Upgrades and Retrofitting: Our irrigation repair services include upgrades and retrofitting options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the irrigation system. This could include installing water-saving devices, such as rain sensors or drip irrigation systems.

Seasonal Maintenance: Regular maintenance visits may be scheduled to prepare the irrigation system for different seasons. This may involve adjusting watering schedules, clearing clogged nozzles, and checking system performance.

GET IN TOUCH

Schedule a Visit

SNWA: Summer Watering Schedule in Las Vegas

Summer Watering Schedule Months

  • May 01 – August 31

How many days a week can you water?

  • 6 days or less a week
  • NEVER ON SUNDAY

Find your watering days and group


Do your plants have a drinking problem?


For all your sprinkler and irrigation repairs and installation in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or Henderson call a Nevada Licensed Contractor!

PVB Repair

What is PVB?

PVB stands for Pressure Vacuum Breaker. It is a type of backflow prevention device used in irrigation and plumbing systems to protect against contamination of potable water by preventing water from flowing back into the supply lines from an external source.

How Does The PVB Work?

PVBs are typically installed on the main water supply line, and they work by allowing water to flow out of the system while preventing it from flowing back in. They are designed to open and release pressure if the downstream pressure drops, and to close and hold a vacuum if the downstream pressure increases. PVBs are required by local plumbing codes in the Las Vegas area.

PVBs Repair And Maintenance

PVB repair refers to the maintenance and fixing of any issues with a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) device. These repairs can be performed by a professional irrigation technician or by a homeowner with the proper tools and knowledge. Common repair tasks include:

- Replacing damaged or worn parts, such as the spring, poppet, or seats

- Adjusting the system's settings, such as the pressure and vacuum settings

- Troubleshooting and resolving problems with the system's performance, such as leaks or improper operation.

- Testing the PVB to ensure it is functioning properly.

It Is Important That The PVB Operates Correctly

It is important to ensure that the PVB is operating correctly to prevent contamination of the potable water supply and protect the health of the public. If the PVB is not working properly, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Clark County Final Plumbing Requirements

- Verify all backflow prevention devices are installed and certified by a certified backflow protection specialist.

- If property has irrigation, verify that pressure vacuum breaker is installed a minimum of 12 inches above all downstream piping.

Call Us To Troubleshoot Your PVB

Call us

Why Irrigation Is Important In Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a desert and it is not uncommon for the temperature to reach over 100 degrees in the summer. The reason why irrigation is necessary in Las Vegas, Nevada is because without water, there would be no life at all.

If you are looking for high-quality and efficient irrigation services then call us for affordable solutions. We offer a complete yard care service for both residential and commercial. We also do design, installation, and repair of sprinkler systems.

For all your irrigation and sprinkler repair and installation

What is the Cost to Install Sprinkler System in Las Vegas

A range of factors influence your system’s repair cost, with the system type being one. Sprinklers come in two types: above-ground and in-ground.

The cost of sprinkler repair in Las Vegas will vary depending on the size of the property and the extent of damage. The price for sprinkler repair in Las Vegas can range from $1,000 to $10,000. The cost will depend on the size of the property and the extent of damage.

The complexity of sprinkler systems installations and repairs is high. Given that fact that sprinkle repair systems include many parts, including heads, valves, lines, and pipes, the problems you may face can arise with each of them, and some parts are more expensive and time-consuming to repair.

At Irrigation Solutions Las Vegas, we provide complete sprinkler system installation in Las Vegas. Please feel free to contact us for any sprinkle system installation need, at 702 370 2828.

Change Your Irrigation Controller For The Seasons

If you live in the Las Vegas valley and want to know when to Change Your Irrigation Controller, keep reading.

Seasonal watering schedule in Las Vegas

Irrigation Solutions of Las Vegas is here to serve our community, and we want to help serve by providing information on how to keep your sprinkler system in compliance with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) watering schedule. By following their schedule, you can avoid paying unwanted and unnecessary fees or dealing with violations.

Where to Find Your Watering Schedule and Days to Water

Every zip code is assigned a watering group. To locate your watering schedule, you will need to know the letter of your watering group. This can be identified by going to the SNWA water schedule website and enter your home address and zip code or you can locate it on your monthly statement. If you are not in the Las Vegas area, for example Henderson, North Las Vegas or Boulder City, it will direct you to those respective sites, but for those residents in the city of Las Vegas or county, enter your home address and zip code and click “Submit”. The next page will display the following info:

  • Your water group (This is indicated by a letter between A-F)
  • Your approved scheduled days (Monday – Saturday). Watering on Sundays is NOT allowed for anyone, anywhere, anytime of the year in the Las Vegas Valley area.
  • Current schedule for either your sprinkler or drip irrigation system
  • View more details – Includes information on your sprinkler vs drip system, including flow rates and length of times they should be running

Know the Dates To Change Your Schedule

In Las Vegas, the seasons can blend into each other and it may be difficult to know when to change your sprinkler or irrigation system based on the temperature. Below is a quick list of the start dates to change your controller for the seasons. Also, you can set these dates in your calendar as a reminder to change your controller accordingly.

  • Summer – May 1st through August 31st (No watering between 11a.m and 7p.m.)
  • Spring – March 1st through April 30th (Water for 3 days of the week only)
  • Winter – November 1st through February 28th (Water for 1 day of the week only)
  • Fall – September 1st through October 31st (Water for 3 days of the week only)

Sprinkler watering on Sundays is prohibited.

 

 

Shower Your Plants

Scorching Hot Sun

Every year in Las Vegas the sun is scorching hot during the summer months and the air is dry. So, your outdoor plants will need an extra care and more water.

Raining in Las Vegas

It's been raining in Las Vegas this summer; more than last year. That is good for your garden, trees and outdoor plants. However, the rain is not enough and you may need to change your irrigation clock for additional watering or use a hose to give your plants additional water every day. Remember to check your watering schedule to see how often you are allowed to water during the summer.

Additional care for your plants

If you notice that your plants and trees, especially young trees, lose their leaf elasticity or seem to be "less happy 🙁", check your irrigation system. You can do it by running a manual test for each irrigation zone to make sure they get enough water. Additionally, you can also give them a quick shower after the sun goes down. To do that, use a garden hose with an adjustable head. Set the head to the shower setting and run water over the plants and young trees. Make them feel like it is raining on them. You will notice, even in the morning, that they start looking better and seem to be reinvigorated.

For all your irrigation needs

Call us

-->