How to fix pressure issues with single zone sprinkler system?

zoe.margaret

Hi there, I have a single system that runs off a tap timer and garden tap. There is a large amount of pressure that goes through but after adjusting one of the pop up sprinklers, they don’t pop up. I have 6 sprinklers total. Once fiddling with the sprinkler, they all pop up. I believe there is no dirt/debris in there and it isn’t cracked. Anything I can do to rectify this? A low pressure sprinkler? If so, what do you recommend? Happy to change all heads if need be. Thanks!

EricL

Hello @zoe.margaret

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your sprinkler system.

Your sprinkler system works under a certain amount of water pressure. It's like a predetermined quantity of water you can use every minute. Let's say for example that the amount of water coming out of your tap is 20ltrs a minute. It means that with the six pop up heads that you have, they are operating at 3.33 litres per head. You just happen to adjust one of the heads and now it's using 5ltrs instead of the allocated 3.33. By doing this you step outside of the allocated 20ltr limit, your pop ups are now not getting the necessary pressure they need to operate. Hence when you put the old pop up back to its old setting the demand went back down to what the tap can manage.

Can you replace the pop-up head? Yes, you can but it would need to operate at the same water pressure as the old head. This would be your number one rule when upgrading or changing pop-up heads. Make sure that they operate at the same pressure. You can find this information on the pop-up body itself, or you can research the model number and see its specifications and at what pressure it works at.

Just keep in mind that changing to lower pressure will have drawbacks and that it could mean that the spray will not be as far reaching as the old ones. It could also mean that the spray arc is fixed or limited. Since there quite a number of pop-up heads, I suggest visiting your local store and having a look at the pop-up sprinklers, you'll see their throwing arc and amount of pressure they need in order to work properly.

I also recommend having a look at these discussions for more ideas:

• How to install a simple irrigation system by @srobinson
• Understanding a drip irrigation watering system by @Adam _W
• Watering system for my backyard by @DryGarden
• Garden irrigation system by @GardenerJohn  
• Watering system by @Brian  
• Holman BTX1 watering system review by @TheSaltyreefer  
• DIY irrigation system by @lushgardener .

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric