Irregation System Problems Clogged Sprinkler Heads

[jrref]

This year I can't believe how many homeowners I see fixing their lawn irrigation sprinkler heads either themselves or by a professional.

One of the problems is becasue we haven't had much rain this season, the retention ponds are unusually low and we are getting a lot of sand and debris in the re-claimed irregation water.

The only way to solve this problem is by installing an irrigation filter. It's not expensive but once intstalled and your sprinkler heads and filters cleaned or replaced if they are already clogged, you won't have to spend that yearly cost cleaning or replacing your sprinkler heads meaning the installation of an irrigation filter will pay for itself in one season.

[vintageogauge]

If you have a hunter system each head has it's own filter that takes less than 2 minutes to remove, clean off and put back in. You will be adjusting your heads multiple times a year to keep them in tune so not a big deal to clean the filters at the same time. Also the system filter you mention will also need to be cleaned or replaced at least once a year.

[retiredguy123]

If you have a hunter system each head has it's own filter that takes less than 2 minutes to remove, clean off and put back in. You will be adjusting your heads multiple times a year to keep them in tune so not a big deal to clean the filters at the same time. Also the system filter you mention will also need to be cleaned or replaced at least once a year.
An easier thing to do is to just throw away the filter. Why do you need a filter to protect a two dollar sprinkler nozzle? My sprinkler heads work fine without the plastic filters, and they don't get clogged as often.

[Pairadocs]

An easier thing to do is to just throw away the filter. Why do you need a filter to protect a two dollar sprinkler nozzle? My sprinkler heads work fine without the plastic filters, and they don't get clogged as often.

Big thanks ! So good to know. We spend hours each spring, and often twice a year, spring and fall, patiently gathering the little plastic filters from heads and carefully soaking them in vinegar, cleaning with a toothbrush, etc. etc. That easy task HAS served us well, but just removing them... never thought about that. Did you ever then have trouble with sand particles getting stuck in the pin point spray holes ? Or is that not a problem ?

[Pairadocs]

This year I can't believe how many homeowners I see fixing their lawn irrigation sprinkler heads either themselves or by a professional.

One of the problems is becasue we haven't had much rain this season, the retention ponds are unusually low and we are getting a lot of sand and debris in the re-claimed irregation water.

The only way to solve this problem is by installing an irrigation filter. It's not expensive but once intstalled and your sprinkler heads and filters cleaned or replaced if they are already clogged, you won't have to spend that yearly cost cleaning or replacing your sprinkler heads meaning the installation of an irrigation filter will pay for itself in one season.

If you are interested in an irrigation filter a Village resident Chuck Grospitch installs them. You might want to give him a call on 440-823-4273 or e-mail him at chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
for information. He's highly recommended.

A major factor in your amazement of seeing so many of your neighbors out working on their sprinkler heads is just that it's spring and people are out working, doing routine things; if you've lived here very long, you'll notice more people out trimming bushes, cleaning out their gutters with leaf blowers, and so on. Do you have some details on your filters you had installed ? Does this man put a new filter in EACH sprinkler head, or does he install something that eliminated the yearly, or bi-yearly cleaning of each filter ? More details, interesting option to eliminate routine spring maintenance if it works. Thanks:smiley:

[Keefelane66]

We've had no issues with clogged sprinkler heads 12 years Village of Pennycamp. Just hope it will start raining soon water twice weekly lawn is healthy.

[retiredguy123]

Big thanks ! So good to know. We spend hours each spring, and often twice a year, spring and fall, patiently gathering the little plastic filters from heads and carefully soaking them in vinegar, cleaning with a toothbrush, etc. etc. That easy task HAS served us well, but just removing them... never thought about that. Did you ever then have trouble with sand particles getting stuck in the pin point spray holes ? Or is that not a problem ?
I haven't noticed a problem. I keep several spare nozzles, but I think I have only replaced about 5 to 8 nozzles in the past 6 years due to clogging.

Note that there is a non-adjustable nozzle with 2 pin point holes 180 degrees apart for watering a linear row of plants. It is a Hunter Model 5-CST-B, which I once ordered for a neighbor, but I have never needed to replace one in my yard. If you ever need one, the only place I could find it was at sprinklerwarehouse.com. ACE Hardware and Amazon did not carry it.

[Michael G.]

We've had no issues with clogged sprinkler heads 12 years Village of Pennycamp.



I would think that sprinkler head that is clogged wouldn't show me enough
to show me if it is clogged.
Always though if there's water coming out it's working, now I'm not so sure.

[Maker]

Friend has one. Filter is inline with the water supply. Mainly intended for reclaimed water in the south end that is loaded with grit, sand, and junk. The filter element is easy to clean, and reusable. The heads never clog up now.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Thanks! i learned something today!

[Altavia]

I like the bulk filter ideas but I thought the reclaimed water was filtered and processed before distribution?

Any sand or grit would be from installation or?

[DAVES]

This year I can't believe how many homeowners I see fixing their lawn irrigation sprinkler heads either themselves or by a professional.

One of the problems is becasue we haven't had much rain this season, the retention ponds are unusually low and we are getting a lot of sand and debris in the re-claimed irregation water.

The only way to solve this problem is by installing an irrigation filter. It's not expensive but once intstalled and your sprinkler heads and filters cleaned or replaced if they are already clogged, you won't have to spend that yearly cost cleaning or replacing your sprinkler heads meaning the installation of an irrigation filter will pay for itself in one season.

If you are interested in an irrigation filter a Village resident Chuck Grospitch installs them. You might want to give him a call on 440-823-4273 or e-mail him at chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
for information. He's highly recommended.

Different strokes for different folks. A filter will not prevent your lawn mowing guy or gal from cutting off the heads or driving over them or whatever and knocking them out of proper adjustment. It has been very dry. Perhaps a wise time to check your heads.
Should be a what to do in February, March kind of thing.

Perhaps, my style for many things. You can pay someone to do it wait around for a day
for them to show up. Or look it up on the internet and do it yourself. The parts a color coded and a commonly sold item Ace, Lowes and mail order.

Someone mentioned there are filters in every head. We are on the recycled water and I don't recall ever seeing a stuffed head filter.

[DAVES]

I would think that sprinkler head that is clogged wouldn't show me enough
to show me if it is clogged.
Always though if there's water coming out it's working, now I'm not so sure.

A suggestion to all. Save some shallow cans-like tuna fish cans. Wash them you do not want to attract rats etc. You space them out, one section at a time and see how good your water distribution is working. Are the heads right and properly adjusted? The level in the can will tell you. Why tuna cans? Other cans, glasses etc due to shape may have water bouncing off the sides.

[Bill1701]

I like the bulk filter ideas but I thought the reclaimed water was filtered and processed before distribution?

Any sand or grit would be from installation or?

No, that is not the case. There supposedly is some minor filtration going on, but it doesn't keep out the smaller particles which will clog the sprinkler heads.

[RobertScott]

Well, I am interested in a filter for the entire system. It isn't just the time to take off each head and toothebrush the individual filter, it is that one also has to realign them, not just simply screw them back on, when one is done.

I was surprised how dirty mine were in Citrus grove, when I had only done it six months ago, and it was green slime, not sand. With the ponds being so low I would imagine that will remanifest even more quickly now.

[Rheimer]

I have a question for clarification please. Why do you need a filter on the sprinkler head or sprinkler system? Isn’t this just reclaimed water going into your lawn and plants? It seems if you remove all the filters that would solve the clogging problem.

[Santiagogirl]

Current drought makes it a lot easier to spot places where a sprinkler system needs adjustment or cleaning, or where a planting is blocking the spray & needs a trim. Just walk around the house once a week or two & look for brown spots, as well as broken or missing heads as a result of our lawn folks. Won't identify every problem, but will prevent permanent damage to the lawn.
Most of the problems I've found are quick fixes, and green returns very quickly. I live in northern end of TV where sprinklers are on municipal water supply, so whole system filter would probably be overkill.

[Ski Bum]

An easier thing to do is to just throw away the filter. Why do you need a filter to protect a two dollar sprinkler nozzle? My sprinkler heads work fine without the plastic filters, and they don't get clogged as often.

There is a screw on top of the nozzle that seats against that filter to turn down the spray, if needed. So the nozzle becomes non-adjustable if you remove the filter.

[lawgolfer]

It isn't worth the time and trouble to replace the small plastic filters at the sprinkler heads. You have to spend a lot of time with a fine toothbrush to get them clean and you have to make a second trip to the sprinkler and an "up and down" on our old, tired knees.

You can buy a supply of these filters at Irrigation supplies and equipment from Dripdepot (http://www.dripdepot.com) for $.20/each. If you have a serious problem with clogged filters, which many do, you should find the sprinkler at the end of the line, remove the head and flush the line. Most times, you'll be shocked at the "junk" that comes out of the line.

Drip Depot is a great source for everything you need for sprinklers. The on-line catalogue has more types of and variations of sprinkler than I knew existed. It beats making a trip to Ace, Home Depot, or Lowe's all of which have a limited selection of sprinkler heads.

Some posters remove and discard these filters and have no problems. That will not be true for most of us. It is a lot easier to replace these filters than to clean out a bunch of sprinkler heads.

[kkingston57]

An easier thing to do is to just throw away the filter. Why do you need a filter to protect a two dollar sprinkler nozzle? My sprinkler heads work fine without the plastic filters, and they don't get clogged as often.

Agree 100%. Does not take much to clog up those filters.

[retiredguy123]

There is a screw on top of the nozzle that seats against that filter to turn down the spray, if needed. So the nozzle becomes non-adjustable if you remove the filter.
I have never needed to adjust a sprinkler nozzle with the screw, and I have never seen a sprinkler technician use a screw driver on one.

[RICH1]

Friend has one. Filter is inline with the water supply. Mainly intended for reclaimed water in the south end that is loaded with grit, sand, and junk. The filter element is easy to clean, and reusable. The heads never clog up now.
Hope his Filter is installed before His ZONE Valves ….,

[NoMo50]

An easier thing to do is to just throw away the filter. Why do you need a filter to protect a two dollar sprinkler nozzle? My sprinkler heads work fine without the plastic filters, and they don't get clogged as often.

If you are talking about Hunter MP rotator sprinkler heads, they are a lot more than $2.00 apiece. The cheapest place I have found them is at Central Pro/Site One, at $7.00 each. Ace carries them, but $10 there. I've seen them as high as $12.50 on Amazon.

The main issue with running without a filter is that, eventually, contaminants will find their way into the inner workings of the head. Your first indication of this will be that the head stops rotating. The reclaimed water used for irrigation is exceptionally filthy. Over time, sprinkler heads will fail due to being fouled. An inline filter could very well prolong the life of the heads.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Tell me where you purchased $2 sprinkler heads. I just replaced an MP rotor for my S-I-L for about $11.

[retiredguy123]

If you are talking about Hunter MP rotator sprinkler heads, they are a lot more than $2.00 apiece. The cheapest place I have found them is at Central Pro/Site One, at $7.00 each. Ace carries them, but $10 there. I've seen them as high as $12.50 on Amazon.

The main issue with running without a filter is that, eventually, contaminants will find their way into the inner workings of the head. Your first indication of this will be that the head stops rotating. The reclaimed water used for irrigation is exceptionally filthy. Over time, sprinkler heads will fail due to being fouled. An inline filter could very well prolong the life of the heads.
I was referring to the Hunter PRO adjustable nozzles that are about $2 each on Amazon, and come with a plastic, removable filter. Unless the builder has changed their process, that is the type they use on new houses.

[retiredguy123]

Tell me where you purchased $2 sprinkler heads. I just replaced an MP rotor for my S-I-L for about $11.
I think you can buy the rotor type on Amazon for about $7 each. The Hunter PRO adjustable nozzles are $2 each.

[wfp113]

Does he adjust mp rotater heads for a reasonable price?
Thanks, Bill

[jrref]

Big thanks ! So good to know. We spend hours each spring, and often twice a year, spring and fall, patiently gathering the little plastic filters from heads and carefully soaking them in vinegar, cleaning with a toothbrush, etc. etc. That easy task HAS served us well, but just removing them... never thought about that. Did you ever then have trouble with sand particles getting stuck in the pin point spray holes ? Or is that not a problem ?

Don't let anyone fool you. If you take off those sprinkler head filters, your spray head will clog over time. It's not if, it's when. With most of the heads you can try to clean them out but a lot of the time if sand gets in there it won't come out and you will need to replace the head. Unless you find a sale most heads are at least $5-$8 and most homes have around 20-30 or more heads. So why spend money hiring someone to check and replace heads every year when you can avoid it? With the filter installed all you need to do is just re-align any heads which is a simple DIY maintenance task that won't cost any money.

As far as changing the whole system irregation filter, all you need to do is open the filter drain about once per month and since the filter is stainless steel you can easily unscrew the filter jar and clean it with soap and water once per year if needed.

[jrref]

A major factor in your amazement of seeing so many of your neighbors out working on their sprinkler heads is just that it's spring and people are out working, doing routine things; if you've lived here very long, you'll notice more people out trimming bushes, cleaning out their gutters with leaf blowers, and so on. Do you have some details on your filters you had installed ? Does this man put a new filter in EACH sprinkler head, or does he install something that eliminated the yearly, or bi-yearly cleaning of each filter ? More details, interesting option to eliminate routine spring maintenance if it works. Thanks:smiley:

Since every home's system is in a different state depending on how well it was maintained it's best to reach out to Chuck. Yes he does all these services as needed.

[jrref]

I like the bulk filter ideas but I thought the reclaimed water was filtered and processed before distribution?

Any sand or grit would be from installation or?

According to the Villages, reclaimed water is minimally processed meaning it's non-pottable and no they don't filter out all the sand and grit the amount that will vary each season depending on how much rain we get which is the problem.

[jrref]

Current drought makes it a lot easier to spot places where a sprinkler system needs adjustment or cleaning, or where a planting is blocking the spray & needs a trim. Just walk around the house once a week or two & look for brown spots, as well as broken or missing heads as a result of our lawn folks. Won't identify every problem, but will prevent permanent damage to the lawn.
Most of the problems I've found are quick fixes, and green returns very quickly. I live in northern end of TV where sprinklers are on municipal water supply, so whole system filter would probably be overkill.

Right so where you live, in the northern sections where sprinklers are on municipal water supply you don't need this filter.

[retiredguy123]

Don't let anyone fool you. If you take off those sprinkler head filters, your spray head will clog over time. It's not if, it's when. With most of the heads you can try to clean them out but a lot of the time if sand gets in there it won't come out and you will need to replace the head. Unless you find a sale most heads are at least $5-$8 and most homes have around 20-30 or more heads. So why spend money hiring someone to check and replace heads every year when you can avoid it? With the filter installed all you need to do is just re-align any heads which is a simple DIY maintenance task that won't cost any money.

As far as changing the whole system irregation filter, all you need to do is open the filter drain about once per month and since the filter is stainless steel you can easily unscrew the filter jar and clean it with soap and water once per year if needed.
To clarify, I was referring to the Hunter PRO adjustable nozzles that only cost $2 each on Amazon, not the rotator ones that cost $6 or $7. I never use the filter that comes with the $2 nozzles, and I have had very few nozzles get clogged during 6 years of use.

[jrref]

Hope his Filter is installed before His ZONE Valves ….,

The filter is installed at the supply side before the valve box so it protects the entire system.

[Arctic Fox]

Right so where you live, in the northern sections where sprinklers are on municipal water supply you don't need this filter.

Not only that, but if you get thirsty while your irrigation is running you can drink from it.

Downside? We get charged sewerage on all water used, even when out of town and the only use is irrigation.

[SHIBUMI]

thanks for the heads-up, no pun intended......... had a hard time finding hunter filters in fine mode....... much appreciated.....they are a no brainer to replace...........It isn't worth the time and trouble to replace the small plastic filters at the sprinkler heads. You have to spend a lot of time with a fine toothbrush to get them clean and you have to make a second trip to the sprinkler and an "up and down" on our old, tired knees.

You can buy a supply of these filters at Irrigation supplies and equipment from Dripdepot (http://www.dripdepot.com) for $.20/each. If you have a serious problem with clogged filters, which many do, you should find the sprinkler at the end of the line, remove the head and flush the line. Most times, you'll be shocked at the "junk" that comes out of the line.

Drip Depot is a great source for everything you need for sprinklers. The on-line catalogue has more types of and variations of sprinkler than I knew existed. It beats making a trip to Ace, Home Depot, or Lowe's all of which have a limited selection of sprinkler heads.

Some posters remove and discard these filters and have no problems. That will not be true for most of us. It is a lot easier to replace these filters than to clean out a bunch of sprinkler heads.

[Laker14]

I was buying some rotor heads at ACE in Southern Trace the other day, and the nice lady at the check out asked me if I was enjoying working on my "irrittation" system.

I thought that was rather clever.

[Salty Dog]

An easier thing to do is to just throw away the filter. Why do you need a filter to protect a two dollar sprinkler nozzle? My sprinkler heads work fine without the plastic filters, and they don't get clogged as often.

I do this with zero issues, other than my sprinklers work much better. Granted they are not the rotating type sprinkler heads.

[keepsake]

Any system or head that is not run daily will clog up from algae growth. Stop running it for a week and it'll take you hours clearing the clogs.

[Altavia]

///

[Bogie Shooter]

Any system or head that is not run daily will clog up from algae growth. Stop running it for a week and it'll take you hours clearing the clogs.

Never had that in twice a week.

[retiredguy123]

This year I can't believe how many homeowners I see fixing their lawn irrigation sprinkler heads either themselves or by a professional.

One of the problems is becasue we haven't had much rain this season, the retention ponds are unusually low and we are getting a lot of sand and debris in the re-claimed irregation water.

The only way to solve this problem is by installing an irrigation filter. It's not expensive but once intstalled and your sprinkler heads and filters cleaned or replaced if they are already clogged, you won't have to spend that yearly cost cleaning or replacing your sprinkler heads meaning the installation of an irrigation filter will pay for itself in one season.

If you are interested in an irrigation filter a Village resident Chuck Grospitch installs them. You might want to give him a call on 440-823-4273 or e-mail him at chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
for information. He's highly recommended.
I agree that, if you have a problem with clogged sprinkler heads, it is a good idea to install a filter for the entire system. But, I have never had a problem with clogged heads. Occasionally, a sprinkler head will break or become misaligned, but almost never clogged with sand, debris, or algae. Maybe clogging occurs in some areas of The Villages.

[Pairadocs]

We've had no issues with clogged sprinkler heads 12 years Village of Pennycamp. Just hope it will start raining soon water twice weekly lawn is healthy.

Now that is interesting, had no idea there would be such a difference in the soil between villages ! We live closer to Lake Sumter area and the filters in the heads always need cleaning a couple times a year. We've even found small "stones", larger than the usual sand that clogs them. You are so lucky in Pennycamp believe me. Is your system a Hunter ? Maybe the villages are putting in systems now that don't get so clogged with sand and such ?

[Pairadocs]

There is a screw on top of the nozzle that seats against that filter to turn down the spray, if needed. So the nozzle becomes non-adjustable if you remove the filter.

Thank you ! We were going to follow the advice on here and just remove all the filters.... due to your post, we tried just one (we've been doing all the routine spring yard work) and you are so right, NOT going to be good to remove them, so back to just keeping them CLEAN of the sand and grit. Maybe the person who has removed them successfully has a different brand, not the Hunter heads we have with the small screws on top ?

[Pairadocs]

I would think that sprinkler head that is clogged wouldn't show me enough
to show me if it is clogged.
Always though if there's water coming out it's working, now I'm not so sure.

Personally I'd say don't worry about it, if your lawn looks fine, they are working fine...LOL ! But yes, we've found ours ARE working, but after we do the routine maintenance each spring and fall, cleaning the little filters (Hunter system), we definitely see an improvement !

[retiredguy123]

///

[Pairadocs]

Not only that, but if you get thirsty while your irrigation is running you can drink from it.

Downside? We get charged sewerage on all water used, even when out of town and the only use is irrigation.

Yes, that's always seemed "crazy" (unless maybe a municipality is greedy, LOL) to charge extra "sewer" tax for water that does not use the "sewer system". We've had that in several states where we've lived. Probably too costly to the municipality to install a separate meter of course. Actually it's a pretty cleaver scheme for additional revenue, I remember many years ago when the community where we lived at the time was running low on things that could be taxed (this was in Illinois), and came up with a "flush" tax, tax the water on both ends, into the house and then when it leaves ! Ingenious !

[Pairadocs]

It isn't worth the time and trouble to replace the small plastic filters at the sprinkler heads. You have to spend a lot of time with a fine toothbrush to get them clean and you have to make a second trip to the sprinkler and an "up and down" on our old, tired knees.

You can buy a supply of these filters at Irrigation supplies and equipment from Dripdepot (http://www.dripdepot.com) for $.20/each. If you have a serious problem with clogged filters, which many do, you should find the sprinkler at the end of the line, remove the head and flush the line. Most times, you'll be shocked at the "junk" that comes out of the line.

Drip Depot is a great source for everything you need for sprinklers. The on-line catalogue has more types of and variations of sprinkler than I knew existed. It beats making a trip to Ace, Home Depot, or Lowe's all of which have a limited selection of sprinkler heads.

Some posters remove and discard these filters and have no problems. That will not be true for most of us. It is a lot easier to replace these filters than to clean out a bunch of sprinkler heads.

Big thank you. We didn't find the cleaning to be overly taxing, a little vinegar soak, and yes, as you said, a toothbrush. Usually didn't replace them with new ones unless un-saveable. The price of a packet of 4 was no where near $.20 cents each, so thanks for the tip... going to order a quantity !

[retiredguy123]

Thank you ! We were going to follow the advice on here and just remove all the filters.... due to your post, we tried just one (we've been doing all the routine spring yard work) and you are so right, NOT going to be good to remove them, so back to just keeping them CLEAN of the sand and grit. Maybe the person who has removed them successfully has a different brand, not the Hunter heads we have with the small screws on top ?
Note that the small screw on top of the nozzle can be used to increase or decrease the radius or "throw" of the water stream. However, these screws are rarely used by sprinkler technicians because there are many different color-coded nozzles that produce different throw distances. Here is a Hunter video that demonstrates the use of the adjustment screw.

Sprays - Adjusting the Radius on Spray Nozzles | Hunter Industries (https://www.hunterindustries.com/support/sprays-adjusting-radius-spray-nozzles)

[keepsake]

Up north the municipality would assess the sewer rate from the usage in the quarter in the winter so their was no irrigation factor. January thru March water meter set the yearly rate for the sewer. Florida is different.

[Pairadocs]

I have never needed to adjust a sprinkler nozzle with the screw, and I have never seen a sprinkler technician use a screw driver on one.

This is all so eye opening, had no idea of the differences in systems and the conditions if the different villages ! We have to use the little "key" to adjust the spray screw often. Never have used a screw driver, always use the little "key" that comes with most (and many people keep inside the control box). Our neighbor's hire people to clean and adjust theirs (it runs quite a bit if you are thinking about not doing your own) but the people doing theirs used the same type of little "key" we use to adjust ours... they did not use a screwdriver either.

[Pairadocs]

Note that the small screw on top of the nozzle can be used to increase or decrease the radius or "throw" of the water stream. However, these screws are rarely used by sprinkler technicians because there are many different color-coded nozzles that produce different throw distances. Here is a Hunter video that demonstrates the use of the adjustment screw.

Sprays - Adjusting the Radius on Spray Nozzles | Hunter Industries (https://www.hunterindustries.com/support/sprays-adjusting-radius-spray-nozzles)

Another thanks ! Very helpful ! !

[metoo21]

This year I can't believe how many homeowners I see fixing their lawn irrigation sprinkler heads either themselves or by a professional.

One of the problems is becasue we haven't had much rain this season, the retention ponds are unusually low and we are getting a lot of sand and debris in the re-claimed irregation water.

The only way to solve this problem is by installing an irrigation filter. It's not expensive but once intstalled and your sprinkler heads and filters cleaned or replaced if they are already clogged, you won't have to spend that yearly cost cleaning or replacing your sprinkler heads meaning the installation of an irrigation filter will pay for itself in one season.

If you are interested in an irrigation filter a Village resident Chuck Grospitch installs them. You might want to give him a call on 440-823-4273 or e-mail him at chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
for information. He's highly recommended.

Would you please post a photo of what Chuck installed? I'd like to see what they look like. I assume it is above ground. How will it be protected from freezing in the winter?

[shut the front door]

q11

[Altavia]

Would you please post a photo of what Chuck installed? I'd like to see what they look like. I assume it is above ground. How will it be protected from freezing in the winter?

Shut the water off, cycle the valves to drain.

[retiredguy123]

Shut the water off, cycle the valves to drain.
I would point that the hose bibb (or spigot) is illegal because that is not potable water. I would highly recommend that you either remove it or disable it. If a person or an animal drinks water from that spigot and gets sick, you could be facing a huge lawsuit. Also, the color of the piping should be purple, not white.

[metoo21]

I would point that the hose bibb (or spigot) is illegal because that is not potable water. I would highly recommend that you either remove it or disable it. If a person or an animal drinks water from that spigot and gets sick, you could be facing a huge lawsuit. Also, the color of the piping should be purple, not white.

You make some great points. I haven't seen purple piping in the big box stores. Have I missed it or do you get it somewhere else?

[retiredguy123]

You make some great points. I haven't seen purple piping in the big box stores. Have I missed it or do you get it somewhere else?
They may not stock it in the stores, but Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon all carry it.

[metoo21]

They may not stock it in the stores, but Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon all carry it.

Do you know the size? And is it rigid or flexible?

[retiredguy123]

Do you know the size? And is it rigid or flexible?
It looks like they have one-half inch and three-quarter inch flexible piping for reclaimed water. They also have furniture grade rigid pipe in various sizes.

[jrref]

I would point that the hose bibb (or spigot) is illegal because that is not potable water. I would highly recommend that you either remove it or disable it. If a person or an animal drinks water from that spigot and gets sick, you could be facing a huge lawsuit. Also, the color of the piping should be purple, not white.

I don't believe there is any regulation that says you need to use the purple pipe except to identify buried lines. But a large pipe lable saying it's non-pottable water should probably be installed.

[My Daily Run]

The question is was this filter clogged when we had an abundance of water or just since the drought...the holding ponds are empty...soon we will be like other counties in Florida if we don't get rain...no watering at all and then all your filters will stay clean...
Altamonte Springs officials continue to be the most aggressive about enforcing watering rules. Since late January, the city has issued more than 2,500 citations totaling more than $41,000 in fines, said John Peters, public works director.

[retiredguy123]

I don't believe there is any regulation that says you need to use the purple pipe except to identify buried lines. But a large pipe lable saying it's non-pottable water should probably be installed.
That may not be sufficient. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Regulations require that,

"Reclaimed water hose bibs to be located in locked compartments and clearly labeled as being of non-potable quality with language written in English and Spanish. The security devices must in place at all times when the hose bib is not in use." In addition, Florida statutes have a specific sign, including a picture that must be used on the hose bib.

In the Villages, the builder never installs a hose bib on an irrigation system.

[ChiBoyR55]

This year I can't believe how many homeowners I see fixing their lawn irrigation sprinkler heads either themselves or by a professional.

One of the problems is becasue we haven't had much rain this season, the retention ponds are unusually low and we are getting a lot of sand and debris in the re-claimed irregation water.

The only way to solve this problem is by installing an irrigation filter. It's not expensive but once intstalled and your sprinkler heads and filters cleaned or replaced if they are already clogged, you won't have to spend that yearly cost cleaning or replacing your sprinkler heads meaning the installation of an irrigation filter will pay for itself in one season.

Different parts of the Villages draw non-potable water from various retention ponds and wetland swamps. Clarity of this water varies. The Villages does NOT filter this water that is fed to home sprinklers. Some areas have high amounts of sand and debris in their source. Leaving the individual little filters off of each head may work in some areas, but not in others. I live in the Preserves and that water is nasty. I had a cleanable filter element installed at my home water source to help cut down the amount of time it took to clean and service each individual head. You still have to clean individual head screens from time to time if you notice coverage has decreased. But the mainline filter makes a big difference. I have about sixty heads or so, that took all day before I got the main filter.

[Normal]

If you put an inline filter on your irrigation system, make sure to use the purple non potable lines or you will have entered troubled waters for inspections and selling. White lines are for potable water only. Purple lines are specifically for non potable irrigation. Just a heads up for the clueless. Purple lines only or you are in violation of health codes etc., not to mention you could incur another bill later on.

[jrref]

If you put an inline filter on your irrigation system, make sure to use the purple non potable lines or you will have entered troubled waters for inspections and selling. White lines are for potable water only. Purple lines are specifically for non potable irrigation. Just a heads up for the clueless. Purple lines only or you are in violation of health codes etc., not to mention you could incur another bill later on.

Actually the purple PVC is meant to identify underground irregation water lines. As long as you label your filter with Non-Potable Water you comply with code and will have no problem. If you really want to get crazy put a purple tape band on the filter as well.
Ferigator has been installing these filters for years and i've never heard of a problem.

[Taltarzac725]

I was buying some rotor heads at ACE in Southern Trace the other day, and the nice lady at the check out asked me if I was enjoying working on my "irrittation" system.

I thought that was rather clever.

I have a broken sprinkler head and was wondering how easy it is to change it? Not sure how quickly I can get a person to come out this week when the lawn may actually need watering.

The one section with the broken sprinkler head has little water coming anywhere else but the broken head.

[retiredguy123]

I have a broken sprinkler head and was wondering how easy it is to change it? Not sure how quickly I can get a person to come out this week when the lawn may actually need watering.

The one section with the broken sprinkler head has little water coming anywhere else but the broken head.
It depends on what part is broken. If it is just the nozzle, you unscrew it and screw in a new one from ACE Hardware. If it is more complicated, watch the YouTube videos on how to fix it. The only fix that I would not attempt is if you need to cut and glue the underground pipe.

I have heard that Water Wizard, 352-753-5974, will usually respond to a repair request quickly, but they are not cheap. Another option is to use a hose to water that area manually.

I would suggest getting an irrigation maintenance agreement. I use Massey, which is $40 per quarter, and they will inspect the system every quarter. But, if you need a repair, they will come out and repair the system for a very reasonable price. If you don't have an ongoing agreement, it can be a real hassle to find a repair company, and you have no way to know what they will charge.

[Michael G.]

One problem about broken sprinkle heads with me was my landscaper was using their weed wackier
to open the grass area around my sprinkler heads and busting off the top of the sprinkler.

Another problem to watch for.

[Taltarzac725]

It depends on what part is broken. If it is just the nozzle, you unscrew it and screw in a new one from ACE Hardware. If it is more complicated, watch the YouTube videos on how to fix it. The only fix that I would not attempt is if you need to cut and glue the underground pipe.

I have heard that Water Wizard, 352-753-5974, will usually respond to a repair request quickly, but they are not cheap. Another option is to use a hose to water that area manually.

I would suggest getting an irrigation maintenance agreement. I use Massey, which is $40 per quarter, and they will inspect the system every quarter. But, if you need a repair, they will come out and repair the system for a very reasonable price. If you don't have an ongoing agreement, it can be a real hassle to find a repair company, and you have no way to know what they will charge.

It looks like that part is just missing. Lawn people probably hit it with their mowers and the like. When the water is on a strong spray shots up from the missing sprinkler head.

I do see that they have the part I would need at Ace.

[retiredguy123]

It looks like that part is just missing. Lawn people probably hit it with their mowers and the like. When the water is on a strong spray shots up from the missing sprinkler head.

I do see that they have the part I would need at Ace.
If the nozzle is broken off, you may also need to replace the riser that screws into the underground threaded connection, because a new nozzle may not screw into the riser, if the threads are damaged. Check the riser for damage to the threads. ACE can sell you a riser and a nozzle. Also, buy a few extra nozzles for spares.

[Woodbear]

Are there any great You Tube videos y'all would recommend? I have seen some Hunter ones where you can pull the head up with the system off. Mine looks nothing like the Hunter and I don't want to go digging into the head and hurt something. I have reached out to Tri-County to see if they could tell me what I have. Villages Warranty department was unable to help when I made a call to them.

[jrref]

My answer was addressing the question if you need the purple PVC to patch or do a minor extension of your irregation system. The answer is No. The purple PVC was installed when the home was built to indicate the non-pottable irregation water.

Yes i've read the Florida regulations since this thread was started and a label with "Non-Pottable water do not drink" in English and Spanish and a hosebib with a key is needed. You can get both on Amazon. If you want you can put some purple electrical tape around the PVC as well or paint it.

The idea of putting a hose bib on the irregation filter system was to enable you to use that water for your garden for example. But If you read your deed restrictions, mine and i'm guessing most say that the irregation water is ONLY to be used for irregation purposes. You are not supposed to use it to rinse your driveway or any other non-irregation purpose. This is why the builder never installed a hose bib on this water source. One of the reasons is becasue this source of water is not unlimited. The deed restrictions go on to say that you are only supposed to use your irregation system on the days which are listed on the panel near the irregation timer to control the amount of irregation load on the system. When walking around in the mournings, I don't believe many are watering to the specified schedule. In addition, many don't realize their irregation rain sensor is bad because their systems still watering after a heavy rain. The sponges in the sensors only last about 5-6 years before they dry out and you either need to replace the sponges OR replace the sensor. A $20 expense but many don't do it or realize they need to do it and waste even more irregation water. Many have installed these computerized irregation timers like the Rachio which I have which don't really need the rain sensor because they get the weather forcast from the internet BUT some times the weather says no rain eventhough we get a rain, sometimes 1/4 inch or more so having the sensor is another device to control unnecessary watering. The point is none of these rules are enforced. Another dilemma is how do you get your dog or your neighbors dog from drinking the irregation water in the early morning hours if they are out? Maybe there is some label for pets?

[Altavia]

. . .

Another dilemma is how do you get your dog or your neighbors dog from drinking the irregation water in the early morning hours if they are out? Maybe there is some label for pets?

LOL!


Suspect the irrigation water is safer than the water in the lakes that support so much wild life


Irrigation water is treated and meets the public access reuse standards established and required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

If you put an inline filter on your irrigation system, make sure to use the purple non potable lines or you will have entered troubled waters for inspections and selling. White lines are for potable water only. Purple lines are specifically for non potable irrigation. Just a heads up for the clueless. Purple lines only or you are in violation of health codes etc., not to mention you could incur another bill later on.

The only violation for health codes is if you have an outlet point, hence the hose bib comment. If there is no outlet, how can anyone drink the water?

Seems like a statement without logic. . if there is no outlet. .