Irrigation problems - recommendation needed

[Arctic Fox]

I have two leaks in my irrigation system, and a faulty valve, which need fixing

The person my neighbor uses for such problems came to look and claimed there were no leaks, just a broken sprinkler head, which he replaced

I checked the system this morning (taking 20 minutes where he had taken just five, and charged me $120 for his expertise) and found evidence that the two leaks are really there

Who should I use to get a good job done on them?

Thank you

[Kenswing]

ACI Irrigation and Water Wizards seem to be the preferred companies around here. I’ve heard mostly good things about them.

[retiredguy123]

Personally, I think you need an irrigation maintenance arrangement with a company who can check your system on a regular basis and will be available to make any repairs as needed to keep the system operating. I have Massey for this, they check the system 4 times per year for $40 per visit, and I don't pay them in advance. When I have a leak, they fix it for a very low fee or no fee. Too many people think that they should just ignore the system, and when it fails, they want to hire a one time contractor to fix the immediate issue. Often, they have trouble finding an available contractor and they get ripped off. This is not a good plan, especially for a snowbird. Find a permanent irrigation maintenance contractor who will agree to provide regular maintenance and repair.

[juneroses]

Marc Shinn of On The Marc, an irrigation maintenance and repair individual, just completed bringing our 20 year system back to like new condition. Heads weren‘t popping up as high as they used to (kinda like me), needed to be raised, required re-aiming, etc. I’m so pleased at the results and pleasantly surprised that he could schedule the work the same week I called - no waiting weeks or months for an appointment. A neighbor recommended him.

Marc is a Village resident. Contact info is:

913-475-7853
onthemarc2023@gmail.com

[Topspinmo]

I have two leaks in my irrigation system, and a faulty valve, which need fixing

The person my neighbor uses for such problems came to look and claimed there were no leaks, just a broken sprinkler head, which he replaced

I checked the system this morning (taking 20 minutes where he had taken just five, and charged me $120 for his expertise) and found evidence that the two leaks are really there

Who should I use to get a good job done on them?

Thank you

If have Hunter system?

When you say leaks not talking about popups stem leaks are you? Most do leak some especially when the pop back down. Valve? Zone turn on? If so the diaphragm probably the problem, there white collar that splits over time jamming up diaphragm so it won’t come on. The diaphragm 7 dollar part only have to take top off to replace it.

Hunter | 33-2100 | PGV Replacement Valve Diaphragm 1 in.... (https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/hunter-pgv-replacement-valve-diaphragm-1-in-33-2100?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_r_zLkEB1QN3CP7BO80thfeO8zw&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxpbR_I2GiAMVOaZaBR28CDIbEAQYAiAB EgIo2fD_BwE)

See white plastic collar that will spilt and jam up diaphragm.

[Arctic Fox]

Thank you for all of your kind suggestions and recommendations

[Keefelane66]

For $120 for one sprinkler head. Since you spent the time finding the leaks just dig it up and repair it. Or just throw your money away.

[Arctic Fox]

For $120 for one sprinkler head. Since you spent the time finding the leaks just dig it up and repair it. Or just throw your money away.

Is there something I can buy from ACE or LOWES that makes a simple and lasting repair?

I'd be happy to give it a go as I'm sure they won't be the last leaks.

[retiredguy123]

Is there something I can buy from ACE or LOWES that makes a simple and lasting repair?

I'd be happy to give it a go as I'm sure they won't be the last leaks.
ACE Hardware sells most Hunter parts and they may be able to tell you how to fix it. If not, watch a YouTube video about Hunter repairs. You can also order Hunter parts from Amazon or sprinklerwarehouse.com. I always keep a few nozzles and pop-up risers around the house for repairs. These just screw on.

[Arctic Fox]

ACE Hardware sells most Hunter parts and they may be able to tell you how to fix it. If not, watch a YouTube video about Hunter repairs. You can also order Hunter parts from Amazon or sprinklerwarehouse.com. I always keep a few nozzles and pop-up risers around the house for repairs. These just screw on.

Thank you.

Yes, I adjust and replace the sprinklerheads but am apprehensive about a pipe-repair of mine holding as the water pressure is quite high, and I'd certainly have to study to tackle the valve membrane.

I do find ACE to be very helpful, so it sounds like a trip to them is in order.

Are Hunter valves the make generally put in here? The box is full of sand, with the three valves poking out the top, so I may have to dig down to establish the brand and model number.

[retiredguy123]

Thank you.

Yes, I adjust and replace the sprinklerheads but am apprehensive about a pipe-repair of mine holding as the water pressure is quite high, and I'd certainly have to study to tackle the valve membrane.

I do find ACE to be very helpful, so it sounds like a trip to them is in order.

Are Hunter valves the make generally put in here? The box is full of sand, with the three valves poking out the top, so I may have to dig down to establish the brand and model number.
I don't know what brand of solenoid valves you have, but, personally, I would hire a professional to work on them. Also, I would not glue underground pipes together. I would hire a professional. Although, there are a lot of DIYers who will repair anything on an irrigation system.

[Stu from NYC]

Personally, I think you need an irrigation maintenance arrangement with a company who can check your system on a regular basis and will be available to make any repairs as needed to keep the system operating. I have Massey for this, they check the system 4 times per year for $40 per visit, and I don't pay them in advance. When I have a leak, they fix it for a very low fee or no fee. Too many people think that they should just ignore the system, and when it fails, they want to hire a one time contractor to fix the immediate issue. Often, they have trouble finding an available contractor and they get ripped off. This is not a good plan, especially for a snowbird. Find a permanent irrigation maintenance contractor who will agree to provide regular maintenance and repair.

Be careful with Massey. We are happy with their pesticide guy but irrigation was a disaster. Over a year they came 5 times, 5 different guys doing it 5 different ways. Kept asking them to make appt so I could watch and they never did.

Eventually hired a neighbor who knows these systems very well and he does a much better job.

[Topspinmo]

Is there something I can buy from ACE or LOWES that makes a simple and lasting repair?

I'd be happy to give it a go as I'm sure they won't be the last leaks.


Popups unscrew and screw new one on. If get same kind if leak at cap you just unscrew cap the gut will come out and install new guts (top half). If leak where the popup screws on to stand pipe most time you can just dig around it tighten it up or just replace the popup assembly. As for control valve diaphragm (as shown in my previous post, you turn the irrigation off at valve above the control box, remove the 4 assembly screws, remove old diaphragm, reverse the process for assembly with pictures shown you can see how parts assemble or as suggested watch Utube videos. You can also watch video on how to repair PVC a pipe. Very basic stuff if you have any general knowledge skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9oM-x4pH7g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZe-1JsvXG8

Here two many more, don’t know if you have those types or not. Plenty on Utube probably have your type.

[kidnerkim]

I have been using Brian Shank from PRO WORX 352-516-3041
Brian@proworxss.com

I have been very pleased. On time, professional & polite!

Thank you[/QUOTE]

[jebartle]

352-504-7827 FLI , dependable and fair, only serves the Villages

[richrjones]

I have two leaks in my irrigation system, and a faulty valve, which need fixing

The person my neighbor uses for such problems came to look and claimed there were no leaks, just a broken sprinkler head, which he replaced

I checked the system this morning (taking 20 minutes where he had taken just five, and charged me $120 for his expertise) and found evidence that the two leaks are really there

Who should I use to get a good job done on them?

Thank you

Will take care of the leaks for you and do it right!!
Jeff @ 352-702-6376

[PurePeach]

I have two leaks in my irrigation system, and a faulty valve, which need fixing

The person my neighbor uses for such problems came to look and claimed there were no leaks, just a broken sprinkler head, which he replaced

I checked the system this morning (taking 20 minutes where he had taken just five, and charged me $120 for his expertise) and found evidence that the two leaks are really there

Who should I use to get a good job done on them?

Thank you

Several people in my neighborhood use Devon Walker - (352) 551-3478, Devonirrigation@gmail.com. He is reasonable and good. Fixed a huge leak that had flooded part of a yard for a low price.

[virtue51]

I had Massey's irrigation maintenance service -- I fired Massey. There was a major leak in a flowerbed and they were scheduled to come in two weeks. When Massey came for the routine maintenance service, the report indicated no issues and no leaks were found. The leak in the flowerbed was obvious because it was like a small geyser.

Now, I use American Irrigation -- they are honest, professional and knowledgable. The price is reasonable. The phone number is 407-910-2111.

[retiredguy123]

I had Massey's irrigation maintenance service -- I fired Massey. There was a major leak in a flowerbed and they were scheduled to come in two weeks. When Massey came for the routine maintenance service, the report indicated no issues and no leaks were found. The leak in the flowerbed was obvious because it was like a small geyser.

Now, I use American Irrigation -- they are honest, professional and knowledgable. The price is reasonable. The phone number is 407-910-2111.
I called American Irrigation. I don't know what you consider reasonable pricing, but their minimum cost is way higher than Massey. Massey charges $40 per quarter for a regular check and adjustment of the system. If I have a leak or broken nozzle, they will respond within a day or so, and most of the time, they will replace a nozzle or riser for free. If the repair is more extensive, I have never been charged more than $50 for the repair. A few years ago, they raised 5 pop-up sprinklers by 6 inches, and the charge was only $15 each.

American Irrigation charges a minimum of $85-95 per hour every time they come to your house, even for the quarterly inspection and adjustment. And, they don't guarantee any special treatment or pricing for regular maintenance customers. So, if they just come to screw in a broken nozzle, you will pay at least $85 plus the cost for parts. I don't consider this reasonable pricing at all.

[retiredguy123]

ACI Irrigation and Water Wizards seem to be the preferred companies around here. I’ve heard mostly good things about them.
I once called ACI. They wanted to charge me $80 to come to my house and evaluate my system to provide a quote for regular maintenance. That was a non-starter. I don't pay for quotes.

[Stu from NYC]

I called American Irrigation. I don't know what you consider reasonable pricing, but their minimum cost is way higher than Massey. Massey charges $40 per quarter for a regular check and adjustment of the system. If I have a leak or broken nozzle, they will respond within a day or so, and most of the time, they will replace a nozzle or riser for free. If the repair is more extensive, I have never been charged more than $50 for the repair. A few years ago, they raised 5 pop-up sprinklers by 6 inches, and the charge was only $15 each.

American Irrigation charges a minimum of $85-95 per hour every time they come to your house, even for the quarterly inspection and adjustment. And, they don't guarantee any special treatment or pricing for regular maintenance customers. So, if they just come to screw in a broken nozzle, you will pay at least $85 plus the cost for parts. I don't consider this reasonable pricing at all.

That is why we are happy we have a neighbor who knows how to keep system running optimally and is reasonable cost wise

[Bill14564]

I called American Irrigation. I don't know what you consider reasonable pricing, but their minimum cost is way higher than Massey. Massey charges $40 per quarter for a regular check and adjustment of the system. If I have a leak or broken nozzle, they will respond within a day or so, and most of the time, they will replace a nozzle or riser for free. If the repair is more extensive, I have never been charged more than $50 for the repair. A few years ago, they raised 5 pop-up sprinklers by 6 inches, and the charge was only $15 each.

...

Massey irrigation has been hit or miss with us. Their last miss cost them my business... at least for now.

Had a head break off resulting in a geyser. Called three times over the course of a week and heard they would be out soon each time. Finally fixed it myself.

Had another issue where the heads weren't coming up correctly. Something that should have been picked up during the quarterly maintenance, but wasn't. Called about this too and was given the date they would show up for my quarterly work. When that day came and went I checked the online schedule and found it was now two weeks out. Finally fixed it myself.

Decided if I could fix it myself I didn't need to keep writing checks. (larger checks than you are writing)

I like Massey in general and might wind up going back to them for irrigation work but not right now.

[Arctic Fox]

I once called ACI. They wanted to charge me $80 to come to my house and evaluate my system to provide a quote for regular maintenance. That was a non-starter. I don't pay for quotes.

I left a message for ACI on Monday and they haven't bothered to reply so, with so much choice kindly offered above, they will not be getting any business from me, either.

[retiredguy123]

Massey irrigation has been hit or miss with us. Their last miss cost them my business... at least for now.

Had a head break off resulting in a geyser. Called three times over the course of a week and heard they would be out soon each time. Finally fixed it myself.

Had another issue where the heads weren't coming up correctly. Something that should have been picked up during the quarterly maintenance, but wasn't. Called about this too and was given the date they would show up for my quarterly work. When that day came and went I checked the online schedule and found it was now two weeks out. Finally fixed it myself.

Decided if I could fix it myself I didn't need to keep writing checks. (larger checks than you are writing)

I like Massey in general and might wind up going back to them for irrigation work but not right now.
I agree that Massey is not the best company. I have them because they answer the phone and they will usually respond quickly. I don't allow any irrigation technician to touch the controller because I know more about it than they do. But, I want a company who will repair an underground leak and won't charge a fortune. Some irrigation people only want to respond to leaks on an ad hoc basis, come whenever they want, and charge whatever they want. Having an ongoing relationship with a company provides some peace of mind. Massey also mows my grass and treats my lawn for weeds and fertilizes. They are cheaper than other companies I have contacted.

[Arctic Fox]

The diaphragm probably the problem, there white collar that splits over time jamming up diaphragm so it won’t come on. The diaphragm 7 dollar part only have to take top off to replace it.

Great recommendation, thank you Topspinmo.

Ten minute job (most of which was spent digging sand out of the valve box) and problem solved.

[jrref]

Call Chuck, excellent!

chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
440-823-4273

[SeanAndrews]

Marc Shinn of On The Marc, an irrigation maintenance and repair individual, just completed bringing our 20 year system back to like new condition. Heads weren‘t popping up as high as they used to (kinda like me), needed to be raised, required re-aiming, etc. I’m so pleased at the results and pleasantly surprised that he could schedule the work the same week I called - no waiting weeks or months for an appointment. A neighbor recommended him.

Marc is a Village resident. Contact info is:

913-475-7853
onthemarc2023@gmail.com

Marc came over to take a look at my system. Diagnosed the problem and told me what needed to be done. Although he COULD do the job, right now he's concentrating on the small-medium sized projects. My job is going to require a lot of digging and backfilling. Very nice, knowledgeable fellow and he didn't charge me for the visit. I will give him a call for future jobs.

[graciegirl]

I have two leaks in my irrigation system, and a faulty valve, which need fixing

The person my neighbor uses for such problems came to look and claimed there were no leaks, just a broken sprinkler head, which he replaced

I checked the system this morning (taking 20 minutes where he had taken just five, and charged me $120 for his expertise) and found evidence that the two leaks are really there

Who should I use to get a good job done on them?

Thank you

Ask OTHER neighbors and THEN get three quotes. Or learn how to fix it yourself. My husband does ........and no he's not for sale.

[LeRoySmith]

Ask OTHER neighbors and THEN get three quotes. Or learn how to fix it yourself. My husband does ........and no he's not for sale.

For rent?

[Topspinmo]

Great recommendation, thank you Topspinmo.

Ten minute job (most of which was spent digging sand out of the valve box) and problem solved.


If you can do that you can replace popup or fix line leak IMO.