Hunter Brand - Adjustable Spray Nozzle - Nozzle Body

[Graspher]

See photo:

I've tightened the nozzle head to body as tight as possible yet tiny spray streams erupt from where the nozzle meets the spray body.

Both nozzle and body have been carefully inspected for defects - nothing found.

All components are new. Out of 5 new setups I typically have 2 that perform this way.

Has anyone experienced this - if so, how did you overcome?

Don't include the obvious of replacing either or both pieces.

[Topspinmo]

Can try leaving filter out or wrap Teflon tape around threads? IMO nothing can do about it in most cases? most leak a little. You can buy new nozzles see if your odds improve finding one that don’t leak, but most will eventually. Or upgrade to Better head design? IMO nothing wrong with those, really no seal just the nozzle seals against shaft. I had new ones leak worse. Most of mid leak between nozzle two half’s. good luck trying to get to seal completely?

[Graspher]

Thanks…. My last resort is to buy more nozzles and keep swapping until I land on a no leaker.

[villagetinker]

Take your photo to ACE hardware, I am sure this is a warped piece of plastic (the brown piece), and ACE will be able to match what you have.

[JohnN]

the thin teflon plumber's tape works great on this sort of thing.

[Topspinmo]

Take your photo to ACE hardware, I am sure this is a warped piece of plastic (the brown piece), and ACE will be able to match what you have.

The brown color signifies its 8 foot spay range. Has pro 8A on top of nozzle.

[MarshBendLover]

Too much pressure for that head?

[Topspinmo]

Too much pressure for that head?


Not in my case, I check my pressure regularly and some Hunter entry level nozzles leak little like one shown and some don’t even when new. I suspect manufacturing error, but looking at it can’t tell?

[Maker]

One flaw with the positioning of irrigation nozzles away from the concrete is that no water gets sprayed between the head and the concrete. That tiny bit of leak is likely doing a lot of good keeping that area of grass slightly watered. So, I would leave it as is.
It shouldn't be spraying there by design, but it's not a bad thing in this case.

[J1ceasar]

Have you asked Hunter? I come from a manufacturing importing background and when you have plastic and you make 100,000 pieces from a mold this is what happens as the mold wears down

[Graspher]

Take your photo to ACE hardware, I am sure this is a warped piece of plastic (the brown piece), and ACE will be able to match what you have.

You may be correct about the spray head having a manufacturing defect....however I'm locked to SiteOne where I purchased 150 various nozzles.

[Graspher]

the thin teflon plumber's tape works great on this sort of thing.

Thanks, ended up trying that and also pipe sealant and neither worked.

[Graspher]

Too much pressure for that head?

That's a good thought. Long ago I installed an above ground 30-micron filter on the pressure side that is valved so I can easily shut off the flow. I choked the flow via the valve and it didn't make any difference on the leaks.

I'm north of 44 but south of 466 - the attached photo represents one week's of flow thru the filter. Yes, I was surprised the first time I went to clean it. I installed it because my entryway drippers were constantly clogging. A miracle solution!

[Bill14564]

Thanks, ended up trying that and also pipe sealant and neither worked.

Just a guess but if the spray is coming from the bottom of the head/nozzle and sealant on the threads doesn't help then could it be a small crack in the riser tube at the bottom of the threads? Quick way to check would be to swap the head and see whether the problem follows the head or remains with the riser.

Unfortunately, the solution is going to be replacing the bad part. Fortunately, the replacement is simple and inexpensive.


EDIT: If the spray is not coming from the bottom of the threads but is coming from between the brown and the black of the head itself then there are two things I would try:
1. Turn the brown to open up the spray so it is 360 degrees and then see if it will open a little more so a lot of water is flowing. This would flush any fine grit that might be keeping it from closing properly
2. The small screw in the center of the head is supposed to somehow adjust the amount of water that comes from the head. I've never had luck using it myself but a very small adjustment might be something to try to see if it makes any difference.

[Graspher]

One flaw with the positioning of irrigation nozzles away from the concrete is that no water gets sprayed between the head and the concrete. That tiny bit of leak is likely doing a lot of good keeping that area of grass slightly watered. So, I would leave it as is.
It shouldn't be spraying there by design, but it's not a bad thing in this case.

I don't necessarily disagree...but I'm a freak when it comes to water leaks - absolutely cannot tolerate them. On a yearly average I'm broadcasting 25,000 gallons a month. I don't want to spend one cent more than what's needed to care for the grass. Yes, you'll never see my yard getting irrigated during a rain nor will you see any runoff going down the gutter!

That's a great observation about the grass between the nozzle and wall - and there are many of those in my landscape - but none of the "back" grass ever browns. I believe that's attributed to there being enough "close by" water saturation that the roots are picking up on it. Also, what you don't see is there are other heads down the line that overlap the leaker. That pretty much covers the back grass too.

[Graspher]

Have you asked Hunter? I come from a manufacturing importing background and when you have plastic and you make 100,000 pieces from a mold this is what happens as the mold wears down

Bingo!! Excellent point - I went back to SiteOne yesterday to explain the issue. The first response was "you aren't the only one". I was told that the siteone boss was going to call hunter to investigate. Regardless, the rep did offer to make accommodations on the defective heads. I haven't returned any yet - time tells all.

[Topspinmo]

Give it up, got bigger fish to fry than little spurt from cheap spray nozzle. If you have street flooded with water down the street drain for or more half of run times I would be concentrating on that waste of water?

[MarshBendLover]

Well, looks like you figured it out. Well done. If auto manufacturers routinely have recalls due to a bad part, so can a sprinkler heads.

On a side note, that algae buildup in your filter appears to be from the sun causing the bloom, even if it is for a short period shining on it. It should be easy to solve to see if it really needs changing. Don't use a clear cup or you could place something over or wrap around the filter to block the sunlight.

Algae bloom can occur in just a few days in direct sunlight along the edges/sides of the container, even though you think the movement of water would stops it. On a micro-scale the bloom starts, as it gets thicker the bloom continues to grows it's thickness. Just one less thing blocking up your filter.

[Graspher]

Give it up, got bigger fish to fry than little spurt from cheap spray nozzle. If you have street flooded with water down the street drain for or more half of run times I would be concentrating on that waste of water?

Hehehe….yes true and I get it’s a waste of precious unknown time left….but I enjoy solving something that is easy to resolve.

And here’s the fix for future readers searching on the same problem.

See photo:

I never use the filter screens. I found that if I cut the screen off and use just the top part it acts as a sealer and no more leaks.

Use a single edge razor to make the cut. Doing so yields a very clean slice with no plastic residue like I was getting with a dermel.

Hunter does not require using the screen - nozzle should tighten leak free to the body.

[Graspher]

Well, looks like you figured it out. Well done. If auto manufacturers routinely have recalls due to a bad part, so can a sprinkler heads.

On a side note, that algae buildup in your filter appears to be from the sun causing the bloom, even if it is for a short period shining on it. It should be easy to solve to see if it really needs changing. Don't use a clear cup or you could place something over or wrap around the filter to block the sunlight.

Algae bloom can occur in just a few days in direct sunlight along the edges/sides of the container, even though you think the movement of water would stops it. On a micro-scale the bloom starts, as it gets thicker the bloom continues to grows it's thickness. Just one less thing blocking up your filter.

True that !!

Also very true. I like the clear tube cause I can glance the amount of buildup. That tube wears a sock most of the time and that keeps the algae from growing.

Over time the elasticity gives way and it slips down. I replace it with Christmas themed socks that my sister-in-law gives me every year that I never wear.

And so it goes….

[Pondboy]

Interesting…so on your filter/sock(love that!), is it mostly algae or do you also trap sediment.

I have a theory that the irrigation heads that recess too far into the soil (vs those placed slightly above) have a tendency to collect sediment (when not in use) thus clogging filters and getting sediment trapped in the lines.

Can you comment ?

[La lamy]

I had issues with extra water spraying out with Orbit and Rainbird. Finally switched to K-RAIN and the K2 has been the sturdiest type that isn’t leaking excess water.

[Topspinmo]

IMO don’t buy these with white adapter seal as you see on top. The sun will deteriorate if at faster rate and whole guts will pop out shooting gusher straight up several feet.

1800 Series 4 in. Pop-Up Sprinkler, 0-360 Degree Pattern, Adjustable 8-15 ft. (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Rain-Bird-1800-Series-4-in-Pop-Up-Sprinkler-0-360-Degree-Pattern-Adjustable-8-15-ft-1804AP-25/100167622?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_006_IRRIGATION-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-CustomLabel3_Ended&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_006_IRRIGATION-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-CustomLabel3_Ended-17687987023--&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17697301409&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UfcxJB78Ve-OOEdKPFMx64bk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-uaJu_rzjAMVmXFHAR1oAyWnEAQYASABEgLGIPD_BwE)


Where as this type I have never had head failure pop off

Just a moment... (https://www.supplyhouse.com/Hunter-PSU-04-12A-PS-Ultra-4-Pop-up-Spray-Head-w-12-Pro-Adjustable-Arc-Nozzle?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_Plumbing&utm_campaign=Shopping_X_Plumbing_X_SSC_New&utm_campaignid=22376725605&utm_adgroupid=175817622894&utm_targetid=pla-2349503832166&utm_product_id=PSU-04-12A&utm_matchtype=&utm_keyword=&utm_adtype=pla&utm_category=Plumbing&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22376725605&gbraid=0AAAAAD_WAys7JCRLCaysokS78POwKnv9m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgcvXrPvzjAMVuWhHAR3PyQwCEAQYByAB EgJbAvD_BwE)

[Bill14564]

IMO don’t buy these with white adapter seal as you see on top. The sun will deteriorate if at faster rate and whole guts will pop out shooting gusher straight up several feet.

1800 Series 4 in. Pop-Up Sprinkler, 0-360 Degree Pattern, Adjustable 8-15 ft. (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Rain-Bird-1800-Series-4-in-Pop-Up-Sprinkler-0-360-Degree-Pattern-Adjustable-8-15-ft-1804AP-25/100167622?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_006_IRRIGATION-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-CustomLabel3_Ended&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_006_IRRIGATION-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-CustomLabel3_Ended-17687987023--&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17697301409&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UfcxJB78Ve-OOEdKPFMx64bk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-uaJu_rzjAMVmXFHAR1oAyWnEAQYASABEgLGIPD_BwE)


Where as this type I have never had head failure pop off

Just a moment... (https://www.supplyhouse.com/Hunter-PSU-04-12A-PS-Ultra-4-Pop-up-Spray-Head-w-12-Pro-Adjustable-Arc-Nozzle?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_Plumbing&utm_campaign=Shopping_X_Plumbing_X_SSC_New&utm_campaignid=22376725605&utm_adgroupid=175817622894&utm_targetid=pla-2349503832166&utm_product_id=PSU-04-12A&utm_matchtype=&utm_keyword=&utm_adtype=pla&utm_category=Plumbing&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22376725605&gbraid=0AAAAAD_WAys7JCRLCaysokS78POwKnv9m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgcvXrPvzjAMVuWhHAR3PyQwCEAQYByAB EgJbAvD_BwE)

So you prefer Hunter over Rainbird.

Hunter works well for me, inexpensive and mostly maintenance free - they just work.

[Graspher]

Interesting…so on your filter/sock(love that!), is it mostly algae or do you also trap sediment.

I have a theory that the irrigation heads that recess too far into the soil (vs those placed slightly above) have a tendency to collect sediment (when not in use) thus clogging filters and getting sediment trapped in the lines.

Can you comment ?

The algae has little to no impact - it’s the sediment - see photo. There’s an incredible amount of bits, pieces and live things that are captured by the filter.

If u have filter screens in your irrigation heads - depending where u are located - you’ll be getting the same junk shown in the photo.

The average homeowner is not going out every few weeks to clean a bunch of filters. Not cleaning means reduced water flow.

My opinion - the above ground filter system is a must have.

I can only speak to hunter spray heads. Let’s start with a closed head. The spray head is kept closed with a spring. The seal between head and body is snug.

If a bunch of dirt cakes over the closed spray head - there will be no interference.

Water pressure causes the internal body sleeve (what the spray head is connected to) to raise up. At the same time water pressure is spraying out of the head holes as it pops up. If dirt is present the water force will blow it out.

When the watering cycle ends - the sleeve is pulled down with force along with remaining water spurting out of the head. In essence - it will close clean.

I don’t view that scenario as a problem.

[Graspher]

I had issues with extra water spraying out with Orbit and Rainbird. Finally switched to K-RAIN and the K2 has been the sturdiest type that isn’t leaking excess water.

The previous owner had a mixture of brands. I eventually discovered that between orbit / rain bird / hunter - hunter was the only one that didn’t get destroyed by weed eaters. That’s first hand experience.

I replaced everything with hunter and for the current exception (which I have solutioned) the whole system has been extremely reliable.

End of day - go with what gives you confidence. Orbit and rain have been around for a long time.

[Graspher]

IMO don’t buy these with white adapter seal as you see on top. The sun will deteriorate if at faster rate and whole guts will pop out shooting gusher straight up several feet.

1800 Series 4 in. Pop-Up Sprinkler, 0-360 Degree Pattern, Adjustable 8-15 ft. (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Rain-Bird-1800-Series-4-in-Pop-Up-Sprinkler-0-360-Degree-Pattern-Adjustable-8-15-ft-1804AP-25/100167622?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_006_IRRIGATION-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-CustomLabel3_Ended&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_006_IRRIGATION-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-CustomLabel3_Ended-17687987023--&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17697301409&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UfcxJB78Ve-OOEdKPFMx64bk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-uaJu_rzjAMVmXFHAR1oAyWnEAQYASABEgLGIPD_BwE)


Where as this type I have never had head failure pop off

Just a moment... (https://www.supplyhouse.com/Hunter-PSU-04-12A-PS-Ultra-4-Pop-up-Spray-Head-w-12-Pro-Adjustable-Arc-Nozzle?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_Plumbing&utm_campaign=Shopping_X_Plumbing_X_SSC_New&utm_campaignid=22376725605&utm_adgroupid=175817622894&utm_targetid=pla-2349503832166&utm_product_id=PSU-04-12A&utm_matchtype=&utm_keyword=&utm_adtype=pla&utm_category=Plumbing&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22376725605&gbraid=0AAAAAD_WAys7JCRLCaysokS78POwKnv9m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgcvXrPvzjAMVuWhHAR3PyQwCEAQYByAB EgJbAvD_BwE)

Same here - never a pop off with hunter.

[Graspher]

So you prefer Hunter over Rainbird.

Hunter works well for me, inexpensive and mostly maintenance free - they just work.

True that!!

[Maker]

... it’s the sediment - see photo. There’s an incredible amount of bits, pieces and live things that are captured by the filter.

My opinion - the above ground filter system is a must have.

Water pressure causes the internal body sleeve (what the spray head is connected to) to raise up. At the same time water pressure is spraying out of the head holes as it pops up. If dirt is present the water force will blow it out.

I don’t view that scenario as a problem.

I respectfully disagree with the "self clean" concept. The water passage in an MP rotator is very small. Debris shown in your picture will never pass through the rotator head, nor would they get past the head filter. Over a very short time with this current scum water, your system will plug up and water will be severely restricted.
Look at other houses and note how bad their heads are flowing. No MP is self cleaning..

[Bill14564]

I respectfully disagree with the "self clean" concept. The water passage in an MP rotator is very small. Debris shown in your picture will never pass through the rotator head, nor would they get past the head filter. Over a very short time with this current scum water, your system will plug up and water will be severely restricted.
Look at other houses and note how bad their heads are flowing. No MP is self cleaning..

I believe he is referring to the adjustable popup heads. The the rotator heads cannot be opened the same way for cleaning/flushing.

[Graspher]

I respectfully disagree with the "self clean" concept. The water passage in an MP rotator is very small. Debris shown in your picture will never pass through the rotator head, nor would they get past the head filter. Over a very short time with this current scum water, your system will plug up and water will be severely restricted.
Look at other houses and note how bad their heads are flowing. No MP is self cleaning..

This thread has been all about hunter spray heads.

Rotators are a different animal.

[Graspher]

I believe he is referring to the adjustable popup heads. The the rotator heads cannot be opened the same way for cleaning/flushing.

Bingo! Thank you Bill…..