Rotors are sprinkler heads that rotate from side to side as they operate and are generally used for large turf areas. Sprays are smaller sprinkler heads that are stationary when active and are generally used for flower beds and small turf areas. Rotors need to be adjusted using a special plastic key (Hunter brand) or small slotted screwdriver (RainBird brand).
Instructions for RainBird rotary heads can be found at:
http://www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/rotors/3500.htm

The easiest way to determine if there is an active leak in the irrigation system is to use the water meter as a gauge. Water meters are equipped with a microdial that measures minute amounts of water flowing through the meter. This microdial is often shaped as a triangle or a star. If no water in the home is running (no leaking toilets, etc.), the microdial should be stationary. However, if the microdial is moving and no water is running in the house, you can shut the water off at the backflow preventer valve and recheck the microdial. If the movement of the microdial ceases, then we can assume that there is an active leak in the irrigation, and you should have it serviced. If there is still movement of the microdial after cutting the water supply at the backflow preventer valve, then there is a leak elsewhere in the water line, but not involving the irrigation system.

Yes, a sprinkler system can increase a home’s value, primarily due to enhanced curb appeal and convenience for homeowners. A well-maintained lawn, facilitated by a sprinkler system, is a desirable feature for potential buyers, contributing to a higher perceived property value. The estimated increase in value can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the property size and system quality.

The best time to install a sprinkler system is in the fall, but a sprinkler system can be installed any time of the year except when freezing weather. There are fewer weather delays, the ground is softer, and we are typically less busy.

During daylight hours, monthly (while the system is in operation), check each zone of your irrigation system to make sure the system is operating correctly to conserve water and to keep your plants healthy each year. You might wish to contact a licensed irrigator to perform these tasks for you at least once a year. If it is a commercial building with a large property, you will need to inspect it quarterly to avoid wasting large amounts of water.

Replacing a broken sprinkler head, valve, or solenoid is something you can do yourself. All you need is a few tools like a shovel, a PVC pipe cutter, a wire locator, a PVC solvent, time, and elbow grease.  If it is a mainline, you will need to make sure you use PVC primer for lines under constant pressure. Make sure to call 811 before digging to know where your local water, electrical, and utility lines are located.

Sprinkler systems are often large and complex, with several moving parts, such as sprinkler heads, valves, plus electrical wiring. The difficulty of the repairs will also affect the price, such as the depth of lines, tree roots, underground obstructions, and multiple PVC pipe connections. A sprinkler head replacement costs about $45, while replacing a backflow preventer can range from $1,500 to $2,000 to bring it up to code with permit and backflow testing.

The number of sprinklers you can run on one line depends on your pipe size\ flow rate, PSI water pressure, as well as the type and number of sprinkler heads. Generally, you can run between 4 rotors or 10 sprinkler spray heads per zone ,depending on GPM gallons per minute.

With proper maintenance, you can generally expect to get, on average, about 20 years of life out of your total irrigation system before it’s time to replace. However, the backflow device is rated for about 7 years.

Repairing your sprinkler system will vary depending on the issue, but on average, it’s about 275.00. Depending on the difficulty and scope of repair, it can range from 180.00 to 490.00. Your final cost will depend on several factors, such as depth, roots, multiple pipe reroutes, and wiring.