Did you know that an average sprinkler head flows around 3.5 gallons per minute (GPM)?1 If your Orbit sprinkler head stops rotating, it can cause dry spots on your lawn. First, check the water pressure. Low pressure affects all sprinkler heads in one zone1.
If only one sprinkler head isn’t rotating, focus on that one. You might not need to check all the valves2. Start by cleaning filters and removing any debris. Also, look for broken gears or turbines2.
For non-rotating heads, low flow or pressure is often the issue1. Debris and mechanical problems are common culprits1. Fixing these issues usually gets Orbit sprinkler heads working again.
To keep your lawn well-watered, check your sprinklers often. Using simple steps, you can solve many Orbit sprinkler head issues. This keeps your lawn healthy and green.
If a sprinkler head won’t rotate, even with enough pressure, there may be internal damage. Thorough checks can avoid system replacements. This saves money and keeps your yard in good shape.
Common Causes of Orbit Sprinkler Head Not Rotating
An orbit sprinkler head won’t turn for various reasons. Knowing these helps keep big lawns watered well2. A main issue is often too little water pressure. This is needed for the gear drive irrigation to work right2. If all sprinklers have the same issue, your water pressure might just be low2. Yet, if only one isn’t turning, it could have a block or broken parts inside2.
It’s key to tell the difference between pop-up type sprinklers and impact sprinklers. Pop-up ones with gears might not turn because of dirt or a sprinkler head clog2. They need high water pressure to spin smoothly2. Impact sprinklers need their metal parts checked and adjusted from time to time for right spraying2.
Most sprinkler systems work well for under 20 years. If yours are over ten, think about swapping them out3. Fixing a damaged system costs about $2573. It’s better to clean them monthly to stop low pressure and blockages, keeping your system running3.
If a gear drive irrigation isn’t working, water pressure issues could be the cause. If all zones are not working, the main supply pressure might be off2. But, if just one isn’t rotating, check its internal turbine and gears for issues2.
| Sprinkler Type | Common Issues | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-up Type Sprinkler | Turbine failure, gear problems, clogs | Clean or replace parts, check water pressure |
| Impact Sprinkler | Debris in paddle, nozzle issues | Adjust metal stops, clean moving parts |
Checking Water Pressure for Your Sprinkler System
A good water pressure check is key for Orbit sprinkler heads to spin smoothly. This check is vital for looking into problems that might be messing with the irrigation system maintenance. When the pressure is too low, Orbit sprinklers can’t spin right. They really need enough water pressure to work well2.
If all your sprinkler heads in one area act the same, it might be a system-wide pressure problem2. And, if lots of zones are having trouble, the main water supply’s pressure might be the issue2. Make sure the sprinkler zone valve is wide open. A clog there can really mess up the pressure and how well the water flows4.
Finding and clearing out any blocks is very important when troubleshooting your sprinkler system4. Things like blocked nozzles, inlets, or pipes can slow down your water system4. Keep things clean by staying on top of maintenance, like cleaning out your filter regularly2. This work keeps water pressure up and your sprinklers doing their best.
To keep your water pressure good, make sure your valves’ flow controls are set right. Also, always open your shut-off valves and main water valves fully to keep up pressure4. Watch out for things like tree roots or damage from putting in garden stakes. These can cause low pressure problems4.
Know that not all sprinkler heads work the same. Some, like pop-up ones, need clean turbines and gears to work well2. Others work differently. But, whatever type you have, keeping it clean means better water flow and pressure. This makes your system work like it should. So, looking after your system lets you enjoy good water pressure and an efficient irrigation system.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Orbit Sprinkler Head
Cleaning and keeping your Orbit sprinkler head in good shape makes it last longer. It stops problems with turning caused by dirt and old parts inside. If your Orbit sprinkler is not turning right, it could be because of dirt or a blocked filter5. Orbit has two kinds of sprinkler heads: pop-up and impact types, and both need special care2.
First, take off the sprinkler head to get to the filter and its parts. Regularly cleaning the filter is very important. It makes sure water moves freely, which is key for the sprinkler to work well2. Also, clean the pipe to get rid of any dirt that might block the water2.
Next, clean the filter and parts in clear water. This is a big part of caring for the sprinkler head. It stops debris from jamming up the sprinkler5. Debris is a major reason why sprinklers stop working right and can harm your watering system over time5.
When putting the sprinkler head back, go easy and don’t twist too hard. Doing this right helps your sprinkler head last longer. This keeps your garden watered evenly.
Servicing your sprinkler head often stops big issues with moving parts like turbines and gears2. Spotting and fixing damage early, such as warping or cracks, is key. Getting professional help when you need it keeps your system working great5. With regular care and cleaning, you can avoid costly fixes and keep your system running smoothly.
Disassembling and Inspecting the Sprinkler Head
Fixing a broken Orbit sprinkler head sometimes needs taking it apart. You have to carefully unscrew it to reveal the inside. This step is crucial to fix issues like clogged filters or trash in the gears.
Gear-driven heads are a bit different. Removing their top lid lets you see inside easily. For an impact sprinkler, adjusting metal stops could solve the problem. If stuck, try turning the head by hand. This can shake loose any debris causing trouble6.
If cleaning doesn’t work, it might be time to replace. Older models, such as the Rain Bird R-50, could be on their last legs. For sprinkler heads over ten years, getting a new one like the Rain Bird 5004 makes sense. It’s about $20 and can make your system work like new3.
And remember, sprinkler systems usually last less than 20 years. So, keeping up with repairs or getting new parts is key. This approach helps keep your lawn green and your water bill low3.
If you can’t fix a sprinkler yourself, it’s time to call a pro. The average repair cost is $257. This money is well spent to keep your lawn water-efficient and looking great. Always remember to do regular checks and cleaning. This way, Orbit sprinklers will always work their best for you3.
Source Links
- https://community.orbitonline.com/sprinkler-head-questions-and-troubleshooting/
- https://www.hunker.com/12566909/orbit-sprinkler-head-wont-rotate
- https://www.angi.com/articles/my-rainbird-rotary-sprinkler-sticks-it-stops-turning-what-do-i-do.htm
- https://sprinklerdrainage.com/blog/why-do-my-sprinklers-have-low-water-pressure/
- https://terraturf.com/what-to-do-when-your-sprinkler-head-wont-go-down/
- https://www.thelawnforum.com/threads/rain-bird-sprinkler-head-not-rotating.31775/
I’m Carlos Robert, a passionate gardener, and blogger. With years of experience and knowledge in the field of garden watering, I have created a blog to share my insights and tips on the topic. I strive to provide readers with detailed information about all aspects of sprinkler systems, from garden sprinklers to fire sprinklers, along with nozzles, hoses, and other related products. I love helping my readers create the perfect garden with their ideal setup!