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Friday, March 9, 2012

My Sprinkler Heads Weep Water


Understanding Automatic Sprinkler Systems
If you have a weeping head, there are a couple of possibilities to consider.  If the heads that are always wet are located at the bottom of a slope, they may be subject to low head drainage.  This implies

that when the zone finishes watering, the residual water remaining in the lateral line drains to the lowest point in the line. Depending on the length of the line, it could be a little or a lot of water.  If it's a lot, it can take a while to trickle out of the low head(s).



The other possibility is that the sprinkler valve is leaking.  (commonly called a weeping valve).  This occurs when the valve diaphragm doesn't completely seal against the seat allowing just enough water to continually flow through the valve to your sprinklers.  This is typically caused by either Debris in the valve or a faulty diaphragm causing the diaphragm to not seal properly.



Solution  

You can try to open up the valve and see if there is anything in the valve. Be  sure to first Shut off the water. Also remember,
clean is everything, sand, dirt or small pebbles can also cause the diaphragm to not seal. Therefore, before you take the valve apart, make sure you have open space around and below the valve, to prevent the surrounding soil from washing in.
                                                                           
My personal belief is that it is better to switch the whole assembly from a new valve of the same model. This should also include the solenoid, and (on some valves) the diaphragm seat that pops into the lower valve body.

Disclaimer
By using this information you agree to hold the author, as well as Aldape Sprinkler Service, Landscape & More LLC harmless from any and all accidents or injuries that may occur from said use.  You furthermore agree that the information contained herein is intended as a reference only! And that it is not a replacement for professional sprinkler service. If you choose to repair your own sprinklers, you may use this information at your own risk.  Damage to your system and/or accidents from unexpected water pressure, electrical shock, or pipe solvent mishaps can occur and result in injury. It is strongly recommended that safety glasses are worn at all times.


Saturday, February 26, 2011

Thoughts on Landscape Lighting

If you are searching for a way to add a touch of color and excitement to your yard, then you may want to try low voltage landscape lighting. Landscape lighting is not only beautiful and stylish. It also helps to give your home more security. The good news is that you can add landscape lighting to any kind of landscaping design. It can be easily installed anywhere that you choose, whether it is in your flower and garden beds, around, or even in a water feature, near walkways.  The list goes on and on.
Adding landscape lights are an easy way to add some security to your home. The lights will help to brighten up any dark corners of your yard, as well as illuminate steps and other areas in your landscape design for ease of use.
Enhancing your garden area is easily done by installing landscape lights. There are a great variety of lights fixtures that will allow you to bring night time drama and style to your yard. Landscape lighting is a great way to update a boring garden area. If you need a new feature in your rock garden or flowerbed, then look no further!
Low Voltage Landscape Lights are powered by an electrical source that comes from your home.  A transformer is installed, reducing the power from 120V – 12V, and then wires are run underground to power the lights. Landscape lighting is fairly straight forward and can be installed in a day if you are comfortable with working with electricity.
Using landscape lights to decorate your yard is a wonderful idea. You can use landscape lighting to light your walkways, or to accent various features of your yard, that would otherwise be hidden at night. They will not only illuminate your way, but they can also add interest and charm to your home. During the holidays, you can change out the light bulbs to go with the seasons - red and green for Christmas, orange for the fall and Halloween, and pastel colors for the spring and Easter. This is a simple way to integrate your lights into your decorating scheme.
Do you enjoy entertaining? Installing lights around your yard will make an ideal setting for outdoor parties. They are also a great way to show of your newly designed landscape. A landscape that looks good during the day, can look breathtaking at night with the right lighting.
In short, landscape lights are a great way to light up your yard and feature the special parts of your landscaped area. You, your friends, and your family will enjoy the ambiance that the landscape lights help to add to your home and yard.