Originally Posted By: sbyrnes This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
irrigation - and I don’t do them as a normal part of the inspection, but as an optional part of the inspection with all the necessary disclaimers. Being in Fla, people love to know their sprinkler systems work.
– All Corners Home Inspections, Inc
Serving Pasco, Hernando, N. Pinellas & N. Hillsborough counties
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Scott,
What I do regarding sprinklers is to manually start each zone. That is after I spend 10-15 minutes figuring out how to operate the controller. Ever notice that there are not two sprinkler controllers that are alike in the world? Anyway, after getting the manual operation figured out I engage each zone and confirm that the sprinkler heads function properly, do not leak excessively, return to the down position when off, etc. I do a quick sketch of the yard and note the zone number and approximate coverage for each head and note any malfunctions. I do not attempt to confirm that the coverage is total or correct or anything like that. I also locate the manifold or main water line to the system to ensure the correct back-flow prevention device is in use. I have a short disclaimer in my report to indicate that I did not inspect the clock or timer functions of the controller, that would take too long. For that work, I charge the going rate here of $40. For an additional $25 I can whip up a simple AutoCad drawing of the system showing the zone numbers and approximately where they are located around the yard and include that in the report. I also do the sprinkler system last because I always get wet and I also wear rubber boots while inspecting the sprinkler system.
Originally Posted By: sbyrnes This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mboyett wrote:
I also locate the manifold or main water line to the system to ensure the correct back-flow prevention device is in use.
I can find the main, but what is the manifold and back flow prevention? Also, do you comment on the solenoids at all? I do what you are doing right now except I don't map it out.
I came across a system yesterday where the well pump kept short cycling when the sprinkler system was off. The seller just kept the pump off at the service switch until she needed to water. She claimed it was because of bad heads, but I'm thinking that should not cause a constant water flow.
My opinion was that the solenoid was not closing properly and, of course, should be further evaluated by a specialist. I referred to the solenoid as a distribution valve. Sound right?
-- All Corners Home Inspections, Inc
Serving Pasco, Hernando, N. Pinellas & N. Hillsborough counties
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
We don’t do sprinkler systems at all. As someone pointed out no two control panels are the same. Once you override the timer settings they have been known to come on at the most inopportune time and run for hours. Recently had a case where not doing them saved me thousands of dollars. Realtor was selling her own home but had already moved out and the home was vacant. I did the inspection for the potential buyer who was also a Realtor. I told her why I do not perform the sprinkler inspection and went on to tell her the best person to demonstrate the system functions was the owner and could be done just prior to closing to ensure it was working properly. Several days later I got a call from the seller wanting to know if I had tested the sprinkler system. I told her “No” and why. She then told me someone had apparently done so after my inspection and the thing had run for several days and destroyed her lawn! She was looking for the culprit to pay for the damages. Made a hugh impression on me and just confirmed what I already knew. If you don’t know the system…do not be messing with it and if its outside the SOP be very careful you don’t set yourself up for an expensive lesson for a very low return fee. Just my nickels worth.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
sbyrnes wrote:
I can find the main, but what is the manifold and back flow prevention? .... I referred to the solenoid as a distribution valve. Sound right?
Scott, the system can be designed several ways, one, all solenoids are grouped together sharing a common water 'buss' and then each solenoid branches out to a different zone. I call that grouping of solenoids a manifold. The other method is for the solenoids to be spread out in various places around the yard and control the zones. That method would not have a manifold. The solenoids or valves can come with or without backflow prevention to keep dirty water from being siphoned back into the house water supply system. If each solenoid/valve doesn't have backflow prevention capability then a single device on the main supply line would be needed. I'm sure most all AHJ's require backflow prevention devices. Your advice sounds correct from what you've described.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Has anyone everheard of a lawn sprinkler system where the heads come on sequentialy without the use of a main control?
The main controller starts and stops the one supply line acording to day and time as most controllers do.
From there it goes to the first head which has an internal valve to stop the water from going further down the line. The head pops up and as it releases its water, a small internal flow metering device is keeping track of the amount of water released by the first head. When an amount of water (preset in the head) is reached the head shuts down and opens the valve to let the flow go to the next head.
Each head in turn fires for its own predetermined amount. Each head contains a the nossel, bypassing valve, and flow metering device.
The end of the line routes back to the main controller which basically just tells the controller that all of the heads have fires and to shut down.
The entire system is basically one line that loops back to the main controller with the intelligence built into each head.