[tilphan]

I am wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to add a new sprinkler valve to an existing zone. My current zone has about 12 heads on it and the grass has gotten pretty thick thru the years and it's hard for the sprinkler head to pop up all the way. And it's not as strong so coverage is not as good. How do I split the zone up. I see extra wires that I can use, but I don't know how to find where to split ? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bob Mariani]

The sprinkler heads can be changed to allow a higher popup or better spread. But seems like you have too many on one zone now. You will need to add another in-line valve and install it in the middle of the existing run. End the first part at that point and tie into the last heads with this new valve. Check out a some online supplies, they offer good guides.

 

[Gus]

Sometimes the grass just grows over the head a little and needs to be cut out around the heads. They actually have a tool for this, but an old kitchen knife or something would work.
When I say cut out around it, I don't mean the length of the grass. Actually cut the sod out around it. Cut out about 1/2' around each head.

 

[tilphan]

Gus, I've seen people do that here in the neighborhood. That does work, but it makes your lawn looks like it has ball spots. Especially around the edge of the side walk.

I believe that enough pressure will be able to push heads thru. I've normally go around and cut the grass at the head so that it pokes thru and that doesn't destroy the look of the green lawn. But the weakness due to to many heads in the long run is the true problem.

I've gotten them to come out back when the house was built and I didn't realize at the time that all they did was to lift the heads up with a shovel. Well my yard doesn't sit on limestone or hard rock so eventually it sinks back. I've DIY most of them by putting extension on them so that they are now at gnd level.

I want to split the valve for pressure and coverage. Even if I change the spread, the weak pressure will cause uneven coverage.

Thanks for all the tidbits.