Rain Bird 25PJDA, P5-PJ Troubleshooting Manual
Customer Support Center
6991 E. Southpoint Rd., Bldg. #1
BBIRDIRD®RRAINAIN
Tucson, AZ 85706 1-800-RAIN-BIRD
IMPACT SPRINKLER TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
USE AND OPERATION
The diagrams below depict typical Rain Bird sprinklers with all available controls. Your particular
model may have only some of these features.
Diffuser screw:
Distance
control flap:
Distance
control dial:
Arc Adjusters
(Trip collar):
Breaks up the stream of water for more close-in watering. Shortens distance of the stream (throw) up to 25% of total throw. Screw clockwise
into the stream to produce misting and shorten throw. Turn counterclockwise until totally out of stream for maximum distance (unadjusted throw).
Reduces length of the stream and redistributes water. Tilt downward into
stream to deflect water. May be used in conjunction with diffuser screw
for maximum throw reduction.
Some plastic models have a dial on top marked for minimum and maximum distance. Turning the dial will cause modification of the stream of
water and distance of throw as indicated on the dial. This feature serves
the same purpose as the distance control flap found on other models.
Used to adjust degree of arc sprinkler will rotate. Position one arc adjuster for each side of the desired arc. Several types of arc adjusters are
available depending on the model of your sprinkler. Generally, plastic
models move by just a push of the thumb. To adjust the metal models,
pinch the ends of each metal adjuster together before sliding into position.
Trip Pin:
Used to determine part or full circle operation. Flip or bend the trip pin
upward so it does not hit the trip collar for full circle operation. Pin should
be downward for part circle operation (then slide arc adjusters into position to set degree of arc).
25PJDA P5-PJ
Diffuser Control Dial
Diffuser Control Flap
Diffuser Screw
Nozzle
Arc Adjusters
Trip Pin
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IMPACT SPRINKLER TROUBLESHOOTING
Through many years of experience, we have found that conditions which most often interfere with
the proper operation of impact sprinklers are the use of any lubricants (other than water), low water
pressure, foreign materials in the irrigation water, and excessive damage or wear to sprinkler parts.
Any one or a combination of these factors can cause the sprinkler to stop rotating completely or rotate to one side and fail to return.
If your sprinkler stops working:
DON'T....Spray it with lubricant!
DON'T....Drill out the nozzle!
DO..........Disassemble and clean the unit thoroughly.
DO..........Check for sources of reduction in water pressure.
Impact Sprinkler Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Cause Remedy
A. Sprinkler does not
rotate back and forth.
A. Sprinkler does not
rotate back and forth.
1. Insufficient
water pressure. Re-
quirements vary
from model to
model.
Most popular models need at least 25
psi at the last sprinkler head, and
should have an unadjusted throw of at
least 36'.
2. Debris in nozzle
or other parts of
sprinkler.
Build up of water
deposits causing
friction.
a. Remove sprinkler head and attach pressure gauge to riser. Check operating pressure with line running. If pressure is low. check for breaks in the line
or water running elsewhere which could drain pressure.
b. Pop-up Models: Check for water coming out around the guide seal below
the sprinkler head. This is a pressure activated seal. if pressure is insufficient, water will leak around this seal causing the unit to stall and pop up
only part way. If the unit is new or others on the line have same problem, it
is probably related to pressure. If the unit is older, clean or replace the
guide nut seal if necessary.
c. Try switching with another sprinkler closer to water source. If it works,
then pressure could be the problem.
d. If the sprinkler stopped working within a month or two of installation, the
system may not have been designed to accommodate the normal operating
pressure of the type of sprinklers installed. If metal sprinklers are being
used, try switching to plastic. If plastic sprinklers are being used, try a lower
gallonage variety.
e. If measures above do not provide enough pressure boost, system may
have to be rerouted to include less sprinkler heads per line.
a. Remove sprinkler and check for debris in nozzle, swivel bearing, and
inlet. Sometimes, a wire pushed gently into the nozzle will loosen debris so
it can be rinsed out. Do not drill or alter nozzles as this may permanently
hinder the sprinkler performance.
Metal models only: If sand is caught in vane inside of nozzle, it will need to
be removed. Loosen nozzle with wrench and unscrew.
b. Thoroughly wash sprinkler to remove dirt and oil. A vinegar and water
solution will help remove water deposits.
c. Replace bearing washers if oil has been used on the sprinkler.
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Impact Sprinkler Troubleshooting Guide Continued
Problem Cause Remedy
3. Worn or
damaged parts.
a. If arm or body of sprinkler is bent or damaged, replace sprinkler or part if
available.
b. Arm spring tension may need increasing. Metal models: Unhook spring
from arm with needle-nosed pliers. Bend slightly to shorten and re-hook.
Plastic Models: Unhook spring from arm with needle-nosed pliers, re-hook to
next adjoining protrusion on arm.
c. Replace bearing washers if less than 2/3 of original thickness, if mineral
deposits are a problem, or if oil based products have been used.
B. Sprinkler
rotates to one side
and stops.
1. Check points for
non-rotation in Section A, 1-3.
2. Excessive
water pressure. Just
as each sprinkler
has a lower pressure
limit for proper operation, there is also
an upper limit. For
most sprinklers the
limit is 80 psi at the
head. The optimum
operating pressure
is around 50 psi.
Pressure that is too
high will, at the
worst, cause the
sprinkler to stall, and
at the least, cause
the premature wear
of the sprinkler
parts. If the sprinkler
rotates or reverses
very fast, this a forewarning of excessive pressure.
a. Put more heads on your line or try making adjustments in the flow at the
valve. In some cases, installing a pressure regulator ahead of your main
shutoff valve is a good idea and will protect your entire system.
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