Installing a sprinkler system is the first step to ensuring proper irrigation of your garden and lawn. Regular adjustments to the sprinkler heads are essential to accommodate the local climate and promote healthier plant growth. Orbit offers a variety of sprinkler head models, each with its own adjustment methods.
The guide below will show you how to adjust Orbit sprinkler heads in simple steps.
Types of Orbit Sprinkler Heads
Orbit provides several types of sprinkler heads, including:
- Impact Sprinklers
- Gear Drive (Rotor) Sprinklers with pattern adjustment screw
- Gear Drive (Rotor) Sprinklers with pattern adjustment key
- Adjustable Pop-Up Sprinklers with Brass or Plastic Adjustable Nozzles
Recommended Tools
- Deflector knob
- Diffuser screw
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Hex key
- Orbit Spray Head Pull-Up Tool
How to Adjust Orbit Sprinkler Heads: Pop-Up Sprinkler
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Turn on the Sprinkler System: Ensure the sprinkler head is visible for proper adjustment.
- Adjust the Head: Use a small screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise or counterclockwise to modify the water pressure.
Additional Tips
- The arc of the pop-up sprinkler head depends on the rotating sprinkle angle. For example, if you need to cover a half-circular area, adjust the angle to 180 degrees.
- Observe the top part of the head to locate the socket, then rotate the head to the right side and hold it.
- The radius of the sprinkler head is determined by the nozzle size; a larger nozzle provides a bigger coverage radius.
How to Adjust Orbit Sprinkler Heads: Impact Sprinklers
Adjusting the Distance
- Deflector Knob: Turn the deflector knob to reduce or increase water coverage.
- Diffuser Screw: Rotate the screw; clockwise to decrease distance, counterclockwise to increase.
Adjusting the Spray Pattern
- Trip Lever & Trip Stops: Adjust for full or partial circles by flipping the trip lever up or down and sliding the trip-stops accordingly.
How to Adjust Orbit Sprinkler Heads: Gear Drive (Rotor) Sprinklers
Using Pattern Adjustment Screw
- Preset Rotation: Set the rotation before installation by rotating the nozzle turret.
- Increase/Decrease Pattern: Use a flat-head screwdriver to adjust the spray pattern between 40° and 360°.
- Adjust Distance: Turn the screw in the distance adjustment slot; clockwise to decrease, counterclockwise to increase.
Using Pattern Adjustment Key
- Set Pattern: Turn the top of the head to the left, then to the right. Insert the key into the pattern adjustment hole and turn clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Set Distance: Adjust with the water on by turning the key in the distance adjustment slot.
Ensuring Proper Coverage
Regardless of the type of Orbit sprinkler heads installed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting radius, arc, and spray patterns. The Orbit sprinkler manuals provide detailed system maintenance and installation information.
Properly adjusted sprinkler heads ensure adequate water coverage for all parts of your garden and lawn. Consider replacing the system if some areas remain dry or the sprinkler heads cannot be adjusted as needed.
By following these guidelines, you can learn how to adjust Orbit sprinkler heads effectively, ensuring your irrigation system meets your garden’s needs.
