Sprinkler Wire Valve Tracing Service

We would be happy to be your choice for Irrigation and Sprinkler System Wire and Valve Tracing Service.  Valves that need to be serviced can get buried under sod, dirt, pine straw, etc over time and would need to be located using specialized equipment.  Busy Bee Sprinkler Repair can help.  We would need access to the control panel which is usually located in the garage as well as access to all parts of your yard (so please make sure the dog is up).  Here's how we locate valves:

Basically speaking, a "ping" is sent from the known location of the wire at the control panel in the particular zone socket in question.  This signal travels through the wire to the solenoid on the sprinkler valve (if the sprinkler valve still exists and has not been removed).  Specialized equipment can trace this signal and map it throughout the yard, bringing the technician closer to the valve.  When the receiver is close to the valve, a solid signal is evident and the valve can either be uncovered or poked with a tool that would penetrate the ground.

In the case of a broken sprinkler system wire, the wire would be traced in the same way, but the skill level of the technician would have to be higher because they would be looking for a slight change in the signal as opposed to the usual solid noise.  Nicks and severe damage to underground wires can be difficult to locate, but can usually be found with the right equipment and skill level.

One of the reasons that you would want to have your sprinkler zone system and wires mapped out is if you have a zone that won't turn off.  Usually, such a zone would slightly weep water out of the sprinkler head, causing dead grass, mushy soil, slick spots on walkways, etc.  The cause of zones not turning off is faulty zone valves that would need to be serviced or replaced.

For this and more sprinkler and irrigation system repair topics, visit us on the web or call (803)331-5323.  We service Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and Cayce with the finest in sprinkler repair.

Sprinkler Head Leaks all the time

I just did a Sprinkler Head Repair job in Lexington, S.C..  The customer called and described that one of the rainbird sprinkler heads always leaked, even (seemingly) after the system was off.  Upon visual inspection of the sprinkler system, the head seemed to work fine, but it did indeed "leak down" after the zone was turned off.  This type of problem exist where there is a head or a zone in the low part of a system, often the lowest head on the system - that's exactly what was going on with this particular service call.  The remedy is quick and easy and I wanted to share with you how to repair such a problem on your own.  Should you need to call on my professional services, I'm an email away...

Problem: Sprinkler Head leaks down all the time, causing large wet spot in grass, algae across walkway, higher water bill, etc.

Cause: Could be caused by a zone valve staying somewhat open.  In the case this morning, it was simply the fact that the head was at the low point in the system, acting almost like a suction drain and allowing the water from that zone to drain out at the end of a cycle.

Solution: The solution today was to install a head with a better shutoff mechanism installed at the bottom of the head - a "seal-a-matic" or SAM.  A head with a SAM installed will shut off more solidly, creating a tighter seal than with standard heads. 

For more tips on sprinkler system and irrigation repair from someone local to Lexington and Irmo, S.C., come back to this blog or just follow us on twitter!

Sprinker System Repair Service Update

If you are looking for sprinkler repair service and you are in the greater Columbia, S.C. Check out our newly revampled web page!  We also will have how-to videos coming up soon on our youtube channel that will help you learn how to fix your lawn sprinkler system on your own.  We have a Facebook page where we also post updates, we can be followed on twitter, and soon we will be launching in-person sprinkler repair mini classes!

The unique thing about our sprinkler repair and irrigation repair and adjustment service is that we don't mind you watching us work!  If you call on us for service, feel free to observe...we will be glad to show you how to maintain your lawn watering system on your own in the future.

We look forward to being of service!