Ponderosa Sprinklers
Prepare for Winter:
Expert Seasonal Sprinkler Blowouts to Protect Your System
Spokane Valley, Washington
Frequentlyto
Asked Questions
Valve Not Turning On When Activated Through Timer
Q: What should I do if one of my valves doesn’t turn on when I activate it using my timer?
A: If your valve isn’t activating via the timer, it’s likely due to a faulty solenoid. We recommend replacing the solenoid, which typically costs between $19 and $35 depending on the brand, in addition to a service charge. This replacement should resolve the issue in most cases.
Q: Are there any other potential causes for the valve not turning on?
A: Yes, besides a bad solenoid, other possible causes include incorrect wiring, a disconnected wire, or a damaged wire inside the sheath.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have spare wires available?
A: If you don’t have extra wires, we can run additional wiring from your timer to the valve box as needed to ensure proper functionality.
Hassle-Free Sprinkler System Servicing
Q: I find it challenging to remember to call for sprinkler system servicing. Do you provide any solutions for this?
A: Yes, we offer three convenient service packages designed to simplify your life! These packages are prepaid, eliminating the need to remember to schedule appointments. We handle everything—from making the call to scheduling the service, and assisting you with all your sprinkler needs.
Buying a House with a Sprinkler System
Q: My home inspector doesn’t inspect the sprinkler system in a house I’m considering buying. What should I do?
A: We recommend scheduling a sprinkler system inspection with us for peace of mind. Our inspection will assess the system’s condition, ensuring you don’t face unexpected expenses after purchasing the house. If the system requires repairs, we can provide a bid for fixing the current system or installing a new one if necessary.
Rotor Head Not Rotating
Q: What should I do if my rotor head has stopped rotating?
A: If your rotor head isn’t rotating, it’s likely due to a faulty clutch inside the rotor. To resolve this issue, we recommend replacing the entire rotor assembly. 2 / 2
Valve Won’t Shut Off
Q: What should I do if my valve continues running even after I unplug the timer?
A: If your valve won’t shut off, it’s likely due to either debris clogging the valve or a broken internal component. For newer valves, we’ll dismantle and flush out any debris in the valve. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, we’ll replace the entire valve. We recommend shutting off your water supply to the sprinkler system until a service technician can come and fix the problem.
Constant Water Leakage from Sprinkler Heads
Q: How do I address constant water leakage from my sprinkler heads?
A: Persistent water leakage from sprinkler heads is often not directly caused by the heads themselves. Instead, it can stem from a small leak in the valve, causing water to seep out of the lowest heads. To check if the issue originates from the valve, you can inspect your water meter. Start by ensuring that no other water sources are active (like the dishwasher, faucet, or washing machine). Then, observe the small dial on the water meter, typically red in color. If the dial moves, it indicates a leak from the valve. However, if the dial remains stationary, the problem may be related to the system’s drainage.
If your yard has a slope, water might naturally drain from the lowest heads. To address this, consider installing new heads with built-in check valves or adding separate check valves under the affected heads. These check valves can typically withhold around 5 psi of pressure or less, helping to prevent water leakage.
Sprinkler System Winterization Timing
Q: When should I winterize my sprinkler system?
A: We begin scheduling sprinkler blowouts at the end of September and commence winterizing systems from the beginning of October through the middle of November. We strongly advise winterizing your system during the first half of October for optimal protection. Please note that we do not guarantee blowouts in November due to potential freezing temperatures.
Resolving Low Pressure in a Sprinkler Zone
Q: How can I address low pressure in one of my sprinkler zones?
A: If you notice low pressure in a specific zone while all other zones operate normally, follow these steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
Check Head Quantity and Type: Verify that the low-pressure zone has the same number and type of heads as the other zones. An imbalance in head count or type can cause reduced pressure.
Inspect for Breaks: Turn on the weak zone and look for any signs of breaks, such as a broken line or a malfunctioning sprinkler head. These are common causes of low pressure and are often identifiable by water pooling or flooding in the affected area.
Trace the Line: If there are no visible breaks, trace the irrigation line from the valves to the first head in the zone. Tree roots or other obstructions can sometimes pinch the line, leading to reduced pressure.
If these steps do not identify the cause of the low pressure, we recommend contacting us to schedule a technician visit. They can further investigate and help resolve the issue efficiently.
Hiring Contractors for Sprinkler Work
Q: Is it advisable to hire an unlicensed contractor to work on my sprinklers?
A: In short, no. In Washington state, contractors are required to have either a specialty contractor’s license for a specific trade or a general contractor’s license, which allows them to work in multiple trades with certain exceptions. To obtain a contractor’s license, they must be bonded (with fees ranging from $6,000 for specialty contractors to $12,000 for general contractors) and insured. However, merely having a contractor’s license doesn’t guarantee qualifications or reliability.
Since contractors don’t always have the best reputation, it’s crucial to do thorough research. Always ensure that any contractor you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured. Don’t hesitate to ask for references, check online reviews, and seek recommendations from trusted sources to find reputable contractors for your property.
Brands Serviced
Q: Which brands do you service?
A: We service all brands available in our market. While we primarily install products from Rainbird and Hunter, we also provide servicing for all other brands, including Irritrol, K-Rain, Orbit, Toro, Nelson/Signature, and lesser-known brands.
509.216.3156
Optimal Timing for Sprinkler System Operation
Q: What time of day should I start my sprinklers?
A: We advise running your system early in the morning. The ideal timing depends on the duration of your system’s operation. Generally, we aim to have the system off by mid-morning, before it gets too hot. For instance, if your system runs for 5 hours, we recommend starting it at 4:00 am so it’s off by 9:00 am. If you have a larger system running for 12 hours, start it at 10:00 pm to ensure it’s off by 10:00 am.
Avoiding midday operation is crucial because excessive water can evaporate before being absorbed by the soil, impacting the effectiveness of watering your lawn or plants.
Backflow Testing and Its Importance
Q: What is backflow testing, and why is it important?
A: Backflow prevention is crucial to understand to grasp the significance of backflow testing. Backflow refers to the unwanted reversal of water flow from a private system into a public or communal potable water system. Annual backflow testing ensures that your backflow prevention assembly is functioning correctly, preventing potentially hazardous chemicals and physical contaminants from contaminating the public’s drinking water supply.
Many water districts mandate annual backflow testing without exceptions. Contact us today to schedule your annual backflow test and safeguard the integrity of the public water system.
WiFi Timers/Controllers Explained
Q: What are WiFi timers/controllers?
A: WiFi timers are timers equipped with a WiFi signal that connects to your home router and links to your smartphone. Using your phone, you can operate the system, turn it on or off, and set programming. This convenience allows you to control your system from anywhere globally; whether you’re across town or across the world, you can manage your sprinklers remotely.
The latest generation of WiFi timers offers the option for manual activation directly from the timer or through your smartphone. As certified Rachio Pros, we have undergone training and earned certification to better understand how these timers function, leading to enhanced warranty coverage when we install them. Contact us today to schedule a replacement and enjoy the benefits of WiFi-enabled irrigation control!
Payment Options
Q: How can I pay my bill?
A: We offer various payment methods for your convenience. You can pay using all major credit cards, checks, or cash. For credit card payments, you can call our office and provide your card details over the phone or use the invoice emailed to you for online payment. Our service technicians are equipped to process credit card payments on-site once the work is finished. Additionally, they can accept cash or checks.
Please be aware that our technicians do not carry change for cash payments, so we appreciate exact amounts for cash transactions.