Customer's Rain Bird System

[T. Wheeler]

To start I am no irrigation expert at all period.... But I have a customer that has a Rain Bird Rotary System. He says it is shorted out and will not work. That is all he has told me, I haven't tested it or anything. If its just a cut or chewed up wire I can fix that but if its really complicated I won't touch it. Anyone have any clue on what might have shorted out or what might cause it?, and how much to charge and if I need to be licensed?

[grdhog1]

There might be a fuse in the control box that is blown.

[T. Wheeler]

Well not to sound stupid but that sounds like a simple fix. Is fuse box near/inside the control unit? And what kinda fuses will it take?

[Beartooth]

1.5 amp slow-blow, What do you mean by rotory system? Do you mean the controller is mechanical?

[T. Wheeler]

I meant sprinkler heads opps I think these are nes maybe commercial version http://rainbird.com/diy/products/rotors/ag5_maxipaw.htm

[T. Wheeler]

Soory the 27/37/47 Series Impact Rotor Heads is what it uses

[Wet_Boots]

Those are golf course heads costing hundreds of dollars apiece. The control valves might be similarly 'bulletproof' and not an easy fix. A shorted solenoid is always a starting point for exploration.

[T. Wheeler]

I have no clue what Im talking about.... Sorry for asking so many stupid questions. Here is a picture that I found of his lawn but you can see the head. It is in the lower left corner. Again sorry for ignorance

[DanaMac]

That's a simple impact head. Should have nothing to do with the timer shorting out. Rotary "system" may mean mechanical timer. A lot those don't have a fuse that I know of. Motor may have gone out.

[T. Wheeler]

To my best of knowledge there is 6-8 of these in the yard. Check each individual motor? Also cheaper to replace whole head or just motor. Sorry last question, what kinda control box if any will be in this and nothing could have shorted out?

[Beartooth]

What exactly is the problem with this system? Is the "controller" not working properly? If so, do you have a model number you could give that would help in troubleshooting?

[Keith]

Probably Maxi-Paws, but that's probably meaningless. You really don't have enough info based on what he has told you. The first thing I would do is to have a look at the controller. I would make sure it actually had power to it and is actually functioning. At that point I would want to see if it had output to the valves. Are you thinking that possibly the valve wiring has been cut? Like maybe with an edger or something? :o

[T. Wheeler]

I am going based on homeowner's statements. I am going to check it out next time I mow, we haven't had the edger there yet fairly new account, although some wire is exposed along sidewalk, If one wire is cut will whole system be down or just that head? His orginal statement was " I think theres a short in it."

[Wet_Boots]

Maybe pass this one off to a pro, I would think.

[Keith]

If the wiring to the valves is exposed and looks damaged, then yes, there is a good chance that could be his problem.

I believe if you did not cause this, you would be wise to pass on this job.

[T. Wheeler]

Yeah, I though it might have been simple... Irrigation would be a new adventure
if I did do it I would take classes or work with a company for experience not just dive in. O well I'll go look at it to see if it's something simple.

Thanks for all the help,

[T. Wheeler]

If the wiring to the valves is exposed and looks damaged, then yes, there is a good chance that could be his problem.

I believe if you did not cause this, you would be wise to pass on this job.

Would it be unprofessional to solder ,heat shrink ,and tape it? If its actually exposed. Just a thought.

[SprinklerGuy]

Do your client a favor and give him a name of a local irrigation service technician.

[sheshovel]

The valve will be down that runs the heads.Start with the controller and make sure it has power and try running each zone manually from the controller to see which valve is not functioning.If the controller is not functioning and it is plugged into a GFI outlet you could try hitting the reset button on it.Could be the wires that are connected to the valves . It could be simple it could be complicated.Could be many things .

[Wet_Boots]

Just change all the drip lines. :p

[sheshovel]

Just change all the drip lines. :p
You are sooooo funny dear!:waving:

[T. Wheeler]

Do your client a favor and give him a name of a local irrigation service technician.
Thats one option but what I am afraid like sheshovel said it could be simple, but it could be complicated. For someone with little experience if it was a valve could I change it easily, or get a Irrigation Pro? What I am asking is what is to complicated for a novice to do. I want it done right cost effectivelyience and

Thanks for all the patience and help,

[T. Wheeler]

Just change all the drip lines. :p
Haha those are on a drip irrigation aren't they... Thats where Pros, School, Experience, and Training all come into play.

[Wet_Boots]

That was just a bit of fun for the visiting Sheshovel. Seriously, if you aren't getting paid for your time, you should find an irrigation repairman to deal with it. If you don't know any, you need to spend some time finding one.

[sheshovel]

Haha those are on a drip irrigation aren't they... Thats where Pros, School, Experience, and Training all come into play.

NONO ! Wheeler that is an inside joke between WetBoots and I about changing drip lines
just ignore him.

[T. Wheeler]

That was just a bit of fun for the visiting Sheshovel. Seriously, if you aren't getting paid for your time, you should find an irrigation repairman to deal with it. If you don't know any, you need to spend some time finding one.
I'll charge accordingly, if I can't get it done i'll find one. He isn't in a big hurry.

[SprinklerGuy]

Ok..what if you work on it for a couple of hours and can't figure it out....then you call a tech in and he fixes it. Will you still bill for your time? I surely hope not....

This is probably a busy time for you yes? Do what you are good at, bill him for what you are good at.....don't try to be all things to all people......

do yourself a favor, and give him the number of a good irrigation technician.

[DanaMac]

do yourself a favor, and give him the number of a good irrigation technician.

I agree with this. But if you want to learn a little, see if you can show up and watch what he does. BUT don't hunch over him the whole time asking a million questions. A few will do just fine. You might make a good contact that both you and he can refer customers to.

[T. Wheeler]

Say I wanted to get in to irrigation should I take classes and work with a company first for experience?