More Tools Of The Trade

It's been a late start this year, but we're finally getting calls about sprinkler problems. People are turning on their sprinkler systems and discovering problem areas.

When it comes to valves that won't open or shut off properly, controllers with blank displays or a message that reads "Short", we're the one to call.

When it comes to simpler tasks like repairing a broken pipe, replacing a sprinkler that the mower sheared off, trimming the grass around the heads or cleaning or replacing filters, you might feel like doing it yourself.

If so, I have a few recommendations for doing the job with the right tools and materials.













1.) Number one on my list is the Rain Bird Spray Head Pull Up Tool.
Use it to pull up pop-up sprinklers with or without a nozzle in place. (It will work with other brands of sprinklers too: Toro, Hunter and Hit for instance.)

Then use it to hold the pop-up piston in place for cleaning or changing nozzles and filters.

2.) Next up is the Kenyon Sprinkler Head Trimmer.

A simple push with your foot and a couple of twists, 90 degrees to the left and then to the right leaves you with a plug of grass you can pull up by hand.

Work your way around the yard with a bucket handy for the plugs you remove. You can turn on the heads to make them easier to locate, but don't try to trim around them when they're popped up or you'll get soaked.

See this tool at: http://www.kenyontools.com/sprinklerheadtrimmers.html

3.) Third on my list is the Quik-Fix by KBI. There are other similar products by other brands, but I like this one the best. Get it at Lane Irrigation. What it does is allow you to make PVC pipe repairs that insert fully into fittings, even in tight spots. Basically, it telescopes.

Careful measuring is important. (Remember the old carpenters' adage: measure twice, cut once.)

http://www.kbico.com/downloads/pdfs/QF-Specs.pdf

4.) Fourth item is pipe cutters. In the ''old days'' pipes were often cut with a hacksaw and then sanded, both to remove burrs and clean the end of the pipe. Ratcheted cutters leave a nice clean and even cut, and faster too. (No loose burrs to clog sprinkler filters.) I haven't found a better brand than Victor.

5.) Last item for today is commonly known as pipe glue, but is actually a solvent cement, melting pipes and fittings so they adhere together. Always use in a well ventilated area and follow the instructions.

I use primer to clean and soften the pipe before using the glue. Always have paper towels or rags on hand to wipe off excess glue right away and always wear latex gloves when using these strong chemicals.

I recommend IPS Weld-On P-70 Primer and WELD-ON 2721 BLUE or WELD-ON 2725 "WET 'R DRY" AQUA BLUE Solvent Cements. These are commonly available at any irrigation supply house (of course I recommend Lane or Ewing - see above for contact info.) BTW, I prefer these Low VOC versions - fewer volatile organic compounds to pollute the air.