Rain Bird rotors are a popular type of sprinkler head used in residential and commercial irrigation systems. They spray water in a rotating, circular pattern and are designed to cover large areas of lawn or landscaping. Properly adjusting your Rain Bird rotors is important to ensure even water coverage and prevent issues like dry spots or water runoff. There are a few key things to check and adjust when setting up or troubleshooting Rain Bird rotor sprinklers.
Check the nozzle
The nozzle at the top of the Rain Bird rotor determines the watering pattern. Make sure the correct nozzle is installed for the area you want to cover. Nozzle sizes usually range from #4 (smallest) to #26 (largest). A smaller nozzle will throw a shorter distance with more concentrated watering, while a larger nozzle will cover more area. Refer to the Rain Bird catalog or online resources to match the nozzle size to the watering diameter needed. Make sure the nozzle has not become clogged with debris which would obstruct water flow.
Inspect the arc setting
Most Rain Bird rotors have an arc adjustment screw that controls the degree of rotation. The most common settings are full circle (rotates a full 360 degrees) or part circle (rotates less than 360 degrees). Adjusting the arc changes how far the water spray reaches. For example, a 90 degree arc would spray a quarter circle pattern. Check that the arc is properly set for the section of landscape you want to irrigate.
Adjust the range
The range setting determines how far the rotor will throw water. Adjust this by turning the radius adjustment screw located under a rubber cover. Turning it clockwise decreases the radius while counterclockwise increases it. Set this so the rotor sprays the desired distance for optimal coverage. Standard adjustment range is 25-50 feet for most residential rotors. Refer to manufacturer specs for the recommended radius of your model.
Set the stream height
Elevating the rotor’s pop-up height will increase how high the water stream shoots into the air. Adjust the stem height as needed with the stainless steel adjustment ring. Raising the stream helps avoid obstructing plant growth while maximizing water spread. Leaving it lower provides a more concentrated stream for smaller areas. Pop-up height can range from 4-15 feet depending on the rotor.
Confirm alignment
Make sure the rotor is positioned and angled properly to reach the intended area without spraying in unwanted directions. The alignment flat section on the cap is meant to be oriented toward the zone being watered. Check that the rotor is straight and aligned with lateral water pipes. If misaligned, loosen the assembly and adjust into proper position.
Test and observe rotation
Turn the irrigation system on and visually inspect the rotation speed and spray pattern. The rotor may take a few revolutions to normalize. Rotation speed should be consistent without wobbling. Observe the watering diameter and coverage to ensure even distribution. Make any final adjustments needed to the arc, range, or other settings based on how the sprinkler performs.
Troubleshoot common problems
Here are some common rotor adjustment issues and solutions:
Problem: Rotor does not fully pop up or rotate.
Solution: This is likely due to low water pressure. Check pressure at the sprinkler head when active. Pressure should be between 40-70 PSI. Install a pressure regulator if needed to provide adequate flow.
Problem: Rotor rotates unevenly in spurts.
Solution: Dirty water filters could obstruction rotation. Remove and clean the filter screen inside the rotor assembly. Check for damaged gears that may need replacement.
Problem: Water stream shoots too far or not far enough.
Solution: Adjust the nozzle size and/or radius settings to achieve the proper throw distance.
Problem: Partial or uneven coverage area.
Solution: Ensure the arc is adjusted properly for head-to-head coverage. Check for tilted sprinklers causing an off-center stream.
Problem: Dry spots between spray heads.
Solution: Overlap rotor spray areas for complete coverage without gaps. Adjust adjacent rotors to water into one another.
Special features
Some Rain Bird rotor models include special features for enhanced performance:
Stainless steel riser springs – Absorbs opening and closing shock, reducing wear.
Pressure regulation – Maintains optimal pressure across different incoming water pressure.
Matched precipitation – Nozzle inserts designed for consistent precipitation over entire coverage area.
Low angle trajectory – Provides excellent close-in watering reaching under plant foliage.
Master valve adapter – Allows connection of a master valve for automatic system shutdown.
Refer to spec sheets for the available features on your rotor model.
Professional adjustment
For large irrigation systems, it is best to have Rain Bird rotors adjusted by an experienced sprinkler professional. They can ensure optimal alignment, radius, and compatibility across all heads in the system. Professional adjustment often includes:
– Arc alignment for consistent coverage with no dry spots
– Radius reduced 10-25% from maximum to improve watering efficiency
– Evaluating optimal system pressure and flow for rotor performance
– Checking for matched precipitation across zones
– Setting schedules with multiple start times for multi-cycle soaking
– Programming master valve and flow sensor shutoffs in case of breaks
Recap
Here is a quick summary of the key steps in adjusting Rain Bird rotors:
1. Install the correct nozzle size for the watering diameter needed.
2. Set the arc adjustment screw to the section of coverage desired.
3. Adjust the radius screw for the appropriate throw distance.
4. Set the pop-up stem height with the adjustment ring.
5. Position the rotor flat section toward the watering zone.
6. Turn on the sprinklers and observe rotation and coverage.
7. Make any final tweaks to range, arc, or alignment.
8. Check system pressure – should be 40-70 PSI.
9. Troubleshoot any issues with uneven watering.
Properly adjusting Rain Bird rotors is crucial for an efficient irrigation system. Following these tips will help maximize coverage while minimizing overspray and uneven watering. Contact a sprinkler professional for help optimizing rotor performance across your whole system. Proper adjustment provides healthy growing conditions for lawns, trees and gardens.
Conclusion
Adjusting Rain Bird rotors involves checking and setting the nozzle size, arc coverage, radius range, pop-up height, alignment, rotation speed, and water pressure. Making sure all of these are properly calibrated allows the sprinkler to distribute water evenly and efficiently without any dry spots or issues. Observe the rotor while running and make any final tweaks as needed. Professional adjustment can optimize the entire irrigation system. Properly set Rain Bird rotors will keep landscapes flourishing with the right amount of water coverage. Following the tips in this article will allow both homeowners and professionals to dial in the perfect settings.