AUTOMATIC / MANUAL SPRlNKLER SYSTEM

OOa. AUTOMATIC / MANUAL SPRlNKLER SYSTEM: 
Automatic sprinkler systems turn on and off automatically with the assistance of an electric timer. Sometimes they may have moisture indicators in the soil. They always have electrically operated valves . These valves generally should be the anti-siphon type Sometimes the valves will not be the anti-siphon type, but an antisiphon device will be installed at the point where the valves are connected to the water supply line. If no anti-siphon device exists, one should be installed and should be placed at least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler head. Anti-siphon devices prevent contaminated water, which may be in the sprinkler lines, from being siphoned back into the main water lines.  The timer controls for each sprinkler station should be set by observing that station's needs. Each station's needs, however, will vary seasonally. Learn to operate your individual system and check every few weeks to see that everything in the system is working well Be certain that the sprinkler heads are not directed so as to wet the building exterior. See that no pooling of water occurs near the foundation. Early in the morning is usually the best time to water since the pressure often is greater at that time, and better coverage may be possible Impulse sprinklers cover large areas with less sprinkler heads but maintenance is increased with these units because of so many moving parts All sprinkler heads are relatively inexpensive (50 cents for simple spray heads to $19 for hidden impulse heads) and should be replaced if any problems cannot be adjusted In many neighborhoods we see water running in the gutters even in dry summer months. This may be from over watering or improperly directed sprinklers. Try to avoid wasting water Although the Technical Inspection Service covers all aspects of the sprinkler system, the Visual Inspection Service is limited. The inspection, being a visual inspection, obviously cannot ascertain whether sprinkler pipelines are in good condition or are even connected Sprinkler heads are checked at random only, if at all. The inspector cannot possibly review all heads since some are hidden under dirt, grass or other matter. The inspector will not test any valving device for operational characteristics and will not be able to determine whether the system is connected to the main water supply lines as may be required by local codes. Expect to adjust, maintain, and repair the sprinkler system on a regular basis It is recommended that you ask the seller to explain and demonstrate the system operation at the final walk-through. When you take possession of the property expect broken or clogged sprinkler heads, excessive or insufficient watering, dry or muddy spots in the landscape, etc Manual system: These sprinkler systems differ from automatic sprinkler systems only to the extent that they lack the electric valves and the timer controls They are usually turned on by hand using a "key." 

The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660

Mesothelioma - Home Inspector Classes - Radon Countertop Granite Radon - Home Inspection Checklist - Stab-Lok Circuit Breaker Federal Pacific Company - New Home Inspection Checklist - Home inspector training - lung cancer asbestos - How to become a home inspector - Home Inspection Business - SiteMap - list SarasotaFloridaRealEstate.html
This file was last updated on Saturday, 13-Sep-2008 00:08:10 EDT * Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey home inspectors License GI 0121.

New Jersey Real Estate Lawyer NJ  New Jersey Real Estate Attorney NJ     home inspection checklist