Hummingbird sprinkler heads are a popular type of gear-driven rotary sprinkler that provide full or partial circle watering patterns. They are highly adjustable, allowing you to customize the arc coverage, distance, and flow rate as needed for your lawn or garden. While hummingbird sprinklers are designed to be easy to use, there are some tips and tricks to adjusting them properly so they operate at peak performance.
What you need to adjust a hummingbird sprinkler
Before getting into the steps for adjusting a hummingbird sprinkler, it’s helpful to have the right equipment on hand:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Small flat head screwdriver
- Pliers
- Teflon tape
The screwdriver is needed to loosen and tighten adjustment screws on the sprinkler. Pliers can help grip onto parts if needed. Teflon tape should be used to wrap threads when attaching the sprinkler to prevent leaks.
Adjust the arc coverage
Hummingbird sprinklers can cover a full 360 degree circle or part circles as small as 30 degrees. To adjust the arc coverage:
- Locate the “range” adjustment dial on top of the sprinkler head.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the range dial to the desired degree of coverage. There are indicators on the dial showing approximate degree coverage.
- Turn the water on and visually confirm the watering arc matches the range set.
- Make any adjustments needed to the range dial.
When reducing the arc coverage, it’s a good idea to match up one of the stream nozzles with the center of the arc area being watered. This helps ensure even coverage within the arc.
Adjust the distance
Hummingbird sprinklers can shoot water 5-25+ feet far depending on the model. To adjust the throw distance:
- Start with the distance adjustment dial set to the maximum distance.
- Turn the water on and observe how far the sprinkler shoots water.
- Slowly turn the distance dial down until the desired throw radius is achieved.
The distance dial operates by controlling the speed of the spinning arms. Faster spin equals farther distance. Setting the distance closer than needed wastes water overspray, so take time to dial this in.
Adjust the flow rate
Hummingbird sprinklers offer several options to customize the flow rate to match the needs of your landscape:
- Install a regulator – A regulator allows limiting water pressure/flow at the sprinkler head.
- Change the nozzle – Larger and smaller nozzles are available to increase or decrease GPM.
- Adjust the control screw – There is a threaded control screw on the sprinkler to limit how far open the nozzle flow is.
When adjusting the flow rate, it’s a good idea to measure the output over a few minutes to determine the gallons per minute (GPM). Labeling each head with its GPM can ensure you have consistency across all sprinkler heads in your system.
Setting spray distance for offset heads
Some hummingbird sprinklers have offset arms to allow getting closer to edges and walls. When using offset heads:
- Aim the non-offset side of the sprinkler head away from the obstructed area.
- Follow the normal distance adjustment steps to set the throw distance as needed.
- The offset side of the sprinkler will water closer to the obstruction but not hit it directly.
Offset sprinkler heads require compromising a bit on matched throw distances versus regular heads, but allow better coverage of irregular shaped areas.
Adjusting for matched precipitation rates
For optimal efficiency in an irrigation system, all the sprinkler heads should be adjusted to have matched precipitation rates. This means each head is putting out the same amount of water (GPM) over a given zone time. To match precipitation rates:
- Determine the zone time based on your irrigation controller program.
- Decide on a target precipitation rate for the zone.
- Adjust all heads to put out that target GPM within the zone time.
Heads that spray farther will need a higher GPM to match precipitation with shorter throwing heads. Using pressure regulators, nozzles, and flow control screws allows tuning each head to the target output.
Checking for leaks
It’s important to check hummingbird sprinklers for leaks whenever adjustments are made. Potential leak points include:
- Sprinkler body to pipe joint – Tighten if loose; may need Teflon tape or thread sealant.
- Nozzle seating – May need to clean debris out of nozzle with pick tool.
- Worn out wiper seal – Replace seal if it is cracked or deteriorated.
- Adjusting screw O-ring – Tighten down firmly or replace O-ring if damaged.
Catching leaks early prevents water loss and damage. Periodically inspect sprinklers while operating to identify any new leaks developing.
Conclusion
Adjusting hummingbird sprinkler heads involves dialing in the proper arc coverage, distance, flow rate, and matching precipitation with other heads in the irrigation system. Getting these factors fine-tuned takes some trial and error, but allows your sprinklers to operate at peak efficiency.
The full adjustability of hummingbird rotors makes them a versatile choice, but also requires the user to understand how to optimize the settings. Taking the time to properly adjust hummingbirds results in an irrigation system that provides equal coverage and prevents overspray or dry spots in the landscape.
Adjustment Type | Purpose | How to Adjust |
---|---|---|
Arc Coverage | Sets degree of watering circle | Turn range dial to desired arc |
Distance | Sets throw radius | Turn distance dial up/down |
Flow Rate | Sets GPM output | Use regulator, change nozzle, adjust screw |
Related Questions
How do you adjust the range on a Hunter rotor sprinkler head?
Hunter rotor sprinkler heads are adjusted similarly to hummingbirds. To set the arc coverage on a Hunter rotor:
- Locate the arc adjustment dial on top of the rotor head.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the dial to the desired degree of coverage (full, 270, 180, 90, etc).
- Turn on the water and visually confirm the arc is correct.
- Make any adjustments needed.
What are the best hummingbird sprinkler models?
Some of the top rated hummingbird sprinkler models include:
- Hummingbird 12″ Turbo – High efficiency rotor with excellent range flexibility
- Hummingbird 6″ Precision – Allows precision watering in small areas
- Hummingbird IG – Industrial grade rotor built for durability
- Hummingbird Eco-Rotator – Water conserving rotor with matched precipitation
How can you adjust a sprinkler head’s throw distance?
Steps to adjust the throw distance on most sprinkler heads:
- Start with distance dial at maximum setting
- Turn on water and observe throw radius
- Gradually turn distance dial down until you reach the desired radius
- Setting the distance too short wastes water with overspray
What causes uneven watering with sprinklers?
Common causes of uneven sprinkler watering include:
- Mismatched precipitation rates between heads
- Inappropriate spacing between heads
- Heads with clogged or worn nozzles
- Improper arc coverage settings
- Slope changes causing runoff
Carefully adjusting and maintaining heads can help improve uniformity.
How can you adjust the water flow on a sprinkler head?
To adjust flow rate on a sprinkler head try:
- Installing a pressure regulating device
- Changing the nozzle to a different GPM size
- Adjusting the flow control stem or screw
- Using a throttling valve on the supply line
Match precipitation rates by tuning flow on each head. Label heads with GPM for easy reference.