You have got state-of-the-art sprayers equipped with equally magnificent Hunter sprinkler heads. What could go wrong? Surprisingly, you might still find that you are not getting the coverage you want.
Thankfully, you can solve this all by yourself in most cases. Knowing how to adjust Hunter sprinkler heads is the only skill set you would require.
Hunter PGP Adjustment: What Do You Need To Know?
Adjusting Hunter PGP sprinkler heads is no rocket science. I have broken down the entire process into simple, easy-to-understand steps so that anyone can figure out how to do it. Let’s get straight to it:
Process 1: Arc Adjustment
Why Do You Need To Do It?
Coverage Customization: Different areas of your landscape may require varying degrees of water coverage.
Adjusting the arc allows you to customize the spray pattern and ensure that water is distributed evenly across your lawn or garden.
It also helps the watering pattern to match the specific shape and size of the target area.
Prevent Overspraying And Overlapping: Proper arc adjustment helps prevent the overlapping of spray patterns between adjacent sprinkler heads.
If the arcs are not adjusted correctly, water from neighboring heads can overlap, leading to uneven watering and potential wastage.
Prevent Water Wastage: Properly adjusting the arc of sprinkler heads plays a crucial role in efficient water management and conservation.
This is particularly important in regions where water resources are limited or during times of drought when water conservation is crucial.
Stop Water Runoff: Controlling water runoff is essential for preserving soil integrity, particularly on sloped landscapes.
When the arc of sprinkler heads is set too wide, water can escape its intended area, resulting in runoff, soil erosion, and, of course, water wastage.
How To Do It?
Adjustable sprinkler heads come with a preset angle of around 180°. These adaptable heads can be easily fine-tuned with the water on or off.
I would recommend making your own adjustments before installing them on your sprinklers. You might want a wider angle for more area coverage or narrow it down to prevent the water flow from going outside the target area.
To ensure the smooth completion of any interrupted rotation cycle, use the palm of your hand to rotate the nozzle turret properly in a counterclockwise direction until it reaches the left stop.
This simple adjustment will restore the rotation cycle to its intended sequence, allowing for proper functionality.
To determine the fixed point of the arc, simply rotate the nozzle turret clockwise until it reaches the right stop. This fixed position serves as the starting reference for arc adjustments.
Throughout the adjustment process, it is important to keep the nozzle turret held steady at this point, as the right stop remains unchanged.
How To Increase The Arc?
- Insert the plastic key end of the Hunter adjustment tool into the designated adjustment socket. This is a purpose-built tool that guarantees a secure and reliable fit, allowing you to achieve precise adjustments effortlessly.
- Firmly hold the nozzle turret at the right stop position while rotating the wrench clockwise. With each complete 360° turn of the wrench, the arc will increase by 90°. Set the Arc to Any Angle Between 40° or 50° and 360°.
- Once the sprinkler’s arc adjustment reaches its maximum extent of 360°, the wrench will either come to a halt or produce a distinct ratcheting sound. This serves as a clear indication that the adjustment has reached its upper limit, and no further changes can be made to the arc.
How To Reduce The Arc?
- Insert the plastic key end of the Hunter wrench into the corresponding adjustment socket.
- Firmly hold the nozzle turret at the right stop position while rotating the wrench counterclockwise. With each complete 360° turn of the wrench, the arc will increase by 90°. Set the Arc to Any Angle Between 40° or 50° and 360°.
- When the sprinkler’s arc adjustment reaches the minimum value of 40° or 50°, you will observe that the wrench either stops turning or emits a ratcheting sound. This indicates that the adjustment has reached its lower threshold and cannot be decreased further.
Process 2: Radius/ Distance Of Throw Adjustment
Why Do You Need To Do It?
Why do you need to change the spray distance of a sprinkler? Earlier, I told you about the reasons you should consider tweaking the sprinkler arc.
Changing the spray pattern, like adjusting the arc, allows you to customize the coverage and avoid issues such as overspray, overlapping, water waste, and runoff.
So, what special benefit does the toy get by adjusting the spray pattern? When do you need to adjust the arc and when do you need to modify the spray pattern?
Or, is it interchangeable? By adjusting the arc, you can change the direction of the flow. The intensity will remain unaffected.
When you adjust the flow, the flow intensity changes, but the direction remains the same. I hope that will clear up any confusion you might have had regarding these two procedures.
Now, let’s shed light on the radius regulation process that would allow you to alter the flow through the sprinkler heads.
How To Adjust Hunter Sprinkler Head Distance?
Find the radius reduction screw on the sprinkler head. You should find it right on top of the Hunter logo.
It’s a small screw, but you will soon realize that the role it serves is incredibly significant. Put the metal hex end of the Hunter sprinkler head adjustment tool on top of it.
I’m sure that you can also do this with a small flat headed screwdriver.
So, now you can go either clockwise or counterclockwise. Rotating the screw clockwise will decrease the radius of the sprinkler head, which in turn will reduce the spray distance.
To get the opposite result, rotate the screw anticlockwise. When turning the screw clockwise, make sure not to make more than five full turns, otherwise, it might get lost.
Is It Mandatory To Use A Hunter Sprinkler Head Adjustment Tool?
While using a Hunter sprinkler head adjustment tool, aka a Hunter wrench, makes the job easier, it doesn’t mean you cannot change the sprinkler head radius or arc without one.
A Hunter wrench is a specialized tool that has a 3/32″ Allen wrench, two finger loops, and an arc adjustment key.
The finger loops make it really convenient to operate the tool. I don’t think you can match that comfort with an alternative, but I understand if you don’t want to make the extra investment for it.
You can use a regular Allen key and a flathead screwdriver in place of a dedicated Hunter wrench.
Final Words
Learning how to adjust Hunter sprinkler heads is the simplest effort you can put into making your watering system more efficient.
The steps I outlined in this guide are quite easy to follow, and they will help you change the arc and radius of your sprinkler.
I think using a Hunters wrench will make the job easier, but you can make do with regular stuff from your toolbox.
Remember to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific sprinkler model to ensure proper adjustment techniques.
With the ability to customize the coverage and prevent common issues like over-spraying and water wastage, you’ll be able to keep your lawn and garden healthy while conserving water.
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