Identification and Preliminary Troubleshooting of Common Problems in Agricultural Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Identification and Preliminary Troubleshooting of Common Problems in Agricultural Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Sprinkler irrigation systems inevitably encounter various problems during use.  Quickly identifying the symptoms and taking the correct preliminary steps can effectively prevent minor malfunctions from escalating, restore irrigation promptly, and minimize losses. Before addressing any problem, always remember safety first: turn off the water pump and disconnect the power before troubleshooting.

The most common problem is "insufficient system pressure or no water at all." First, check the water source and the pump. Confirm that the water level in the water source (e.g., well, pond) is sufficient, and that the inlet filter or foot valve is not blocked by weeds or silt. Check if the water pump starts normally: is the power connected, and has the switch tripped? For diesel engine pumps, check if there is enough fuel. If the pump is running but no water is coming out or the water volume is very low, focus on checking the suction pipeline: ensure all connections are tightened, check for cracks in the pipes, and ensure there are no air leaks (air leaks are the main cause of failure to draw water). For self-priming pumps, ensure the pump is filled with water.

When "the system is supplying water, but the sprinklers are malfunctioning," the problem is usually in the field pipe network and the sprinklers themselves. If some sprinklers are not working, have low water volume, or are not rotating properly, it is usually because the sprinkler or its branch pipe is blocked by debris. The system can be shut down, the problematic sprinkler removed for cleaning, and its internal filter checked. If the sprinklers in a certain area have very low pressure, it may be that the branch pipe valve in that area is not fully open, or the branch pipe itself is cracked or leaking. If all sprinklers have insufficient pressure and the pump is running with a heavy sound, the main filter may be severely clogged, or there may be a large leak in the main pipeline, requiring inspection along the line.

When encountering "abnormal pump operation or leakage," proceed with caution. If the pump vibrates violently or makes unusual noises, the mounting bolts may be loose, or the bearings or impeller inside the pump may be worn or loose. Immediately stop the pump and check the tightening bolts. If the vibration persists, it is recommended to contact a professional for repair. A slight drip at the pump shaft seal (where the pump shaft extends) is normal, but if there is a jet-like leak, it indicates that the seal is damaged and needs to be replaced as soon as possible, otherwise it will damage the bearings and waste a large amount of water. Motor overheating can be caused by low voltage, excessive load, or poor heat dissipation.  Check the voltage, clean the motor's cooling fins, and confirm that the water pump is not operating under excessive head pressure. When faced with these complex mechanical or electrical faults, if you have limited experience, the safest approach is to shut down the equipment and contact a professional for repair. Do not attempt to disassemble the equipment yourself.  Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent most problems.