CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician System Maintenance and Repair 2

Question 1

A sprinkler head is not retracting fully after the zone turns off. The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Dirt, debris, or a worn spring in the sprinkler body preventing the riser from retracting

Answer

A sprinkler head that doesn't retract properly usually has dirt or debris between the riser and the body, or the internal spring that forces the riser down has weakened or broken. Cleaning the head and replacing the spring (or the entire head) resolves the issue.

Question 2

During a spring startup of an irrigation system that was winterized by blowout, the technician should:

Accepted Answer

Slowly open the main water supply, allowing pipes to fill gradually, then test each zone individually for leaks and proper operation

Answer

Spring startup requires gradually filling the system with water to prevent water hammer and allow the technician to identify any damage from freezing, settling, or other winter events. Each zone should be tested individually for leaks, head alignment, and proper operation.

Question 3

A zone valve is stuck open (water continues flowing even when the controller turns off the zone). What should the technician check first?

Accepted Answer

The solenoid, diaphragm, and bleed port for debris or damage

Answer

A valve stuck open is typically caused by debris in the diaphragm or bleed port, a torn diaphragm, or a solenoid that isn't seating properly. These components control the valve's closing mechanism and are the first items to inspect.

Question 4

What is the correct method for winterizing an irrigation system by compressed air blowout?

Accepted Answer

Connect a compressor (limited to 50 PSI for PE/PVC) to the mainline after the backflow preventer and blow out each zone sequentially, starting from the farthest zone

Answer

Winterization by blowout uses compressed air to push water from all pipes, valves, and heads. Air pressure must be limited (50 PSI for PE/PVC, 80 PSI for copper) to prevent pipe and fitting damage. Each zone is blown out individually until no water is visible from the heads.

Question 5

A rotor sprinkler head is turning but the radius has decreased significantly from its original design. The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Low water pressure, a worn or clogged nozzle, or debris in the filter screen

Answer

Reduced throw radius in a rotor is typically caused by low operating pressure (often from a system leak elsewhere), a nozzle that has worn to a larger orifice (reducing pressure), a clogged nozzle, or a dirty filter screen restricting flow to the head.

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician System Maintenance and Repair 2