CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician System Maintenance and Repair Questions and Answers

Question 1

A technician performing a spring start-up on an irrigation system that has been properly winterized should perform which of the following steps FIRST to prevent system damage?

Accepted Answer

Ensure all drain valves are closed and then open the main shut-off valve very slowly.

Answer

Turn on the controller and manually activate each zone to check for broken heads.

Answer

Open the main shut-off valve quickly to flush debris from the mainline.

Answer

Open the test cocks on the backflow prevention device before turning on the water.

Question 2

A pop-up spray head in a turf area fails to retract fully after the zone shuts off, creating a potential hazard. What is the most common reason for this issue?

Accepted Answer

Debris is wedged between the riser stem and the wiper seal or sprinkler body.

Answer

The system pressure is too low for proper operation.

Answer

The retraction spring inside the sprinkler body is broken.

Answer

The nozzle is clogged with mineral deposits.

Question 3

A client reports an unusually high water bill. With all water off in the house and the irrigation controller off, a technician observes the small leak indicator dial on the water meter is spinning slowly. This indicates a leak in which part of the system?

Accepted Answer

The mainline between the water meter and the zone valves.

Answer

A cracked lateral line after a zone valve.

Answer

A broken sprinkler head in the lowest zone.

Answer

A weeping diaphragm in a zone valve.

Question 4

After a zone turns off, the sprinkler heads continue to weep or dribble a small but constant amount of water. The valve box itself is dry. What is the most likely cause of this problem?

Accepted Answer

A small piece of debris is preventing the valve's diaphragm from sealing completely.

Answer

The controller is sending a low, residual voltage to the solenoid.

Answer

The solenoid coil has failed and is stuck partially open.

Answer

The mainline pressure is too high, forcing water past the valve seal.

Question 5

When winterizing an irrigation system with PVC piping using an air compressor, what is the generally accepted maximum air pressure (PSI) to use to avoid damaging components?

Accepted Answer

40-80 PSI

Answer

25-35 PSI

Answer

100-110 PSI

Answer

90-100 PSI

Question 6

What is the most critical routine maintenance task for a drip irrigation system to prevent emitter clogging and ensure uniform water delivery over time?

Accepted Answer

Regularly opening the end caps or flush valves to flush the laterals.

Answer

Burying the tubing deeper into the soil annually.

Answer

Checking the controller's battery backup every month.

Answer

Increasing system pressure at the beginning of each season.