CIT Irrigation System Installation & Maintenance 3

Question 1

A customer asks the technician to add three new sprinkler heads to an existing zone. Before doing so, the technician should first verify that:

Accepted Answer

The zone's existing flow capacity (GPM) and pipe sizing can support the additional heads without exceeding the water supply's capacity or causing excessive velocity

Answer

The controller has enough programs available

Answer

The new heads are the same color as the existing ones

Answer

The rain sensor is compatible with additional heads

Question 2

When flushing an irrigation mainline after a repair, the purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove debris (pipe shavings, dirt, solvent cement residue) that entered the pipe during the repair, preventing it from clogging valves, nozzles, and emitters

Answer

Test the controller

Answer

Increase water pressure

Answer

Calibrate the flow sensor

Question 3

A mid-season irrigation audit reveals that the system's distribution uniformity (DU) has dropped from 70% to 50%. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Clogged nozzles, tilted heads, sunken heads, or worn nozzles causing uneven water distribution

Answer

The controller was reprogrammed

Answer

The backflow preventer was recently tested

Answer

The season changed from spring to summer

Question 4

Trenching in heavy clay soil requires special consideration because:

Accepted Answer

Clay soil tends to smear and seal the trench walls, which can direct water along the trench line (creating a 'French drain' effect) and slow backfill compaction

Answer

Clay is always dry and easy to dig

Answer

Clay has no effect on irrigation installation

Answer

Clay trenches never cave in

Question 5

What is the recommended method for locating an irrigation wire break that is causing a zone to stop working?

Accepted Answer

Use a systematic approach: test resistance at the controller, then use a wire locator/tracer to follow the wire path and identify the exact break location

Answer

Replace all wires from the controller to the valve

Answer

Dig up the entire wire run

Answer

Just install a new wireless valve instead

Question 6

When installing irrigation components near a swimming pool, what minimum setback distance is typically required for sprinkler heads?

Accepted Answer

Sprinkler spray should not reach the pool deck or pool water — typically 5-10 feet depending on local code, and drip or subsurface irrigation is preferred near pools

Answer

No setback is required

Answer

50 feet minimum

Answer

100 feet minimum