RETIC FAQ'S
Got a question about your reticulation system? You’re not alone! Whether your sprinklers aren’t popping up, your system won’t turn off, or you’re just wondering how long to water your lawn, we’ve got you covered.
At Mr Retic, we know how important a reliable irrigation system is for keeping your garden green and healthy. That’s why we’ve put together this handy FAQ section to help you troubleshoot common issues and keep your retic running smoothly.
We also have more information on our blog and you can also see videos on our YouTube channel. If you can’t find the answer you need, feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to help!
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RETIC MAINTENANCE & tROUBLESHOOTING
We provide reticulation repairs, servicing, fault finding, controller replacements, new reticulation installations, retic alterations, sprinkler repairs, solenoid repairs, pipe repairs and turf installation services. We work with residential reticulation systems and small commercial systems across Perth’s far northern suburbs. Please check our service area before making an enquiry.
Yes. We can repair and service existing reticulation systems, including broken sprinklers, leaking pipes, faulty solenoids, wiring issues, poor coverage, controller problems and stations that are not working properly. We’ll assess the issue, explain what we find and work through the repairs needed to get your retic running as it should, alternatively we can also identify issues and leave you to fix simple issues, therefore saving you money.
Yes. Regular retic servicing is a great way to keep your system working properly before small issues turn into bigger leaks or dry patches. We can test your stations, check your sprinklers, look for leaks, adjust coverage where needed and make sure your system is watering as efficiently as possible.
Yes. If your reticulation system is not turning on, there could be an issue with the controller, wiring, solenoids, power supply, water supply or programming. We can test the system and work through the likely causes to find the fault.
Common causes of retic or sprinklers not turning on include power supply issues, a faulty solenoid, a blocked filter, or a problem with the controller. Mr Retic is able to attend and troubleshoot any issues with your retic system or sprinklers not turning on, and fix the issue. Please check our pricing here, or contact us to make a booking.
If your reticulation system is not turning off, the most common cause is a stuck or faulty solenoid valve. Dirt or debris inside the valve can prevent it from closing properly, causing water to continue flowing.
Another possibility is an issue with the controller, such as an incorrect program setting or a system malfunction. Electrical faults, like damaged wiring or a short circuit, can also keep the system running.
High water pressure may sometimes prevent valves from closing fully, or the manual override might have been accidentally left on. To fix the issue, turn off the main water supply, check the controller settings, and inspect the solenoid valve for blockages or damage. If you need assistance with this, contact us to make a booking.
If water is still coming from your sprinklers even after turning off your reticulation system, it’s likely due to a stuck or faulty solenoid valve. When debris, dirt, or a worn-out diaphragm prevents the valve from closing properly, water continues to flow through the system.
Another possible cause is residual water draining from low-lying sprinklers, which is normal and should stop after a short time. If the issue persists, there may be an issue with the controller is still sending a signal to the valve.
If you need assistance to diagnose and fix the issue, contact Mr Retic to make a booking.
Usually the reason why some of your sprinklers are not working (whilst other sprinklers on the same station are), could be a blocked nozzle, a broken sprinkler head, a split in the pipe, or low water pressure. Mr Retic is able to attend your property to investigate why some of your sprinklers aren’t working, and get them working for you again. Please check our pricing here, or contact us to make a booking.
We recommend that everyone with a reticulation system tests their systems once the Winter Sprinkler Ban has concluded (the beginning of September), or just before the weather starts to heat up in Perth. This is to ensure your sprinklers, filters and solenoids are all working, so your retic system is functioning correctly for Summer. If you would like to book us for a retic check-over and service, please contact us to make a booking.
It is also a good idea to test your own system monthly, so you can quickly spot broken sprinklers, leaks, dry patches or stations that are not coming on before your landscape dies.
If some of your sprinklers are not popping up when your reticulation system turns on, it’s usually due to low water pressure, blockages, or mechanical issues.
Low water pressure can occur if there are too many sprinklers running on the same zone, a leak in the system, or a partially closed main water valve. Blockages from dirt, sand, or debris can also prevent sprinklers from rising fully. Sometimes, the sprinkler heads themselves can become worn out, stuck, or buried too deep in the soil.
To fix the issue, check for leaks, clear any blockages, and make sure the water pressure is sufficient. If needed, clean or replace the affected sprinkler heads, and consider adjusting the number of sprinklers per zone to balance the water flow.
Mr Retic is able to assist with sprinkler and retic system maintenance, contact us to make a booking.
Yes. If your reticulation system is not turning on, there could be an issue with the controller, wiring, solenoids, power supply, water supply or programming. We can test the system and work through the likely causes to find the fault.
Yes. We can inspect, repair or replace faulty solenoids. Solenoid issues can cause stations to stop working, stay stuck on, leak or fail to water correctly, so they are an important part of your retic system. We also have a detector which may assist in finding missing solenoids.
Yes, in most cases we can find hidden/buried solenoids. We have a solenoid detector to help us find location of solenoids, however sometimes if cable or coils are badly damaged then it makes it hard to find them, we then resort to digging to find them.
If you think you may have a leak in your reticulation system, look for soggy patches, unusually green areas of your lawn or garden, reduced water pressure, or reduced water coverage of your sprinklers. , Unusually high water bills are usually a good indication that you may have a leak in your retic system, if you have checked and the leak is not inside the house. To locate the leak, check all sprinklers are not leaking more water than they should, and dig carefully along the pipes to look for any split pipes. Don’t forget to also check all of your solenoids – as a failing solenoid may also be the source of your water leak.
Unfortunately, low water pressure in reticulation systems can be one of the most time consuming issues to diagnose and fix.
If your retic system has low water pressure, we would first advice that you check if you have any leaks in your retic, missing sprinkler heads, or splits in your pipes.
If you have filters on your retic water supply, we would recommend checking that your filter isn’t blocked. If you are using poly pipe or dripline, make sure they aren’t kinked, broken or split, as that will cause low pressure in those areas.
If you have recently added additional sprinklers to the station experiencing low water pressure, you may have too many sprinklers on one station which will cause the low pressure for that station.
Other causes for low water pressure may also include a faulty solenoid
If your lawn has dry patches, the first thing to check is that the retic is working correctly and giving you full coverage of your lawn areas. A good way to check how much water your system is giving your lawn, is to get some water catching cups from your local retic supply store. Place these around your lawn to collect water during a regular watering cycle. These catch cups will have measurements so you can see how many ml’s of water that area of your lawn is getting. Here in Perth we have sandy soil, so you are aiming for 10mm of water each watering cycle.
If your lawn is not getting the recommended water during a water cycle, this could indicate issues with your retic pressure, incorrect coverage of your sprinklers, or you may not be running the sprinklers for long enough (especially if you have low pressure sprinklers). There is more information about sprinkler run times on the Water Corporation Website here.
If you need assistance with getting your retic tested, serviced or some adjustments made to your controller run times or your retic system, contact us to make a booking.
Yes. We can help you understand your controller settings and watering schedule. You are still responsible for following current Water Corporation watering rules and checking your allowed watering days.
You are only allowed to water each area once on your chosen days which is determined by the last digit of your house number, this now applies to bore and scheme water users.
Yes, we charge a call out fee for all jobs. Please see our pricing guide here or our blog post for more info on what is covers.
No, retic repair and service work is not usually quoted as a fixed price because the problem often needs to be found first. Leaks, wiring faults, hidden solenoids and pressure issues can vary from job to job. We charge for service and repair work based on time, parts and what is required on site.
What we do for other real estate agents is go to site with a budget of $280-350 and fix any large leaks and then can see if any other smaller leaks are present and fix anything we can in that time, if we find anything that is major or anything likely to go over the budgeted amount we will ring you from site to get approval, in majority of cases we can fix for less than the budgeted amount.
We feel this is fairer for both parties.
Yes. If you are concerned about costs, you can give us an upper limit before we start. For example, you may ask us to investigate and repair up to a certain amount e.g. budget of $280-350. If we are getting close to that limit and more work is needed, we can stop, explain what we have found and discuss the next step.
Yes. We can help with reticulation alterations for garden renovations, landscaping changes, paving, concrete work or pool installations. This may include capping off sections, moving sprinklers, adding zones or reworking parts of your existing system.
Yes. If you are building, landscaping or completing your garden after handover, we can help install reticulation for your lawn and garden areas. We may need plans, measurements, photos and details about access, garden beds, lawn areas, paving and water supply. Most new developers have some sort of package for the front retic, we then usually tie in to do the sides ad back of the property, feel free to contact us to discuss options and improvements to the front systems too.
Yes. We design and install new reticulation systems for lawns, garden beds and outdoor spaces. Our aim is to create a practical, waterwise irrigation system suited to your garden, water supply, layout and ongoing watering needs.
RETIC INSTALLS & SET-UP
It depends on your soil type, water restrictions, and plant needs. Perth typically has very sandy soil, which needs 10mm of water per watering cycle. Here is a handy guide on the Water Corp Website for sprinkler run times based on the type of sprinklers you have.
Always remember that Perth has water restrictions on garden sprinklers with specific watering days based on your house number – and a total sprinkler watering ban during winter to help save our precious water supplies.
Early morning or late evening is best to minimise evaporation and maximise absorption.
In Perth, your watering needs to be completed by 9am if watering in the morning, or starts no earlier than 6pm if watering in the evening.
It is a good idea to water at a time that the wind is at it’s lowest if you are in a windy suburb, as wind will reduce the effectiveness of your watering.
Check for even water coverage, ensure sprinklers are not blocked, and look for dry or overly wet spots.
Yes, but it requires a good level of planning before you get started. Things you will need to consider before building your system include; water pressure, pipe size, and sprinkler placement.
It is a good idea to use professional retic parts from a retic supply store (not the big green shed) who are also able to draw up a plan based on your area and water pressure. They are also able to supply you with all the parts needed to follow the plan provided – which will ensure you have a functioning system at the end of your install.
We are also available to help with elements of your DIY retic install, such as installing the controller, installing the master valve and solenoid stacks, etc. Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can help with this.
No, you don’t need council approval to install a residential retic system, however you will need a licensed plumber to provide a retic ‘cut-in’ with a backflow prevention device and isolation tap. You will also need a licensed electrician to install a hard-wired retic controller, or a powerpoint to plug your retic controller into if it has a power plug.
RETIC CONTROLLER FAQ'S
Yes. We can reprogram your retic controller to suit your watering days, lawn and garden needs. We can also check for common programming issues, such as multiple start times, incorrect stations, seasonal adjustment settings or watering times that are too long.
You may need a new controller if your current one is not turning on, losing its settings, showing faults, not running stations correctly, has damaged wiring terminals, is difficult to use or is no longer suitable for your retic system. We can assess the controller and advise whether repair, reprogramming or replacement is the better option.
Yes. We can replace faulty, outdated or difficult-to-use retic controllers. We can recommend a controller that suits your system, your watering needs and your budget. We prefer the some of the Hunter brand of controller but can supply Rainbird or any other quality controllers, there are large amount of Smart controllers coming on the market which offer new features as well as water savings, we are also happy to provide standard, simple and easy to use controllers, we do also supply and install a small range of tap timers if the job requires it.
Yes. Smart retic controllers can be a great option if you want to manage your watering through an app, adjust watering remotely or use weather-based features to help reduce water waste. We can advise whether a smart controller is a good fit for your property, budget and system.
Smart controllers can be worth it if you want app control, weather-based watering features and easier access to your retic settings. They can be especially helpful for people who travel, manage rental properties or want more control over their watering. They may not be necessary for every property, so we can recommend what suits your system.
Yes. Dave holds a restricted electrical licence, which allows him to legally change over simple hard-wired retic controllers. This is important because hard-wired controllers are different from plug-in controllers and need to be handled correctly.
Yes, if you are home at the time, we can show you how your new controller works and explain the basics of your system. We want you to feel confident using your retic, not scared of the little box on the wall.
We can also teach you how to use your existing controller, we do also have videos on our You tube channel.
Yes, We can also teach you how to use your existing controller, we do also have videos on our You tube channel.
In some situations, battery-operated controllers may be suitable, especially where power is not available. Suitability depends on your retic system, solenoid location and how the system has been set up.
LEAK ALLOWANCE FAQ'S
Yes. As a Approved Waterwise Garden Irrigator, we can repair, assess and provide the required information for irrigation leak allowance applications where eligible. Please let us know when booking if you are planning to submit a leak allowance, so we can ensure the system is compliant to the Water Corp requirements. If system is not compliant we may need to engage a licensed plumber to modify before we can do our part. We may ask for photos of the connections to assist in planning out job and help gather the right information.
A leak allowance is an initiative from Water Corporation that may provide an account credit for up to 50% of the estimated water lost between the new bill and prevoius bills around same time of year through an eligible hidden leak. It is assessed by Water Corporation on a case-by-case basis and does not cover the cost of the repair work, system must be compliant to WC requirements for leak allowance to be submitted.
The leak generally needs to be hidden and not easily visible. Irrigation repairs also need to be completed by a Waterwise Garden Irrigator and the system must meet the required conditions. We can assess your retic system and advise what may be needed. We may be able to tell from a photo of the master solenoid and Isolation point.
No. As a Waterwise Garden Irrigator, we can work on irrigation and reticulation systems, but we do not repair household plumbing leaks. If the issue is internal plumbing, you will need a licensed plumber, Even if the Retic isolation point has to be changed by a plumber.
Yes. Mr Retic is a Waterwise Specialist and a member of Irrigation Australia. We focus on quality workmanship, practical advice and waterwise solutions suited to Perth gardens.
Turf & lawn installation faq's
Yes. We supply and install new turf for residential and small commercial properties. We can help with lawn installation, we don’t have the team for large sand removal and soil replacements. we can do a final level and soil preparation, laying the turf, compacting the lawn and providing care instructions as well as getting a water exemption for the establishment period.
We commonly work with warm-season lawn varieties suited to Perth conditions, including Wintergreen couch, soft leaf buffalo varieties such as Sir Walter and Palmetto, and Empire Zoysia. The best turf for your property depends on sun exposure, shade, wear and tear, maintenance needs and how you use the space. Contact us for a chat to discuss options for improving your space.
Usually, yes. For turf laying, the area should be prepared, levelled and free from rocks, rubble and debris. If preparation work has not been done, we can quote on some of this work depending on what is required. Most turf farms recommend removing at least 100mm of sand and rumble and replacing with quality soil, then treat top later before laying lawn.
When we lay turf, we generally screed the area smooth and level, spread lawn starter, wet the area, lay the chosen turf, compact it to encourage root growth, clean up the area as best as we can and go through some instructions on how to care for your new lawn while establishing.
Yes, we can help set your retic controller for the correct new lawn watering schedule. It is still your responsibility to check that the retic system is operating properly and that your new lawn is receiving the water it needs while it establishes. you will also need to adjust the watering times and lengths to follow your watering exemption, we can show you how to do this if required.
The turf is guaranteed to be supplied in top condition and laid according to best practice. However, ongoing turf health depends on correct watering, mowing, weeding, fertilising and general care after installation.
New turf establishment time can vary depending on the turf type, weather, season, soil preparation and watering. The first couple of weeks are especially important. The lawn needs to stay moist while the roots establish into the soil below.
New turf usually needs frequent watering during the establishment period, especially in warm weather. The exact schedule depends on the season, turf type, weather and Water Corporation exemptions or requirements. We can help set your controller, but you will need to monitor the lawn closely and make sure it does not dry out and you follow the Water Corp exemption.
New turf should only be mowed once it has started to establish and cannot be easily lifted by hand. Mowing too early can damage the lawn before the roots have taken hold.
Dry patches in new lawn can be caused by uneven watering, blocked sprinklers, poor coverage, wind, heat, soil issues or the turf drying out before it has established. If you notice dry patches, check the retic coverage immediately and contact us if you are concerned, edges may brown slightly before regrowwing.
Yes, most turf companies recommend to have all old sand, rocks and grass removed down about a 100 mm and quality soil broght back in to required level, ready for turf installation.
service area & booking faq's
We service Perth’s far northern suburbs. Before booking, please check our service area map on the contact us page to make sure your property is within our current service area.
We service parts of Butler, but we no longer service the third pipe scheme/ Community bore area in Butler. Please check the service area map before contacting us.
Dave is often on the tools and up to his elbows in sand and water. When he is on a job, he gives that customer his full attention and does not usually answer calls. Please leave a voicemail, send an email or complete the contact form with your job details and suburb and we will get back to you as soon as we can in peak times this may be not be the same day. Dave will return all calls and txts.
Please include your suburb, the issue you are having, any photos that may help, and whether it is a repair, service, new retic install, controller issue, leak allowance enquiry or turf installation. For new installs, measurements and plans are especially helpful.
Yes. We stand by our workmanship and the quality parts we use. Generally Warranty is 12 months from installed date, however some exclusions apply, such as areas we have not worked on, parts we did not supply, third-party damage, or blockages caused by sand, grass or poor water quality. If any issues arise from the work done please contact me asap.
Warranty does not usually cover parts we did not supply, areas we did not work on, damage by third parties, mowing damage, pets, garden growth, blocked nozzles caused by sand or debris, poor water quality, power issues, weather events or changes made by someone else after we leave.
Yes. We test the system before we leave where practical, but retic systems should be checked regularly by the property owner or manager. Sprinklers can be damaged, nozzles can block, settings can change and garden growth can affect coverage over time.
Please contact us as soon as possible with your name, property address, invoice number if available, and details of the issue. Photos or a short video can help us understand what is happening.
REAL ESTATE, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FAQ'S
Yes. We work with property managers, real estate agents and rental properties for retic repairs, servicing, leak repairs, controller issues and general retic maintenance.
Yes, as long as access has been arranged and the tenant is ok with it and the booking details are clear. Property managers or owners should make sure tenants know when we are attending and that we can access the controller, water meter and outdoor areas. We don’t want to get in trouble or upset anyone.
Yes. We provide details of the work completed, parts replaced and any further recommendations. This is helpful for owners, property managers and real estate agents managing ongoing property maintenance.
Yes. A retic check before selling, renting or handing over a property can help identify obvious issues, broken sprinklers, controller problems or leaks. It can also help avoid surprises when a new owner or tenant starts using the system.