Green Guru LLC Irrigation & Landscape Lighting

Coverage Pattern Diagnostics

Spray Head Nozzles

Uneven spray coverage is usually a pattern problem, not just a bad head. Correct nozzle selection restores uniform precipitation and reduces runoff.

This guide aligns nozzle choice with pressure and spacing so dry wedges and overspray are corrected at the source.

Dry-spot triage Arc + radius matching Pressure-aware nozzle tuning Service-scoped upgrades

Quick Answer: Should I just increase runtime?

Usually no. Runtime increases do not fix mismatched arcs, clogged nozzles, or high-pressure misting.

Runtime Increases vs. Nozzle Pattern Correction

Runtime-Only Approach Nozzle Diagnostics Approach
Add minutes to compensate for dry areasMatch arc, radius, and flow to zone geometry
Higher runoff and wasted waterImprove uniformity without overwatering hardscape
Ignores pressure-driven mistingTune nozzles with pressure context
Inconsistent seasonal resultsRepeatable coverage baseline and cleaner scheduling

When this is likely your issue

  • Dry wedges appear between otherwise active spray heads.
  • Sidewalks and driveways receive consistent overspray.
  • Fine mist forms near heads during normal cycles.
  • Mixed nozzle types are installed in a single zone.

What we check before replacement

  • Installed nozzle model, arc setting, and radius per head.
  • Pressure behavior at operating heads in live cycles.
  • Spacing pattern and head-to-head intent across the zone.
  • Obstructions and grade changes that alter throw path.

Deployment workflow

  • 1

    Map weak-coverage areas

    Identify dry spots, runoff paths, and overspray zones before touching runtime or scheduling.

  • 2

    Audit nozzle mix and pressure

    Document nozzle types and confirm whether pressure supports intended precipitation performance.

  • 3

    Apply matched nozzle corrections

    Install and set nozzles for consistent arc/radius behavior across the zone footprint.

  • 4

    Validate cycle performance

    Run verification cycles and confirm even watering with controlled runoff.

Related guides

FAQs

What do spray nozzles control?

Nozzles control arc, radius, and precipitation pattern from each spray head.

Can the wrong nozzle cause both dry spots and runoff?

Yes. Mismatched arc/radius and flow can under-water some areas while over-watering others.

Should all nozzles in a zone match?

They should be compatible and precipitation-balanced for the layout, even when arcs differ by position.

Why does misting happen at spray heads?

Misting often indicates pressure above nozzle design range or poor nozzle/pressure pairing.

Can clogged nozzles mimic pressure issues?

Yes. Debris can distort patterns and create symptoms that look like pressure imbalance.

Can nozzle corrections reduce water use?

Often yes, because improved distribution uniformity reduces compensating runtime increases.

Do you tune arc and radius on-site?

Yes. Arc and radius are tuned during service based on layout, pressure behavior, and coverage goals.

Is this page a DIY recipe?

No. This page is a service reference for diagnostics and scoped correction planning.

At a glance

Nozzle diagnostics facts
IndustryIrrigation
ComponentSpray nozzles and pattern control
Primary symptomDry spots, overspray, misting
Key checksArc/radius match, pressure behavior, spacing context
Service noteNozzle changes are verified with live-zone run testing

Need it diagnosed?

We tune nozzle pattern, pressure context, and layout assumptions so coverage becomes consistent and serviceable.

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Related: Irrigation product hub