Sprinkler Advice That Isn’t Watered Down : A few adjustments can help prevent overwatering, puddling, clogging.

One of the most neglected but most important home maintenance items at this time of drought is the care and adjustment of lawn and garden sprinklers. All sprinklers should be checked regularly for overspray, puddling, improper aim and clogged heads.

Fortunately, sprinkler care is something almost anyone can do with a little instruction. Here are a few simple pointers for solving the common problems:

--Overspray. Overspray onto walkways and onto the house is not only a waste but can lead to serious and costly moisture damage to the paint, stucco and structural members of the home.

To reduce the flow of water from any sprinkler head, turn the small screw in the center of the head clockwise until the desired spray volume is reached. Conversely, if a portion of your garden appears dry or needs extra water, turn the screw counterclockwise.

--Puddling. Puddling of water around the sprinkler head, also a waste of water, is almost always caused by nothing more than deflection of the spray by tall grass around the head. Always keep at least an 8-inch diameter circle of very low-cut grass around each head to avoid spray deflection.

--Improper aim. Yet another severe water waste, improper aim of the spray, is very easy to correct. With large pliers or sprinkler wrench (about $3 at any hardware store), gently turn the entire head so that the spray is directed to desired area.

If the head is frozen, try turning just the “insert,” the brass fitting in the center of the head. If the spray pattern itself is incorrect, the insert can be replaced to more suitably match the area to be watered.

They are sold to spray one-eighth, one-quarter, one-half, three-quarters or a full-circle pattern. Most hardware stores carry them.

--Clogged heads. A clogged sprinkler head will result in either little or no water pressure from the head or a very erratic spray pattern. The clog is usually caused by debris in the water supply line lodging in the nozzle, or by insects actually crawling into the nozzle opening.

To clear the clog, remove the brass insert from the center of the head by turning it counterclockwise with either a sprinkler wrench or large pliers. Then turn the water full force until the “geyser” appears clear and steady.

It is also a good idea to clear the nozzle on the sprinkler insert with a thin wire. Poke the wire into the hole, pushing any debris through to the other side. Rinse the insert under running water to flush away any particles before replacing it into the head. Re-adjust the spray for proper aim and volume.

Now that you have the system functioning properly, be careful not to overwater. According to water conservation experts, five to 10 minutes a day, early in the morning, is sufficient this time of year, and if the grass “springs” back when stepped on, no watering is needed at all.

As any homeowner with a lawn or garden will attest, having built-in sprinklers is a blessing. But, as with any other mechanical system, repairs and adjustments will be necessary sooner or later. Knowing how to take care of some of the basic problems will help keep your grass (and your wallet) a little greener.