The Rain Bird Falcon 6504 is a popular rotary sprinkler that provides full-circle and adjustable part-circle watering patterns. It features a durable, high-impact plastic housing and Rain Curtain Nozzle technology for superior water distribution uniformity. Like all sprinklers, the Falcon 6504 may require occasional adjustment to optimize its performance for your specific watering needs and landscape conditions. Properly adjusting the sprinkler is important to promote healthy growth and avoid issues like dry spots, overspray, and inefficient water usage.
When to Adjust the Falcon 6504
There are a few key times when you should check and adjust the Falcon 6504 sprinkler:
- During initial installation – Dial in the optimal setting for the watering arc and radius.
- At the start of each season – Account for changes in plant water needs.
- If you notice problems – Dry areas in the coverage suggest the need for adjustment.
- After replacing the nozzle – Reset the arc and radius to match the new nozzle.
Taking a few minutes at these critical times to dial in the sprinkler alignment and coverage can improve the system’s performance and efficiency.
How to Adjust the Watering Arc
The adjustable arc nozzle on the Falcon 6504 allows you to customize the watering pattern from 40° to 360°. The arc adjustment is controlled by a dial on the top of the sprinkler head. Here are the steps to set the arc:
- Turn off the water to the irrigation zone and activate the solenoid to release pressure.
- Turn the arc adjustment dial counterclockwise to the maximum arc (360°) setting.
- Turn the water back on and visually observe the sprinkler’s rotation and coverage to determine the desired arc setting.
- Turn off the water again and adjust the arc dial to the optimal degree setting.
- Turn on the water to verify the new adjusted arc setting.
- Repeat steps as needed until the desired watering arc is achieved.
The arc indicator on the dial corresponds to the approximate degree of coverage. For example, setting the dial to 180° will water about half of the full circle pattern.
How to Adjust the Spray Radius
The spray radius of the Falcon 6504 sprinkler can be adjusted by turning the radius adjustment screw. Use the following process:
- Turn off the water and activate the solenoid valve.
- Locate the adjustment screw under a rubber cover on the side of the sprinkler.
- Turn the screw clockwise to decrease the radius or counter-clockwise to increase it.
- Turn on the water to observe the new spray radius.
- Repeat as needed until the desired coverage is achieved.
In general, start with a smaller radius and increase gradually as needed. The ideal setting is the maximum radius without overspray onto sidewalks, structures, or beyond the landscape area you are watering.
How to Adjust the Nozzle
The nozzle on the Falcon 6504 controls the flow rate and distribution pattern. Replace the factory nozzle with a different size or style nozzle to significantly change the watering performance. Steps include:
- Turn off the water and activate the solenoid to depressurize.
- Unscrew the nozzle using the adjustment tool that came with the sprinkler.
- Replace it with the new nozzle, tightening gently with the tool.
- Turn on the water to verify the desired flow rate and coverage.
- Adjust the arc and radius settings as needed for the new nozzle.
Consult precipitation rate charts to select the optimal nozzle size and type for your water pressure and landscaping needs. A nozzle with a higher precipitation rate can cover more area with less runoff on soils with higher infiltration rates.
How to Adjust the Height
Adjusting the height of the Falcon 6504 up or down may be necessary to clear plants and landscape obstacles. To adjust the height:
- Shut off water and depressurize the line.
- Turn the height adjustment screw located under the rubber cap on the sprinkler body.
- Turn clockwise to raise the nozzle height or counter-clockwise to lower it.
- Turn water on and check for adequate clearance.
- Make further adjustments as needed.
The Falcon 6504 nozzle can be adjusted from flush with the ground up to 15″ above, providing flexibility in optimizing spray height.
How to Properly Level the Sprinkler
Having the Falcon 6504 properly leveled is critical for consistent distribution across the arc. An unlevel sprinkler can result in uneven coverage. To level it:
- With the water off, check the current level with a bubble level tool.
- Turn the height adjustment screw to raise or lower the sprinkler.
- Continue checking with the level and adjusting as needed until properly leveled.
- Turn the water on and visually inspect the coverage for even distribution.
- Make minor adjustments as needed.
Leveling the sprinkler may be needed if the ground settles over time. Periodically check levelness and adjust as needed for optimal performance.
How to Adjust the Pressure
The Falcon 6504 performs best with an operating pressure between 20 and 105 PSI. Use a pressure regulating sprinkler body or in-line pressure regulator if the static line pressure outside this range. Steps to adjust pressure:
- Determine the static water pressure with a pressure gauge.
- If over 105 PSI, install a regulator before the sprinkler.
- Set the regulator to reduce pressure within the optimal range.
- Check pressure gauge to verify regulated pressure.
- Adjust regulator as needed to maintain proper pressure.
Consistent pressure in the optimal range prevents misting, fogging, and trajectory issues. It also ensures efficient operation of the sprinkler.
How to Position the Sprinkler
Proper positioning of the Falcon 6504 is key for complete coverage of the target watering area. Consider the following when siting the sprinkler head:
- Space sprinklers based on the nozzle’s radius setting; overlap approximately 1/3 between heads.
- Locate along the perimeter of oddly-shaped areas to catch the corners.
- Site heads to avoid spraying impervious areas like sidewalks and driveways.
- Angle sprinklers near edges and boundaries to avoid overspray.
- Separate heads 6-10 feet from structures to avoid excessive wetting and staining.
Checking spray pattern and making adjustments to positioning when needed optimizes efficiency and distribution uniformity.
Troubleshooting Adjustment Issues
Here are some common problems and solutions when adjusting the Falcon 6504:
Problem | Potential Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Uneven watering | Sprinkler not level | Level sprinkler with height adjustment screw |
Obstruction blocking spray | Trim vegetation or reposition sprinkler | |
Dry spots in pattern | Nozzle clogged | Clean or replace nozzle |
Pressure too low | Increase pressure to proper range | |
Misting or fogging | Pressure too high | Reduce pressure with regulator |
Damaged nozzle | Replace nozzle |
Always turn off the water at the irrigation valve before making any adjustments to the Falcon 6504 sprinkler head. This depressurizes the system and avoids accidental spraying during adjustment.
Conclusion
Adjusting and maintaining the Rain Bird Falcon 6504 sprinkler is essential for optimal performance. With a few key adjustments to the arc radius, nozzle, height, pressure, and positioning, you can customize the watering pattern to provide complete, efficient coverage of your landscape. Taking the time to properly adjust the sprinkler will promote healthy plants, reduce issues like dry spots, and maximize your landscape irrigation efficiency.