The Rain Bird 5004 PLUS Seal-a-Matic Rotor is a solid rotor with some upgraded features. In this video, we’re going to discuss a few of those features and show you how to change out a nozzle and make some adjustments. I’m your Sprinkler Warehouse product specialist, let’s get started.
Benefits Of SAM For Your Sprinkler System
This is the 5004-PLPC-SAM Rotor. PL Stands for plus, which means that it has flow shut-off capability. Flow Shutoff allows you to shut off the flow of water to the head, even while the system is still in operation. With Flow-shut off you can change out a nozzle without having to turn off your system, or you can work on the next rotor over without getting sprayed by this rotor.
It’s also beneficial for new construction when some of the sod has been laid and needs to be watered, but there are still spots within the zone where sod has not yet been installed. “SAM” in the name, means it has a seal-a-matic check valve. Having a check valve prevents low head drainage. If the zone has a significant slope, then when the sprinklers shut off, the water in that zone’s pipes will usually drain out of the lowest heads.
Which causes puddling and erosion. Check valves to prevent all that from happening. The Seal-A-Matic check valve in this rotor holds back water for up to 7 feet of elevation change. The PC in the name stands for partial circle. That means it has an adjustable arc, sometimes called the pattern.
Adjustable Arc For Maximum Irrigation
The arc is adjustable from 40 to 360 degrees. The riser pops up four inches and it has a three quarter inch inlet which is pretty standard for residential rotors. The 5000 series have a long life span. Rain Bird rotors have the longest operating life cycle of any rotor on the market. The 5000 series have what Rain Bird calls rain curtain nozzles. These nozzles have a very even spray over their entire distance. And they have larger water droplets which mean less water gets blown away by the wind.
This rotor comes with a set of rain curtain nozzles. The watering distance of the 5000 plus is 25 to 50 feet depending on which nozzle is installed and how the adjustment screw is set. You can use a Rain Bird tool like this one to adjust it or you can use a small flathead screwdriver. Let’s talk about the various adjustments. Looking at the top of the rotor This is where you adjust the watering distance. It’s called the radius adjustment slot. This is the pull-up slot.
This is the Flow Shut-off Slot, where you turn off the flow of water. And this is where you adjust the pattern. It’s called the Arc adjustment Slot. Now we’ll check out one of these that we’ve got installed outside. Here’s how to change out a nozzle. There are two easy ways to get to the nozzle on a rotor that’s already installed.
One method is to pull up the riser by inserting the rain bird tool in the pull-up slot. Quarter turn and pull up. A Hold Up Nozzle Install Collar makes it easier to work on but you CAN just hold the riser up with your hand. Since this rotor has a flow stop, the simplest way to access the nozzle is to turn on the zone, And shut off the water to the head using the flow stop slot.
The riser stays in the up position which makes it easy to work on. Whichever method you choose. You’ll need to back out the radius adjustment screw. Once it’s out of the way of the nozzle Pull out the nozzle with a pair of needle-nose pliers or pry it out with a flat head screwdriver. Insert the new nozzle. And screw back down the radius adjustment screw.
Don’t try to tighten the screw…. You’re just getting it down in front of the nozzle to hold it in place. Now start the water either by turning on the zone or by using the flow shut-off slot. Using the radius adjustment screw, set your watering distance. The spray from this rotor should reach the next rotor over.
How To Adjust The Arc
To adjust the arc, also called the pattern insert the Rain Bird tool or a flat-head screwdriver into the arc adjustment slot. Turn clockwise to increase the arc or counterclockwise to decrease. Our customers love Rain Bird rotors because of their solid performance year after year. Order your 5000 Plus rotors today on Sprinkler Warehouse dot com.
