An RP relief port that dumps water only when the sprinklers shut off points to something different than one that drips around the clock. A vacuum breaker that spits at start-up is not the same problem as one that seeps constantly.

The tester only sees the device for a short visit. Your notes fill in the rest of the day. Use this log for three to seven days, or until the pattern is clear.

Daily log

Date and timeWhat you sawHow much waterWhat was runningPhoto or video taken
Drip / spit / stream / gushDrops / cup / bucket / moreSprinklers / laundry / nothingYes / No
Drip / spit / stream / gushDrops / cup / bucket / moreSprinklers / laundry / nothingYes / No
Drip / spit / stream / gushDrops / cup / bucket / moreSprinklers / laundry / nothingYes / No
Drip / spit / stream / gushDrops / cup / bucket / moreSprinklers / laundry / nothingYes / No
Drip / spit / stream / gushDrops / cup / bucket / moreSprinklers / laundry / nothingYes / No

Also note

  • Any recent street work, hydrant flushing or water outage nearby.
  • Any new appliance, pump, water softener or irrigation change.
  • Whether household water pressure seems higher, lower or surging.
  • Whether the leak comes from the relief port, a test cock, the bonnet or a joint.
  • The weather, especially after a hot spell or a rare cold night.

Simple ways to measure

  1. Use a container

    If safe, place a container under the drip for ten minutes and note roughly how much collects.

  2. Watch a sprinkler cycle

    Stand by the device as a zone starts and stops and note what happens at each moment.

  3. Check the meter

    With all water off inside and out, see if the meter's leak indicator moves. That helps separate device leaks from other leaks.

  4. Film it

    A short video with sound is often more useful than a description.

Bring the log and ask

  1. Does this pattern point to a check valve, the relief valve or pressure swings?
  2. Should anything be changed about the sprinkler schedule meanwhile?
  3. Is house water pressure in a normal range?
  4. Is this repairable on the same visit?

Common questions

Is a little spitting at start-up worth logging?

Yes, briefly. If it stays brief and occasional, the tester may say it is normal for the device.

Can hard water cause the symptoms I am seeing?

Scale and grit can keep valves from sealing fully, which is one common cause of drips.

Should I send the log before the visit?

If the tester accepts photos or notes in advance, sending them can help them bring the right parts.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.