Green Guru LLC — Irrigation & Landscape Lighting

(248) 790‑0571 8 AM - 5 PM (M-F) 9 AM - 2 PM (Sat)

Sprays & Coverage

Rain Bird 1800 SAM (4" spray body standard)

Our default spray body for 4" turf and bed work is the 1804-SAM. It reduces low-head drainage symptoms and stays service-friendly for long-term repairs.

Low-head drainage control Serviceable standard Cleaner shutdown Upgrade paths

Why we standardize on 1804-SAM

  • Cleaner shutdown behavior: reduces nuisance low-head drainage at the base of slopes.
  • Better serviceability: consistent platform makes repairs faster (nozzle swaps, caps, internal checks).
  • Repeatable results: fewer mystery wet spots and less "after run" puddling.
Related: If you’re seeing persistent overspray, bed runoff, or algae/lichen on shaded hardscape, a drip conversion can be a better long-term fix. See bed conversions and subsurface dripline.

When we choose PRS-30 or SAM-PRS

  • PRS-30: where pressure regulation at the body helps reduce misting and improves nozzle performance consistency.
  • SAM-PRS: where the site has both slope/low-head drainage risk and pressure issues.
  • System-level pressure discipline: if source pressure is excessive, a PRV can be the correct first step.

Quick nozzle tuning (pattern + distance)

Most adjustable spray nozzles use a fixed-left arc and a radius screw. Exact behavior depends on nozzle family.

  • Find fixed left: rotate the nozzle turret/shaft to the left until it stops.
  • Pattern: adjust the nozzle dial to widen/narrow arc.
  • Distance: tighten the radius screw clockwise to reduce throw (up to ~25%, per vendor notes).

Model cheat sheet (pop-up heights)

  • 1802: 2" pop-up (about 4" body height)
  • 1804: 4" pop-up (about 6" body height) (our common baseline height)
  • 1806: 6" pop-up (about 9 3/8" body height)
  • 1812: 12" pop-up (about 16" body height)

Availability

We confirm fit and compatibility during service and can supply or install owner-supplied hardware.

At a glance

1800 SAM facts
IndustryIrrigation
BrandRain Bird
Series1800 (spray bodies)
SAMBuilt-in check valve (Seal-A-Matic) to reduce low-head drainage
Our default1804-SAM (4" pop-up height)
NozzlesAccepts Rain Bird spray nozzles (arc/radius dependent on nozzle family)

Need spray work tuned?

We can fix leaks, correct coverage, and tune arcs/radius so water stays on turf and beds-not sidewalks and siding.

Online Booking Request a Free Inspection

Related: Tune-Ups & Repairs and Upgrades.