
How to Repair an Impact Sprinkler Head
- Eliminate Simple Problems. Before you take any steps to repair the impact sprinkler, you need to know exactly what’s going wrong.
- Try the Water Pressure Test. One of the most common issues with impact sprinklers is that they stop rotating. ...
- Try Sandpaper. ...
- Clean the Sprinkler Parts of Any Debris. ...
- Check for Misaligned, Worn, or Damaged Parts. ...
How to replace a sprinkler head without digging?
- Clear grass and dirt from around the top cap of the head.
- Unscrew the cap to the left, using the pliers if necessary. (See image below)
- Remove the cap and internals. It will look like a big spring.
- Make sure the body of the head stays in the ground.
- Rinse off the cap so you can see the make and model.
- Try to keep dirt from falling in the body.
How to fix and replace a broken sprinkler head?
Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Replacing the Sprinkler Head Download Article
- Unscrew the faulty sprinkler head from the riser. The riser is the small pipe that connects the sprinkler to the water line.
- Buy a replacement sprinkler head that's the same size as the old one. ...
- Wrap a length of thread seal tape around the male end of the riser. ...
- Screw on the new sprinkler head. ...
How do you replace a fire sprinkler head?
Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads Used for Fire Protection
- Fire Sprinkler Pendent. The pendent is the most common type of sprinkler head you will come across. ...
- Upright Fire Sprinkler Head. An upright fire sprinkler head points upward towards the ceiling with a concave and circular plate on the top.
- Concealed Pendent Fire Sprinkler Head. Are you into aesthetics? ...
- Sidewall Fire Sprinkler Head. ...
How do you clean a sprinkler head?
Put the heads into the bucket of hot water and let them soak for a while. This will loosen up any debris that might be in the sprinkler holes. While your sprinkler heads are soaking, clean any dirt and debris out of the sleeve. After the heads have soaked a while, use a stiff wire to clean out any dirt and debris from the sprinkler holes.

Why is my impact sprinkler not rotating?
Water pressure that is either too low or too high can cause sprinkler head jamming. When water pressure dips below acceptable limits, the sprinkler head may get stuck at one side of its arc or it may not move at all. If water pressure is too high, it may also cause the sprinkler to stop or jam.
How do you fix a sprinkler head that won't turn?
How to Do ItDisassemble the sprinkler head. ... Take off the filter at the bottom of the head. ... Rinse the filter in a bucket filled with clean water to wash out debris.If this doesn't work you'll need to have the sprinkler head replaced. ... If it does work, make sure the head is properly adjusted when you re-install it.
How do you take apart Rainbird impact sprinklers?
0:192:45Impact Sprinkler: How to Disassemble - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we want to remove this cap in order to remove the cap. A lot of times we want to pull the cap upMoreAnd we want to remove this cap in order to remove the cap. A lot of times we want to pull the cap up so let me use the screwdriver to pry it and these little barbs can be depressed.
How does an impact sprinkler head work?
4:1911:12The Impact Sprinkler - more clever than it seems! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHead can only rotate when there is a substantial peak force caused by an impact which means it willMoreHead can only rotate when there is a substantial peak force caused by an impact which means it will only move clockwise. But of course it can also move the other way just ask your anti-clockwise.
Why is my sprinkler head not spraying?
When the sprinkler head is not spraying correctly, the nozzle is either broken or clogged. If the sprinkler head stays up after watering, the rubber seal on the top of the sprinkler is going out and may need to be replaced. If water is coming up from underneath the sprinkler, the connection is probably broken.
How do you take apart a sprinkler head?
1:038:21How to Fix Sprinkler Head: Repair, Replace, Adjust Pop Up ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these go to each of your sprinkler heads. So when your sprinkler heads are buried to here hereMoreAnd these go to each of your sprinkler heads. So when your sprinkler heads are buried to here here you just clear away the dirt from the top unscrew the internals pulls out and replace. Them.
How do you fix a Rainbird sprinkler head?
0:002:50How to adjust rainbird sprinkler head - Sprinkler Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we'll do is we'll actually grab a hole to the base of the head it has a ratchet mechanism inMoreSo what we'll do is we'll actually grab a hole to the base of the head it has a ratchet mechanism in it and we'll we'll spin the whole head to get the left side. Stop.
How do you open a Rainbird sprinkler head?
0:121:53How to manually open a Rain Bird DV Series sprinkler valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI will grab the handle that's on the top of the solenoid. And twist a quarter turn counterclockwise.MoreI will grab the handle that's on the top of the solenoid. And twist a quarter turn counterclockwise. And this will manually open the valve.
Are impact sprinklers good?
They can be set to do a partial area or a full circle as desired. The biggest issue with impact sprinklers is that they aren't good in low-pressure situations. It also produces a much harder spray of water, which may not be as good on freshly-seeded lawns.
Are impact sprinklers better?
Impact Rotors are the Best Sprinkler Heads for: Impact rotors can be more expensive than the newer plastic sprinkler heads because they are constructed out of bronze or brass, but they are durable and can last for years. They also require less maintenance than plastic rotors.
How do you lubricate a Rainbird sprinkler head?
Lubricate the sprinkler head with spray lubricant if pushing it down with the water turned on had no effect. Spray the lubricant generously around the shaft and wait for it to soak for a minute. Then push and pull the head to loosen it. Turn on the water and check the sprinkler head operation.
How do I know if my sprinkler solenoid is bad?
Signs You Have a ProblemThe Water Won't Shut Off. If you have this problem, it's very likely the solenoid. ... Low or Uneven Water Pressure. The solenoid controls the water pressure. ... Water Leaks. There are many points in a sprinkler system that can leak. ... Current Testing. ... Valve Inspection. ... Parts Replacement.
How do you adjust a Toro sprinkler head?
1:052:36How To Adjust The Toro T5 Rotor With RapidSet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a flat head screwdriver or rotor tool to adjust the arc anywhere from 40 to 360 degrees.MoreUse a flat head screwdriver or rotor tool to adjust the arc anywhere from 40 to 360 degrees.
How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler head?
When a sprinkler head is shot, you’ll save cash tackling the replacement yourself: The head will run you no more than $20, while hiring a pro for the job ranges between $75 and $250. Installing a sprinkler head is a fairly simple DIY task, requiring a few basic tools and no plumbing experience. So keep green on your lawn ...
Why should a sprinkler head be low?
Not only must the sprinkler head be low enough to avoid damage from mower blades, a uniform head height also ensures the most accurate spray pattern for the lawn. If the new head doesn’t align with the others, try tightening it further.
How to redirect water to a nearby drain?
A flexible garden hose can be placed over the riser to redirect water into a nearby drain during this process. Turn off the water and screw the new sprinkler head onto the riser in a clockwise motion, tightening by hand until it is secure and pointing in the desired direction.
What to do if your sprinkler riser comes off water line?
If the riser comes off the water line with the sprinkler head, detach the two parts carefully. You’ll notice seal tape on the riser, which is used to fill any excess space between the male threads of the riser and the female threads of the sprinkler head, lowering the chance of a leak.
What to do if your water riser is cracked?
If the riser looks fine, apply new seal tape and reattach the riser to the water pipe, taking care to avoid knocking dirt into the open water line. If the riser is damaged, replacing it is easy.
Do sprinkler heads last forever?
Trouble is, even dependable in-ground sprinkler systems don’t last forever; the parts are all too easy to damage with your mower, or may simply get cracked and worn over time. Signs that the sprinkler head needs replacing include low water pressure, frequent leaks, and a poor or non-existent spray. When a sprinkler head is shot, you’ll save cash ...
Do you measure the height of a new riser before replacing it?
Or, if the riser was also replaced, check the length of the new riser against the old one for height consistency. If there’s a discrepancy, the new riser will need to be replaced —the reason why it’s crucial to measure the old riser before replacing it. Finally, ensure that the sprinkler sprays in the desired direction.
How do impact sprinkler heads work?
Impact sprinkler heads use trip points, which are set at both the left and right sides of the sprinkler arc. When a head reaches one side or the other, a trip point activates, letting the head know to reverse direction. If your sprinkler head’s trip points aren’t set properly, a spring is damaged or a trip pin or collar is missing, the mechanism may not function properly, failing to turn the head back on its journey and stalling it instead. Check the manual on your sprinklers to ensure proper functioning.
What is the wideness of an impact sprinkler head?
The wideness or number of degrees is set to your specifications. You might, for instance, set it to 90 degrees or to 180 degrees. It then fires water as it rotates through the entire angle of its arc, before stopping at the other side and returning along ...
What happens when a sprinkler head is set at a trip point?
Trip Point Problems. Impact sprinkler heads use trip points, which are set at both the left and right sides of the sprinkler arc. When a head reaches one side or the other, a trip point activates, letting the head know to reverse direction. If your sprinkler head’s trip points aren’t set properly, a spring is damaged or a trip pin ...
Why does my sprinkler head jam?
Water Pressure Problems. Water pressure that is either too low or too high can cause sprinkler head jamming. When water pressure dips below acceptable limits, the sprinkler head may get stuck at one side of its arc or it may not move at all. If water pressure is too high, it may also cause the sprinkler to stop or jam.
How to change water flow in impact sprinkler?
The simplest way to change the amount of water coming out of your impact sprinkler is to tighten (clockwise) or loosen (counterclockwise) the hose faucet where it’s hooked up. Opening the faucet to increase the water flow will increase the power and coverage of the stream, while decreasing the flow will confine the sprinkler coverage ...
How to change the spray pattern on a sprinkler head?
Use the friction collars to alter the spray pattern. Twist the metal clamps that wind around the base of the sprinkler head into different positions to determine the movement of the sprinkler head . The closer together the collars are, the narrower the watering range.
What happens when a sprinkler turns?
As the sprinkler turns, the wiry metal piece at the base of the head, known as the trip pin, will run up against the collar clamps, causing the sprinkler to reverse direction. Make sure the trip pin stays within the range you want to set for the sprinkler.
How does an impact sprinkler work?
Impact sprinkler heads sit on a rotating bearing, which allows them to pivot as water flows through them for full 360 degree coverage. If you want to tweak your impact sprinkler system to change the pressure, spray pattern, or arc of the water, there are several ways you can go about it. The simplest solution is to control the flow ...
How to decrease the distance of a sprinkler?
If you want to decrease the distance that your sprinkler covers, screw the pin in a clockwise direction until it sits over the water nozzle. For a more concentrated stream that will go further, unscrew the pin all the way or remove it entirely.
How to stop a sprinkler from moving?
Gently scrub each piece with hot water and a bottle brush to remove any debris or mineral buildup that may be inhibiting the sprinkler’s movement. Common symptoms of a dirty sprinkler include a weak stream with normal water pressure, turning to one side and stopping, and failing to rotate at all.
What is the best material for a sprinkler head?
Choose the right sprinkler head. Impact sprinkler heads are usually sold in a couple different materials—plastic and metal. Plastic heads are lightweight, making them easier to turn with a conservative water flow of around 20-40 psi.
