Repairing Guides

how to repair lawn sprinkler heads

by Prof. Hiram Mosciski III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Lawn sprinkler system head repair

  1. Turn off the water to the sprinkler system
  2. Dig the head from the ground — unscrew the head from the riser. ...
  3. Find the plastic screen basket located at the base of the head. Remove the basket with your pliers or a screwdriver.
  4. Remove dirt and debris by swishing the head and screen basket in a bucket of clean water.
  5. Place the cleaned basket back inside the canister; place the clean head back on the riser.
  6. Test the sprinkler system. If the head still doesn’t work, consider replacing the head. (See below.)

How to fix a broken sprinkler head?

Then adjust the spray distance on each of the pulsating sprinkler heads. Since these rotary sprinklers can go full circle, you may need to adjust the degrees to which they turn, especially if they are close to a driveway or sidewalk. Regardless of the type of sprinkler heads you have, hopefully, these adjustments will fix the broken sprinkler head.

How do you change a sprinkler head on a garden hose?

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.

Can a lawn mower damage a sprinkler head?

It's pretty easy to damage a sprinkler head with your mower if the head sits too high. No matter how your sprinkler head got damaged or quit working, there's no need to call the irrigation company to do the repairs. This is a DIY job from start to finish.

How do you remove a sprinkler head from grass?

Sprinkler heads sit just below or flush with the ground, so a sturdy trowel is typically suitable for digging up the head. Remove the sod or patch of grass around the head carefully so that it can be replaced later.

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How do I fix a broken sprinkler head?

0:212:34FIX THIS: How to fix a broken sprinkler head - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat it's around the sprinkler head you'll put these back when you're done carefully unscrew the oldMoreThat it's around the sprinkler head you'll put these back when you're done carefully unscrew the old sprinkler head making sure no dirt or rocks get back in the line.

How do you fix a sprinkler head that won't spray?

0:552:12Water Wise - Fix A Clogged Sprinkler Head - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff we could use a bucket full of water or a garden hose. You're going to totally submerse. It inMoreOff we could use a bucket full of water or a garden hose. You're going to totally submerse. It in the water to get all that dirt. Off shake it up a little bit. If you have an old toothbrush.

How do you replace a sprinkler head riser?

0:161:48How to fix a broken sprinkler riser - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn it counterclockwise. Once you have it out you can reinstall your your new riser. ThisMoreTurn it counterclockwise. Once you have it out you can reinstall your your new riser. This particular one I use the shortest one I could find picked. It up at Home.

What is the best lubricant for sprinkler heads?

A spray of WD-40 Specialist Water-Resistant Silicone Lubricant on the water connections keeps it in great shape for subsequent reuse.

What causes a sprinkler head to not rotate?

The most common reason for a sprinkler to stop rotating is the accumulation of debris in the filter. This video will teach you how to clean the filter on your rotors. Hunter rotary sprinklers operate on a “gear drive” system.

Do I need to turn off water to replace sprinkler head?

Turn Off Water System - Before beginning your installation it is so important to make sure that your water system is shut off properly. If you don't get your water shut off before the installation process you will have water spraying everywhere.

How do I keep my sprinkler heads from sinking?

In order to fix sunken heads, simply use a shovel to dig around the head, remove the sod and carefully clear the vicinity of dirt. Next simply lift and straighten the head, packing soil under and around it until it is even with the ground and can easily clear the grass when it pops up.

How do you install sprinkler risers?

1:503:19How To Raise A Sprinkler Head - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll want to measure the riser down below the head. Get yourself a cut off riser that way you don'MoreYou'll want to measure the riser down below the head. Get yourself a cut off riser that way you don't have to get the exact riser from the store. And you can cut it off to the length.

How do you install cutoff risers?

0:124:28Cut-off Nipple Risers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut off nipple risers we created with a lot of options because your piping is rarely going to be sixMoreCut off nipple risers we created with a lot of options because your piping is rarely going to be six inches from the top of the soil at the precise spot or the sprinkler head is going to be installed.

What is a riser on a sprinkler system?

What is a Sprinkler Riser. Fire sprinkler riser is like a bridge between your water supply and the sprinkler pipes in your building. That's where water gets onto the building for fire extinguishing purposes. In actual sense, sprinkler riser is the main component of the sprinkler system.

How do you remove a sprinkler stem?

0:000:57How to remove a broken sprinkler riser - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI've tried using my wrench and different tools to get it what I found the best way is a knife if IMoreI've tried using my wrench and different tools to get it what I found the best way is a knife if I can just push it in with enough force it grabs the inside. And then I can twist it out.

How do I replace a sprinkler head?

Screw the riser fitting into the irrigation tube, then the sprinkler head. Backfill with dirt and sod. Screw the new head into the flushed water line and begin backfilling the hole. Align the head so it sits straight in the hole as you tamp the dirt with your hand. Finish the job by replacing the grass.

What happens if you install a wrong head?

If you install the wrong head, it can over- or underwater that section of your lawn or garden and possibly cause other heads in that same zone to underperform. So you’ll need all the specs from the broken head before you buy a replacement.

How long to let water run in a flushing tool?

Turn on the water for that zone and let it run for about 30 seconds.

Can a sprinkler head be damaged with a mower?

It's pretty easy to damage a sprinkler head with your mower if the head sits too high. No matter how your sprinkler head got damaged or quit working, there's no need to call the irrigation company to do the repairs. This is a DIY job from start to finish.

How do I disassemble a sprinkler head?

Disassemble the sprinkler head by unscrewing the top from the canister. Rinse away soil and debris in a bucket of water. Remove the screen basket from the bottom of the head, then clean it with water. Adjust the watering range of the sprinkler head before installing it. Make final adjustments with the water running.

How to repair a damaged pipe?

Cut out the damaged section of line. Place a clamp on one of the line ends, insert a slip coupling, then tighten the clamp. Place a clamp on the second pipe end, expand the coupling while inserting the nipple into the pipe, then tighten the clamp. Step 5.

What happens if your watering system is not turning on?

Your watering system is divided into a series of zones. Generally, if you have a zone that's not turning on, you have an electrical problem. Make sure the zone wires are firmly attached to the terminals in the controller, the transformer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker at the main panel is on.

How do I clean a sprinkler head?

Step 1: Extract the Pop-Up Sprinkler Head, Inspect and Clean It. Hold the edge of the sprinkler head with an old terrycloth towel. Turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it from the riser. Lift it out and check it for blockage. Remove any leaves, dirt or other material you see.

How do I remove a sprinkler head from a hole?

Unscrew, by turning counter-clockwise, the old sprinkler head and body and extract them from the hole. Pull out the riser as well. Wedge the serrated knife into the ground at the base of the riser to help lever it out.

How do I install a sprinkler system in my backyard?

Step 1: Dig Out the Pop-Up Riser. Use the pointed spade to dig out the turf to a depth of 3 inches around the riser. Go down farther to the water pipe that connects to the underground sprinkler system, if necessary. Be careful to avoid cutting into the water pipe. Set the turf and dirt you dig out on a tarpaulin.

What to use to hold dirt and turf?

Old terrycloth towel. Small tarpaulin to hold dirt and turf. What You'll Need. Pointed trowel or serrated knife. Pointed spade-type shovel. Old terrycloth towel. Small tarpaulin to hold dirt and turf. A pop-up sprinkler head in your lawn irrigation system may, as it ages, start spraying slowly or intermittently, ...

How to check if water pressure is too high?

Turn off the sprinkler system for a few minutes. Insert the riser and sprinkler unit back into the ground, and test by turning on the water. If the water fogs or mists, the water pressure is too high. Reduce the water pressure to release distinct water droplets.

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.

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