Sprinkler head maintenance is a common task for any homeowner with an automated irrigation system. When a head malfunctions, it can lead to wasted water and noticeable dry patches on your lawn. Fortunately, fixing these issues is often a straightforward DIY project. Understanding the signs of a faulty sprinkler head and knowing the proper repair or replacement techniques allows you to keep your system running efficiently and ensures your landscape receives the precise amount of water it needs.
Diagnosing Common Sprinkler Head Failures
Identifying the specific problem with a sprinkler head is the first step toward a solution. A common issue is a lack of proper movement, such as the head failing to pop up fully or a rotor head not turning to cover its designated area. This often signals an internal mechanical failure or significant debris buildup preventing the stem from rising against the spring tension.
Water distribution problems fall into two main categories of pressure issues. If the water pressure appears too low, the head may only sputter or spray close to the ground, creating dry spots nearby. Conversely, if the pressure is too high, the water stream turns into a fine mist or fog. This is inefficient because much of the water evaporates before reaching the turf.
Leaks are another frequent symptom, typically manifesting as water bubbling or pooling directly around the base of the head when the system is running. This usually indicates a broken seal or a loose connection where the head screws onto the riser pipe. More severe problems involve visible physical damage, such as a cracked plastic housing or a completely broken-off head. Damage often caused by lawnmowers or heavy foot traffic mandates a full replacement.
Essential Preparation Before Starting Work
Before beginning any work, locate and shut off the water supply to the specific irrigation zone or the entire system. Ignoring this step will result in immediate flooding and high water pressure once the head is disturbed. Gather your tools, which typically include a small trowel or shovel, a rag for cleaning, replacement parts, and a specialized adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver.
The next step involves exposing the sprinkler head and the connection point below the surface. Use a trowel to cut and gently remove the sod in a circle about six to eight inches around the faulty head, setting the turf aside for replanting. Dig out the surrounding soil until the riser—the vertical pipe connecting the head to the main water line—is fully exposed. Ensure you create enough room to work without dropping debris into the pipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Minor Repairs and Adjustments
Many performance issues can be resolved with simple repairs that do not require a full head replacement. If the head is spraying unevenly or with low flow, the nozzle is likely clogged with fine debris like dirt or sand. To clean it, unscrew the nozzle from the pop-up stem and remove the small filter screen located beneath it.
Rinse both the nozzle and the filter screen thoroughly under running water to remove any trapped particles. If the head is clogged, running the zone briefly with the head removed can flush out any larger debris from the supply line. Once cleaned, thread the nozzle and filter back into the head securely.
For heads that are spraying in the wrong direction or covering an incorrect distance, a simple adjustment is needed. On most spray and rotor heads, a flathead screwdriver or a specific adjustment key is used to change the spray arc and radius. Turn the adjustment screw on the top of the nozzle clockwise to decrease the spray distance and counter-clockwise to increase it.
If water is leaking or bubbling around the base when the head is fully popped up, the connection to the riser may be loose. Use your hands to firmly tighten the entire head by turning it clockwise onto the riser pipe. This action helps secure the threads and compresses the washer or seal, often eliminating the leak without needing to replace the unit.
Replacing a Broken Sprinkler Head
When the sprinkler head has suffered irreparable physical damage, such as a cracked body or a sheared top, a full replacement is the only viable option. With the area dug out and the water turned off, grasp the broken head and turn it counter-clockwise to unthread it from the riser pipe. Be prepared for some water to drain from the line once the seal is broken.
After removing the old head, inspect the exposed riser connection for any remaining dirt or broken plastic fragments. Gently clean the opening of the riser, perhaps using a rag, to ensure the threads are clean and clear of obstruction. This prevents foreign materials from clogging the new head or damaging the threads during installation.
To ensure a watertight seal and prevent future leaks, wrap the male threads of the riser pipe with three to five turns of plumber’s tape, also known as PTFE tape. Always wrap the tape in a clockwise direction so that it does not unravel as the new head is screwed on. Carefully thread the new sprinkler head onto the prepared riser by turning it clockwise, tightening it only until it feels snug and secure, without over-tightening the plastic threads.
Once the new head is installed and the nozzle is oriented correctly, turn the water supply back on to the zone. Observe the head as it pops up to check for leaks around the base and to verify that the water pattern and distance are correct. If necessary, make final adjustments to the spray pattern before replacing the soil and the saved piece of sod around the unit.