A sprinkler head that sits too low in the soil is a common issue for homeowners. This problem typically arises when the surrounding earth settles, soil compacts, or new layers of landscaping material are added. When a sprinkler head is partially buried, its spray pattern becomes obstructed, leading to uneven watering and potential damage from lawn maintenance equipment. Restoring the head to its proper height ensures efficient water distribution and protects the irrigation system components.
Essential Tools and Preparation
The process of adjusting a sunken sprinkler head requires only a few basic items. You will need a small garden trowel or shovel for carefully excavating the immediate area around the head without disturbing the main lateral line. A replacement riser or pipe extension, often called a nipple, is necessary to increase the head’s height. These extensions are typically available in 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch National Pipe Thread (NPT) sizes, matching the standard connections used in most residential irrigation systems.
Before beginning the work, confirm the correct diameter and length of the extension piece required to bring the head flush with the surrounding turf. To ensure a watertight seal, pipe thread sealant is also needed, most commonly PTFE (Teflon) tape. Keeping a clean rag nearby is helpful for wiping down the exposed pipe threads, preventing debris from fouling the connection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Raising the Sprinkler Head
The initial action involves carefully excavating the soil around the entire sprinkler head mechanism to expose its connection point to the underground pipe. Gently use the trowel to remove the earth until the fitting or elbow connecting the head to the lateral line is completely visible. It is important to work slowly in this step to avoid accidentally severing or cracking the plastic piping. Once the connection is exposed, turn off the water supply to the irrigation zone to prevent unexpected spraying during the next steps.
With the water deactivated, the existing sprinkler head can be unscrewed manually from the connection fitting, rotating it counter-clockwise until it detaches. Use the rag to thoroughly clean the threads of the exposed underground pipe fitting, removing any dirt or grit that could compromise the new seal. Preparing the new riser extension involves wrapping the male threads clockwise with PTFE tape, ensuring three to five full layers cover the threads completely without overlapping the end of the pipe.
This prepared extension is then carefully screwed into the female fitting on the lateral line, tightening it firmly by hand to create a secure, leak-free connection. The original sprinkler head is then screwed onto the top of the newly installed riser extension, ensuring it is positioned vertically and flush with the surrounding grade. This newly added section of pipe effectively raises the entire assembly to the required height for optimal spray coverage.
After the head is reattached, the water supply should be turned on briefly to pressure-test the connection points for any leaks. Observing the connections while the system is under pressure confirms the integrity of the PTFE tape seal and allows for immediate adjustment if a drip is noticed. Once the connections are verified as watertight and the head height is correct, the soil can be carefully replaced around the base. This backfilling process should be done while maintaining the sprinkler head’s vertical alignment, ensuring the surrounding soil is lightly tamped down without burying the head again.
Preventing Future Sinking
Repeated sinking is usually a symptom of instability in the soil material beneath the head assembly, as fine soil particles are susceptible to compaction and erosion. To create a more permanent solution, stabilize the connection point by establishing a supportive base material before backfilling. Placing coarse aggregate, such as pea gravel or crushed stone, around the elbow fitting provides a stable, non-compacting foundation. This material resists displacement and prevents the soil from settling, maintaining the head’s adjusted height.