Sprinkler system maintenance is important for conserving water and maintaining a healthy landscape. A malfunctioning sprinkler head can lead to uneven watering, resulting in dry spots or oversaturated areas of the lawn. Addressing these issues quickly prevents water waste and ensures uniform coverage across the landscape. Replacing a broken sprinkler head is a straightforward task that most homeowners can complete without hiring a professional.
Essential Preparation Steps and Tools
The first action before attempting any repair is to completely shut off the water supply to the system. This prevents pressurized water from flooding the work area when the broken head is removed. Locate the main shut-off valve for the irrigation system or the specific zone valve controlling the damaged head and turn it clockwise until the water flow stops.
Once the water is secured, gather the necessary materials for the job. You will need a small garden trowel or shovel for excavation and a rag to absorb any residual water in the riser. A roll of Teflon tape or pipe sealant (dope) is necessary for ensuring a watertight seal on the threads of the new connection.
Acquire the correct replacement sprinkler head, which must match the brand and spray pattern (e.g., pop-up height, arc) of the existing unit. Carefully dig around the perimeter of the malfunctioning sprinkler head, exposing the connection point where it screws into the riser pipe. Ensure enough soil is cleared to allow easy access for unscrewing the old unit.
Diagnosing Common Sprinkler Head Failures
Before beginning the replacement, inspect the failed head to understand the damage, as this determines the required repair. A common issue is a simple clog, where mineral deposits or debris block the nozzle opening. If the body and riser appear intact, cleaning or replacing only the nozzle might be the solution, rather than the entire assembly.
A cracked casing or body often results from physical impact like being run over by a lawnmower or car. When the plastic housing shows visible splits, the sprinkler head must be replaced. Water will leak from the crack instead of being directed through the nozzle opening.
A broken riser is the internal mechanism that elevates the nozzle during operation. If the head does not fully pop up when the system is pressurized, the riser may be snapped or stuck, necessitating a full head replacement. If the head sprays incorrectly but shows no physical damage, the issue may be improper adjustment, which does not require replacement.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
With the water turned off and the area excavated, carefully remove the damaged sprinkler head from the riser. Grip the body firmly and turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the threaded connection below the ground. Be careful not to introduce excess dirt into the open pipe connection during this process.
After the old head is removed, briefly turn the water supply back on for a few seconds to flush the line. This quick surge of water will expel any small particles of dirt or debris that may have fallen into the riser pipe. Running the system momentarily prevents these particles from clogging the new sprinkler head upon installation.
Once the line is flushed, shut the water back off and use a clean rag to dry the threads of the exposed riser pipe. Prepare the threads of the new sprinkler head by wrapping them clockwise with two to three layers of Teflon tape. The tape acts as a thread sealant, ensuring a leak-free connection under pressure.
Carefully screw the replacement head onto the riser connection by turning it clockwise. Hand-tighten the connection securely to prevent leaks without over-tightening, which could stress or crack the plastic threads. Align the top of the sprinkler head assembly so it is flush with the surrounding finished grade of the lawn.
If the new head sits too low, a riser extension can be used to raise the connection point. This ensures the pop-up mechanism clears the grass blades during operation, preventing interference with the spray pattern. Once the head is installed and correctly aligned, gently backfill the excavated area around the head with the removed soil.
Testing and Fine-Tuning the System
With the new sprinkler head installed, the water supply can be turned back on fully. Manually activate the specific irrigation zone to observe its performance under normal operating pressure. Check the connection point between the head and the riser for any signs of leakage.
Verify the pop-up and retraction mechanisms are working smoothly, ensuring the head rises to its full height when pressurized and descends completely when the water is shut off. Adjust the spray pattern and arc of the new head using the appropriate tool, such as a small flathead screwdriver or a specialized adjustment key. This fine-tuning ensures the water is distributed evenly across the intended landscape area.