How to Clean Inground Sprinkler Heads

Inground sprinkler systems are a great way to keep lawns and gardens efficiently watered. Although these systems are useful, over time inground sprinkler heads can become dirty or clogged. Yearly cleaning of inground sprinkler heads is important for keeping your watering system at peak performance. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Lift the sprinkler head up so that it is no longer hidden in the sleeve. Inground sprinkler heads rest inside a sleeve that allows the sprinkler head to rest at ground level when not in use, and to rise up above ground level when the water turns on.

2. Unscrew the sprinkler head and remove it from the sleeve. This allows you to not only thoroughly clean the sprinkler head, but remove any dirt or grass that has fallen in the sleeve.

3. Soak the sprinkler head in clean water while you are cleaning the sleeve or removing other sprinkler heads. Use a stiff wire to clean the sprinkler head after soaking to dislodge any additional dirt or debris that the soaking didn't remove.

4. Remove any dirt that has settled in the sprinkler head sleeve.

5. Screw the cleaned sprinkler head into the cleaned sleeve and screw it back into place. Remember to make sure that the sprinkler head is resting at ground level when not in use.

6. Turn on the water after all sprinkler heads are cleaned and check that they are all working properly. If a sprinkler head is not working properly after cleaning, you may need to replace the head.

Tips & Warnings

• If your sprinkler head does not easily lift out of the sleeve, you should turn on the water and try lifting it while the water pressure is working in your favor.
• If your sprinkler head does not disassemble easily, you can try cleaning the head by sticking a wire into the head and clearing any dirt or clogs.
• Replacement sprinkler heads can usually be found at your local hardware store or can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.