How to Replace a Sprinkler Head

Having a lawn sprinkler system is an advantage for keeping a lawn watered and in top condition. Unfortunately, dirt sometimes will get into them and keep them elevated. Due to this, they are often broken by lawnmowers which results in a geyser of wasted water. Since fixing a sprinkler head is quite simple, they should be inspected occasionally to prevent the overuse of water. Read these instructions to learn how to replace a sprinkler head so that you can maintain your sprinkler system on a regular basis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small garden shovel
• New sprinkler head
• Pliers (if necessary)

1. First, make sure that the water to the sprinkler system is shut off. Using a small garden shovel, remove the dirt surrounding the sprinkler. Dig out at least 6 inches around the sprinkler head so that there is enough room to work.

2. Sprinkler heads are usually black and come 1 to 2 inches wide. Unscrew the sprinkler head from the riser. If this is difficult to do, use pliers to hold the riser while unscrewing the head.

3. Turn the water to the sprinkler system on in order to flush the sprinkler line of any dirt that has entered. Then once again, turn the water off.

4. Screw the new sprinkler head on to the riser. Do not over tighten as this can cause the sprinkler head to crack. Again, turn the water on to make sure that the new sprinkler head is working properly.

5. Fill the hole that is surrounding the sprinkler with the dirt that was previously dug out. Pack down the dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not replace the dirt into the hole until the new sprinkler head has been tested.
• Test the sprinkler system at the beginning of each season and replace any heads that are not working properly.
• Do not get dirt into the sprinkler system since this will clog both the old and the new sprinkler heads.

Resources

• Sprinkler tips