How to Shut Off a Sprinkler Head

Orbit Pop-up Sprinkler Head

Sprinkler systems are very nice to have, but they are not without their maintenance requirements. If for some reason you need to shut a particular sprinkler head off for a time (maybe the vegetation around the sprinkler head is receiving more water than is needed) a simple adjustment is all it takes. Then when you need the sprinkler to work again, reverse the steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Narrow-bladed, flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Locate the sprinkler head that has to be shut off. The heads can be set below ground level and may be difficult to find when the sprinkler system is off. If needed, turn the sprinkler system on to locate the desired head.

2. 

   When the head has been located, clear any dirt or debris away from the top to expose the radius adjustment screw in the center of the spray nozzle. Place a narrow-bladed, flat-head screwdriver into the screw slot and turn the screw all the way to the right (the screw will move deeper into the head). Note: This can be completed while the water is running.

3. Turn the water to the sprinkler head on to be certain that the sprinkler nozzle no longer sprays water. (The head will still pop up because of water pressure.)

4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for any other sprinkler heads that need to be adjusted.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjusting the radius adjustment screw by turning it to the right (the same direction needed to shut the sprinkler off, but to a lesser degree) can also help conserve water by reducing the overall water flow out of the spray nozzle.

Resources

• Orbit Sprinkler System Design & Installation Manual