How To Retract Sprinkler Heads

A pressure activated in-ground sprinkler head

Despite how they appear to work, sprinkler heads that retract into the ground are actually falling into place. The water pressure, created from turning on the water in a sprinkler system, actually pressurizes the empty area inside fitting/sprinkler head, forcing it up into position above ground. When the water is turned off, the pressure goes away and gravity draws the fitting back into its original place.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Light duty plastic mallet

Instructions

Analysis

1. 

   Freshly watered grass

   Make sure the water is off before going to the sprinkler head in question. The head that is above ground and not retracting has probably been lodged there due to some debris that has fallen inside of the thin space between the fitting and its sleeve. Lightly test to see if you can push the head back into the ground with your hand. If it resists, follow step three, if it doesn't, go to the next step.

2. 

   Keep your lawn healthy with enough water

   If the head moves easily, press it back into its fitting in the ground. Listen for the sound of something scratching, which is the debris, probably dirt, between the sprinkler head and its sleeve. Move the head in and out repeatedly until the scratching sound lessens. Turn the sprinkler system on and off and look to see if the sprinkler head is still sticking in the upright position. Repeat these two steps up to five times to try to clear the debris. If this doesn't correct the problem, you may need to purchase a new sprinkler head unit.

3. 

   In-ground sprinklers in use

   If the fitting is rigidly stuck in place, first use your flashlight to see if anything surrounding the sprinkler head and the sleeve it sits in may be preventing it from freely moving. If you see something such as a twig or grass, remove it and follow step two. If there is nothing detectable, you will need to strike it with more force to get it to go back in. A small mallet can do this, or you can even step on the sprinkler head itself. Most likely, it is just a small rock or pebble stuck in the narrow space between the sprinkler head its sleeve and forcing the head back into place will dislodge the particle. Turn the water back on and off, check to see if the sprinkler head is now retracting. If not, repeat the above steps up to five times. If this does not repair it, then you may need to purchase a new sprinkler head unit.

References

• RainBird Video Support Library

Resources

• Irrigation Repair