How To Change Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads can be damaged by lawnmowers, snowplows, dirt, sand, grass clippings and debris, and they can even break in freezing weather. Fortunately, replacing a damaged sprinkler head is an easy project.

You'll Need

• Shovel
• Hand trowel
• Replacement sprinkler heads
  

Step 1: Which Sprinkler Head to Buy

Find the manufacturer of the sprinkler heads that you need to replace, as well as the model number. That information should be printed right on top of the head. Also, note the size of the nozzle as listed on the head. If the head is damaged so you can't read it, remember that all the sprinkler heads in your yard are probably the same, so look on the top of another one.

With rotor heads, make sure you get the information from a head that rotates the same direction as the broken one. If your broken head is a full circle (or half), be sure to get the appropriate nozzle size and model number from one that has the same spray rotation.

To purchase the replacement sprinkler heads, find a small store that specializes in sprinklers and irrigation. Avoid major home improvement chains as they're least likely to have the unique parts you need.

Step 2: Dig

Use a shovel to cut into the top layer of ground about a foot around your sprinkler head. Be very careful not to go too deeply, as you can cut through a water line or do other damage below the head. Also, avoid lifting the sod as you dig, because you can do more damage that makes the replacement more difficult.

Once you've cut a foot round or square patch, carefully remove the sod layer, lifting it straight up. Then use a hand trowel to carefully scoop out the dirt around the sprinkler head. Remove enough dirt so that you can get both hands around the head.

Step 3: Unscrew the Sprinkler Head

Using a counter-clockwise turn, unscrew the sprinkler head. Be very careful so that no dirt drops into the connection once you have the head removed. Once it's removed, screw the replacement head in place.

If you did get dirt into the connection (sometimes it's unavoidable), flush the head by letting water run through it until it runs clear.

Step 4: Place in Hole

Once you're sure the connection is completely free of dirt, replace the head in the hole and replace the dirt and sod. If your sprinkler head was damaged by a snowplow or a lawnmower, dig the hole a little deeper and make sure that the top of the head sits no more than ½-inch above the ground. You want it at least that high to prevent it from frequently becoming clogged with dirt and grass debris.

Step 5: Insert Nozzle

Lift the cap and grasp the stem carefully with your fingers (or use the special tool that came with the rotor head). Thread the nozzle onto the stem and screw it in place. Follow this same procedure with any broken sprinkler heads you need to replace.