How to Move Sprinklers in 5 Easy Steps

Learning how to move sprinklers is not a difficult task by any means, but it is an important one to learn because it means the difference between an unchanging landscape and one that can grow and change over time. If you find out that you have a sprinkler head in a tricky spot, consider moving it rather than simply replacing it every time that it becomes a problem.

Step 1 - Plan the Move

Decide which sprinkler head needs to be moved and where the best new location will be for said sprinkler head. You can easily move sprinklers by as much as 4 feet using flex pipe, which is capable of being found at nearly any plumbing and irrigation store without causing any negative effect to the performance of your sprinkler system.

Step 2 - Dig a Trench

Now you should dig a trench that is between 8 inches and 12 inches deep and that runs from the current location of the sprinkler head to the new planned out location of the sprinkler head. Make sure that you turn the irrigation system off at its controller at this point.

Step 3 - Insert Flex Pipe

Unscrew the sprinkler's head from its riser first, and then unscrew the riser from the pipe to remove the entire framework of the sprinkler head so that you can move it. Insert an elbow of flex pipe into the existing riser tee or combination elbow and tighten it until it has become hand tight.

Now attach a 3/8 inch flex pipe into the elbow by sliding it directly over the nipple as the flex pipe's diameter is slightly smaller than the pipe intended for the water line. No clamps should be required in order to create a connection.

Step 4 - Fasten Another Elbow

Now you should take the time to fasten another flex pipe elbow, this time to the pipe's other end. Then the sprinkler head should be placed onto the elbow and then turned until it has become hand tight. The sprinkler head should be held in the location that you want it with the top of the sprinkler head sitting at ground level.

Step 5 - Backfill the Ground

Finally, you should backfill the ground surrounding the head using your free hand while you are holding the sprinkler head in the right place with your other hand. Once the head has been secured in its proper place, you can completely fill in the trench, replacing the sod around the sprinkler head.

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