How to Repair a Leaking Lawn Sprinkler Head

It is not uncommon for a lawn sprinkler head to leak for a number of different reasons. Fortunately, repairing the leak is relatively easy using a few simple steps. As pop-up sprinkler heads are the most common, the below steps will assist in resolving leaks common to that type. 

Step 1: Visual Inspection

The first step to fixing the leak is determining where it is. To do this, turn on the sprinkler. Pay attention to where the water is leaking out. Leaks at different areas can be attributed to different causes. Check to see if the water is leaking where it sprays out the head or if it is above or below the head itself. Water can also escape out of the sprinkler housing or from the ground below.

Step 2: Checking the Head

If water is leaking out of the head of the sprinkler, it may be loose, clogged, or damaged. Using the flat-head screwdriver, pry the sprinkler head up. Hold the shaft with one hand and use your other hand to see if the sprinkler head is on tight.

It will be easier to check the sprinkler head for other issues if you remove it. Use the shovel to dig up the sprinkler head. Most sprinkler heads are removed by twisting a cap off the top of the sprinkler body or housing. The cap typically holds the shaft that pops up when water pressure is added. This cap also keeps water from leaking out of the body. Inspect the seal at the bottom of the cap. Now push up on the shaft to expose the sprinkler head itself. Most heads unscrew from the shaft. Remove the sprinkler head. Turn the shaft upside down and shake it. This should dislodge the screen or filter inside. If not, use a long flat head screwdriver to push the filter out from the bottom up. Inspect the filter for any debris. If debris is present, flush the filter with water.

Now inspect the sprinkler head you removed. See if any debris is lodged inside the spray area of the head. Also look at the threads on the bottom of the sprinkler housing for any damage.

Step 3: Inspecting the Riser and Fitting

If water was visible from below the sprinkler body, the leak may be at the riser or fitting. Use the shovel to dig down to the fitting. Now turn on the water. See if any leaks appear at the fitting. If so, you will need to replace the fitting. If water leaks where the riser connects to the fitting, remove the riser. Inspect the threads on both ends for any damage. If they look okay, reattach the riser to the fitting. Turn the water back on. If the leak persists, you can wrap Teflon tape around the threads 2 or 3 times.