Lawn Care Basics: How To Fix Sprinkler Heads
A sprinkler is a device used to water agricultural crops, lawns, landscapes, and other locales. Spray heads, or sprinkler heads, are part of the sprinkler system that is used to distribute the water from the pipe to the lawn or garden. These sprinklers come in various forms, such as dripline sprinklers, gear drive rotators, stationary & rotor sprinklers, fixed spray sprinklers, and pop-ups.
Unfortunately, sprinkler heads are susceptible to multiple problems. When you notice a malfunctioning sprinkler head, it is important to check the sprinkler system for some basic problems.
Common Sprinkler Head Problems
The sprinkler head sits atop a riser, which is the vertical pipe that brings water to the surface. The most common problem with sprinkler heads is that they become clogged with dirt and debris but that is not the only thing that can go wrong.
Some of the main things that can lead to malfunctioning lawn sprinkler heads include:
Blockages Or Clogging
Because pop-up sprinkler head nozzles can be very tiny, it doesn’t take a lot to cause an obstruction that inhibits water flow. For example, using water from poorly filtered or totally unfiltered sources will allow foreign particles to infiltrate the pipes and clog key nozzles or valves. Other causes of blockages include sediment, construction debris, bacterial slime, and algae.
Misting
Misting is when tiny water mist droplets turn into a vapor that does not properly irrigate your lawn. It may be caused by clogged blocked nozzles, although the most prevalent cause is high water pressure. Poor design and installation of a sprinkler irrigation system can also cause some misting problems for the sprinkler nozzle.
Inaccurate Spray Pattern
The sprinkler head is designed in a pattern that allows water to evenly shoot out of the nozzle and onto the surrounding area. Incorrect patterning can lead to uneven coverage. You will probably see signs of water pooling or water runoff where two sprinklers water the same space.
How To Fix Sprinkler Heads To Minimize Your Lawn Care Chores
No matter how your sprinkler head quit working properly or got damaged, it can still be fixed. Below, we will show you how to fix some of the most common sprinkler head problems.
Unclog Blocked Lawn Sprinkler Heads
Increasing the water pressure to its maximum might dislodge debris in the head if it’s not too severe. In some situations, a bent paperclip or tiny wire is all that is required to remove basic debris accumulation from a lawn sprinkler head.
However, if there actually is a clog, cleaning needs to be done. First, you need to shut off your sprinkler system so there’s no water coming out. Next, you will uncap the top part while holding the bottom of the sprinkler head. Now, you need to clean the sprinkler heads.
The most common way of cleaning sprinkler heads is to utilize the cans of compressed air typically used to clean electronics, such as keyboards. You can also clean off any rust or mineral accumulation with a brass bristle brush.
Other things you can do to unclog sprinkler heads include:
- Mix white vinegar with warm water in an evenly balanced concentration to help remove stubborn dirt from the sprinkler head.
- Bend one end of a paper clip and use it to remove debris and dirt that has accumulated in the small openings of a sprinkler head.
Repair Irrigation System Leaks
If you suspect the leak is somewhere on the water line, inspect the sprinkler heads in an area with insufficient pressure. To do this, you should turn off the sprinkler system but turn on the water to see if the indicator moves.
Additionally, if you notice the water is leaking where it sprays out the sprinkler head or if it is below or above the spray head itself, it is most likely a leak in the sprinkler head.
To repair a leaking sprinkler head, you’d need some rags, waterproof wire nuts, a hand trowel, a screwdriver, and warm water. Using these items, you’ll rinse each valve piece with warm water to get rid of any dirt or debris. You should also inspect the pieces during rinsing to ensure none of them are worn or damaged.
Adjust Sprinkler Heads
You may also need to adjust the sprinkler head slightly to redirect the water spray in the area that you want it. Misaligned heads may diverge significantly from their intended mark if you haven’t checked them in a long while.
The first step is to know the kind of sprinklers in your system since every type of sprinkler head has to be adjusted differently. Common types of sprinkler heads include impact, pop-up, and rotor sprinklers.
You will notice that heads have an adjustable spray nozzle, which is essentially a very tiny screw that can aid you in either loosening or tightening the sprinkler’s head.
For example, you can spin it clockwise to minimize the arc of water. On the other hand, if you want the water to cover a bigger area, spin the screw counterclockwise to boost the water pressure and increase the arc.
Replace The Sprinkler Head
Sometimes, the sprinkler head may be too damaged to be fixed. In this case, you will need to get a replacement head. Signs that a sprinkler head needs to be replaced are non-existent or poor spray, frequent leaks, and low water pressure.
For this project, you’ll need a flexible hose, seal tape, sprinkler adjustment tool, small shovel or digging trowel, or a serrated knife – and the replacement head.
You don’t have to purchase the exact same sprinkler head model as the one you’re substituting, but it has to be of the same type. Before commencing your installation project, it is so crucial that you shut off the water properly.
Once you have unscrewed and removed the broken sprinkler head from the riser, you can flush the water line and install the replacement sprinkler head using the instructions provided.
Leave It To The Pros at OC Irrigation & Landscaping
While going the DIY route is tempting, some problems are better left to the professionals. The team at OC Irrigation & Landscaping has the experience and expertise to quickly diagnose and fix any issue with your sprinkler system – big or small.
We understand that a functional irrigation system is vital to keeping your lawn and garden looking its best, which is why we offer a wide range of irrigation services, including repairs, replacements, and installations.
If you’re having trouble with your sprinkler system, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll be happy to help!
Oconee Irrigation & Landscape provides high-quality professional commercial and residential landscaping services to businesses and homeowners in the Northeast Georgia area. Contact us for more information and a free estimate!