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Lawn Sprinkler Heads

Adjusting and Repairing Lawn Sprinkler Heads: Know how to do it?

Lawn sprinkler heads often give the users several issues in their functioning. If you have a sprinkler system installed in your lawn, you will likely see a certain portion of your yard in bad shape. This is primarily due to the improper functioning of the lawn sprinkler heads. 

In this article, we will be talking about adjusting and repairing lawn sprinkler heads so that you will help the grass thrive a lot. A good condition lawn sprinkler head will always make sure to make your grass green and fresh giving you a feeling of spring.

Enjoy a beautifully manicured lawn with our timely yard work services that care for your yard according to the season. Call us today!

Now, let us check more about adjusting and repairing lawn sprinkler heads as under: 

Adjusting Sprinkler Heads’ Spray Pattern

Sprinkler spray pattern

If you have not done anything with your sprinkler system apart from the programming part, you would not know where the sprinkler heads are. You must turn the system to carry out a sprinkler head audit. Check how the amount of water and the way it is distributed. Now check the areas where the spray pattern is not functioning properly or watering unequally. 

You can find different kinds of sprinkler heads, each known to have its patterns or uses. One of the common kinds includes rotor, stationary, pop-up and pulsating sprinkler heads. All you need is a flat-head screwdriver and other tools for adjusting the heads. 

Adjusting stationary Sprinkler Heads 

The following are the steps in adjusting the stationary Sprinkler Heads as under: 

  • You need to find a spray radius adjustment screw found at the top of the nozzle. 
  • You have to adjust the water spray seen over the direction of your lawn. 
  • You have to turn the screen clockwise to reduce the water pressure on the spray head if you find too much water is shooting out. 

Adjusting Rotor Sprinkler Heads 

Check the following steps to adjust rotor sprinkler head, have a look: 

  • You can easily adjust the pop-up sprinkler heads when you find the sprinkler running smoothly. 
  • Using a flat-head screwdriver, you can adjust the spray pattern and turn the screen counterclockwise.
  • To adjust the spray pattern, you can turn the screw clockwise.

Adjusting the Pulsating Sprinkler Heads

Check the following steps to adjust pulsating sprinkler head, have a look: 

  • Adjust the water speed with water output with the help of pushing the tabs over the nozzle. 
  • Now switch on the sprinkler to ensure it is working correctly.
  • You must adjust the spray distance on different heads, considering driveways and sidewalks. You can find these sprinklers to move in a complete circle. Hence you need to adjust the degree to which they are turning. 

Cleaning Debris by adjusting spray nozzles 

If your sprinkler head fails to show any damage, you need to clear the debris that remains collected over time, and it may not trick. The following are the steps to clean the filter: 

  • You need to lift a portion of a sprinkler head part, which houses the filer and then clamp it over the side grip. 
  • Remove the tip and lift the same on the filter, followed by clearing all the debris using a towel. 
  • Flush the line for some seconds before you reassemble the head. 
  • Once you clear the filter, you must put them over with the screw with its cap. 
  • Check the spray head direction and then release the vise grip. Check the spray direction by turning the system to ensure it is correct. 

This will take a few minutes to complete. 

Replacing a Broken Sprinkler Head 

One of the common issues with sprinkler heads is damage. Before you plan to buy a new head, you should count on one. If the homeowners get it wrong, you may find it unevenly. One of the common problems is the improper sprinkler head. For example, you cannot use the RainBrid sprinkler head over the Toro system. 

You need the precise head for the right spot and have the correct fittings, claims experts. Also, avoid installing a stationary mister and rotating sprinkler heads over the same zone. It barely takes less than half an hour to cover the area, while it takes one hour and 10 minutes to deal with a rotator. You cannot just put on the same sprinkler zone. However, before you visit any shop for its replacement, you need to find out the following: 

  • The exact head you need for your system 
  • Check the make and model of the head 
  • Check the exact size of the nozzle

All the sprinklers having rotor heads are found in different rotation patterns. Some rotate like a complete circle, while others can only go for a half-circle. It is vital to replace damaged rotor heads with proper functional heads. You can order a replacement online or from any local home improvement store. 

Repairing a broken sprinkler riser 

The next problem with the sprinkler head is the broken riser. The other issue with the sprinkler head is the broken riser. You can easily pull the head out without even unscrewing it if you find it broken. It is a simple process to repair the sprinkler rise with the help of a removal tool. It is easily available at any hardware store, with a new rise part. 

You can repair the rise with the following instructions: 

  • You have to get rid of the sprinkler head from the hole
  • With the sprinkler riser removal tool, you need to get rid of the broken rise part down in a hole. Push it with the threads to turn counterclockwise until you find them unscrewing it completely. 
  • Pull the broken rise piece using the tool. Repeat the same action with the broken price inside the bottom using the sprinkler head. 
  • Install a new rise with the help of screwing it clockwise over the bottom of the sprinkler head. You have to bring the head back over the hole but avoid tightening it. 
  • Remove the top cap and then pull it out from the insides. 
  • Turn the water for few seconds allowing it to flush out the line followed by putting the cap back on track. 
  • Lastly, you can screw the sprinkler head over the water line. 

Installing the New Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler head

Once you install a new sprinkler head, you need the right set of tools to install while you are ready to move on. So turn off the water supply and start with the following steps:

  • Dig 1 to 2 inches ring over the sprinkler without hitting the waterline 
  • Get rid of the sod and dirt while you unscrew the sprinkler head with the help of a counterclockwise direction. 
  • Screw over the new head with the help of treading without cracking it.
  • Install the nozzle over the new head with the help of lifting the cap and thread over the stem. 
  • Start running the zone to make sure it is working correctly

However, if you find the water pressure going off, you have chosen the wrong head. Now, return to the store and get the right one or else you may not be able to see the right outcome. 

How is  Sprinkler Head Damaged? 

If you find the lawn service breaking the sprinkler heads, then its your responsibility to get it fixed as soon as possible. Most of cases with home-based lawns, there is no details about the contract they have with the pros. 

However, opting for a reputed lawn care service will have things in the proper place and even cover the cost if they find out the damage was due to their fault. If you seek a professional for your yard care and maintenance, you will get a proper sprinkler system installed at the right place. 

Do you need a special tool for adjusting your sprinkler heads? 

Generally speaking, you can adjust the sprinkler heads with the help of a flathead screwdriver. However, for special rotor heads, you need special adjustment tools. You can further explore the list to get more on it. 

What Causes Sprinkler Heads To Break?

Several activities like lawn mowing, aeration, mechanical and vehicle can bring in damage. You can further reduce the risk with the help of installing sprinkler heads at a precise height. It is always a good idea to winterize your sprinkler system to prevent breakage during extreme weather conditions.

In conclusion, regardless of the damages, you find in your sprinkling system, it is often a simple DIY task. However, when it comes to replacing the old system with a new one, calling a professional becomes mandatory. Calling Eden can help you a lot in this regard. Visit the website or call for more information. 

Enjoy a beautifully manicured lawn with our timely yard work services that care for your yard according to the season. Call us today!