How to Replace a Broken Sprinkler Head

Sprinklers are the workhorses of a healthy lawn, yet they are constantly abused by lawnmowers, soil settlement, and the relentless pressure of irrigation cycles. When a head cracks or stops popping up, it creates a wet spot that can kill your grass or waste gallons of water through a leaky seal. Replacing one is a straightforward task that prevents larger systemic pressure issues later in the season. Done well, this repair takes less than fifteen minutes and requires no specialized plumbing skill. The secret is matching the nozzle and flow rate of your old head exactly so the spray pattern remains consistent with the rest of the zone. Get this right, and you will have a seamless, lush lawn without the headache of brown patches or muddy puddles.

  1. Dig to the Root. Use a small hand spade to dig a circle around the sprinkler head, about 6 inches out. Carefully remove the soil until you can clearly see where the head meets the threaded riser pipe.
  2. Clear the Connection. Clean away any loose dirt or rocks immediately surrounding the pipe connection. You must ensure no soil falls into the open pipe once the head is unscrewed.
  3. Twist Out the Old Head. Grip the sprinkler body firmly and turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the riser. If it is stuck, use slip-joint pliers to grip the body, being careful not to crack the plastic.
  4. Blow Out the Gunk. Turn on the sprinkler zone for five seconds to blow out any dirt or sediment that may have fallen into the pipe. Turn the water off once the water runs clear.
  5. Thread On the New Head. Thread the new sprinkler head onto the riser by hand, turning it clockwise until it is snug. Do not overtighten, as you may crack the plastic threads.
  6. Dial In Your Coverage. Turn the zone back on to test the spray trajectory and radius. Rotate the nozzle or use the adjustment screw on top of the head to fine-tune the spray pattern so it hits your lawn and not the sidewalk.
  7. Bury It Flush. Replace the soil around the head, tamping it down firmly with your foot. Replace the sod on top, ensuring the sprinkler head remains clear of grass blades.