How to Fix a Sprinkler Head That Won't Pop Up or Leak

Sprockets and seals inside a sprinkler head take a beating from grit, dirt, and changing seasons. When a head refuses to pop up, it is usually choked by a buildup of soil or debris around the riser stem. When it won't stop leaking, the internal seal has likely hardened or split, allowing water to bleed out even when the system is supposedly closed. Fixing these heads is one of the most satisfying maintenance tasks for a homeowner because it preserves your water pressure and prevents your lawn from developing boggy, yellow patches. With a few simple tools and a bit of patience, you can pull the internals, clear the obstructions, and have your irrigation system spraying evenly again in less than an hour.

1. Spot the Problem. Turn on the irrigation zone to see exactly which head is malfunctioning. Note whether it stays down entirely or just leaks a constant stream of water after the cycle ends.
2. Unbury the Housing. Use a small hand spade to dig a circle around the sprinkler head, about 6 inches out. Do not pull the head out of the ground; just expose the top cap so you can access the threads.
3. Twist Off the Cap. Grip the cap of the sprinkler head and twist it counter-clockwise. If the cap is stuck, use a pair of channel-lock pliers, but be careful not to crack the plastic housing.
4. Pull Out the Guts. Pull the riser stem straight up to remove the entire internal assembly. Inspect the spring at the base for damage and check the rubber seal for any sand or debris.
5. Restore or Replace. If the seal is intact, scrub it with a soft brush to remove dirt. If the seal is torn or the spring is rusted out, replace the entire internal cartridge with an identical model.
6. Reassemble and Test. Insert the cleaned or new assembly back into the housing and tighten the cap by hand. Briefly run the zone to flush out any loosened dirt before replacing the sod.