DIY Sprinkler Repair Anyone Can Pull Off

DIY Sprinkler Repair Anyone Can Pull Off

A well-programmed and designed lawn irrigation system will ensure that your yard gets enough water, for the most part of autopilot. However, most people feel frustrated, lost, and disappointed when their system breaks down. While some experts will have you believe that sprinkler repair requires years of experience, the fact is that you can pull off 90% of the work with the right set of tools and a good DIY guide.

Since the most common problem with sprinklers is the head not working, we’ll address how to fix that issue in this article. Make sure to have a couple of basic tools by your side.

Replace the Heads

A broken sprinkler head is pretty easy to identify. Check to see if the plastic casing is cracked or broken. If the head isn’t popping up or is often leaking, it means that the head has broken off. Fortunately, it is a simple fix.

Start by buying a replacement head that should be available at your nearest home center or can be purchased online. Always double-check that you’re purchasing the same head that you’re replacing because there are many different types out there.

Now before you start any type of sprinkler repair, be sure to turn off the water and the system entirely. Then dig a 2-ft hole where the head is located. You’ll want to dig till you reach the riser, i.e., the pipe that connects the head to the main water line.

Once you reach the head, turn it counterclockwise like opening a jar of peanut butter and pull it away from the riser. Make sure you don’t get dirt in the riser. The head can then be screwed on clockwise with a light hand. Avoid using Teflon tape or a joint compound.

Cleaning and Resetting the Heads

Sometimes dirt will build up in the sprinkler head, causing it to get clogged. When a sprinkler head is clogged, it may rise yet fail to spray or refuse to lower after watering, or the spray pattern may look weird. Fortunately, this type of sprinkler repair is easy.

Dig out the head as you did previously, then take it apart by holding the bottom assembly and turning the top of the head counterclockwise. Inside you’ll see a screen, i.e., a filter at the base. The filter is easily removed with a screwdriver. Once removed, clean it with freshwater and put everything back.

Conclusion

When your sprinkler starts giving trouble, the first thing you should do is find out what’s wrong. Most issues that have to do with the head can be fixed DIY style like stated above. The only tip is to ensure that you use a light touch. Do not overtighten the head, use tape or adhesive.

These parts are super sensitive, which means if you apply more pressure than it can bear, things like the head or the riser couldcrack or worse break. However, if you are not comfortable fixing things yourself or don’t have the time, then calling a professional would make sense.

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