How to replace a sprinkler head
If one or more of your in-ground sprinkler head has been damaged by weather, mowing, vehicle, or if you just want to change the type of head, you’re in luck. Replacing sprinkler heads is straightforward and can be done yourself. Here’s a guide from Bobvila.com:
h Select the right head. Check the head you’re replacing to find out what kind of head will match. Is it a “Check whether it is a pop-up or impact sprinkler head; pop-up heads must be further identified as stationary, rotor-driven, or gear-driven,” according to Bobvila.com. “The replacement head needn’t be the same brand as the previous head, but it must be the same type. The next specifications to identify are the inches-per-hour (iph) or gallons-per-minute (gpm) delivery rate, the spray pattern, and the throwing distance. If any specs are missing from the top of the old sprinkler head, you’re likely to find the info on the side of the head after you remove it (details below). Failing this, reference the brand and part number on the manufacturer’s website for specifications.”
h Dig up the damaged head. Use a trowel or small shovel to remove the sod or grass around the head. Be careful, so you can replace it later. Dig a hole around the sprinkler head about 6 inches deep and a foot in diameter. Be careful not to puncture the water line. Put soil into a bucket or other container to it can be replaced and will not fill into the open water line. Then, check if the water line is damaged (if there’s leak or rupture, the problem may be with the plumbing service,
not the sprinkler head).
h Unscrew the head. First, unscrew the head from the pipe that connects it to the water line – this is called a riser – by twisting it counter-clockwise. If the riser comes off the water line with the head, carefully detach the two parts. There should be seal tape on the riser. Remove this and inspect the thread pattern on the riser. If the threads are cracked, aggressively worn, or appear misaligned, you will need to replace the riser. If the riser looks intact, apply new seal tape and reattach the riser to the water pipe. If the riser’s damaged, buy a new one that matches the length and diameter of the broken one. Apply seal tape to both ends and screw in the new riser. If the riser broke taking out the sprinkler head, remove it with a riser removal T-tool and then replace it.
h Attach the new head. Once the riser is in place with seal tape on the treading, turn on the water to flush out any dirt. You can use a garden hose to redirect water if you like. Turn off the water and screw the new head clockwise onto the riser. Tighten by hand until secure and pointing in the desired direction.
h Test the head. Turn the system back on to observe how the new head functions. If you notice it leaking, turn off the system and tighten the head or reapply seal tape. Then turn the system on and check again. Use this opportunity to check the sprinkler’s height in comparison to the others. Is it at risk of getting hit with a mower blade? To lower it, you might need to tighten it down further, or replace the riser with a small one.
h Fill in the hole. If the head is functioning the way you want it without leaking, shovel the soil back into the hole. Spread the dirt evenly across the base and tamp down loose dirt.