Sprinkler heads are vital to irrigation systems that keep lawns healthy and reduce the amount of water required to keep the lawn looking great. But even the most dependable sprinkler systems will need regular maintenance. And even then, they may break and require replacement sprinkler heads. 

These parts are easily damaged with a mower or become cracked and worn over time. You may be able to identify a broken sprinkler head if you see low water pressure, frequent leaks, irregular throwing distance, or a poor spray pattern. 

Swapping a replacement head for a broken sprinkler system can save you lots of money over the years, and it can generally be done in a few simple steps. 

1. Find the right replacement head for your lawn sprinkler system. Installing the wrong sprinkler head may interfere with the performance of other sprinkler heads nearby, and it can leave sections of your lawn over-or under-watered. 

2. Dig up the broken sprinkler head. To replace a broken lawn sprinkler head, you must remove it first. Sprinkler heads sit just below or flush with the ground. Move the sod or grass around the head and dig a hole about six inches deep, taking care not to puncture the waterline. 

3. Remove the broken sprinkler head. Next, you must unscrew the sprinkler head from the riser, a small pipe connecting the head to the waterline. It is easy to identify the main water line as it is usually a white PVC pipe. 

   1. If the riser detaches with the sprinkler head, inspect it. The riser may also need to be replaced. If undamaged, you can add new thread seal tape and reattach the riser to the water pipe. 

   2. If the riser also needs to be replaced, now is the best time to do so. If a certain sprinkler head is regularly broken by a mower wheel or sticking above ground, a swing joint riser will help prevent future breaks. 

4. Attach the new sprinkler head. Once the riser is in place, you can wrap seal tape around the threads. You may want to flush the water line before installing the new head. To do this, just turn on the water, which will flush out any dirt that may have gotten into the water pipe. After the line is flushed, turn off the water and screw the new sprinkler head onto the riser. 

5. Once the head is affixed to the riser, you will want to observe it working for a few minutes. This can help you assess the functionality of the head and identify leaks. You can also check the height of the head to ensure it is the same height. A uniform height can ensure an optimal spray pattern is achieved, leaving no part of your lawn unwatered. 

6. Fill the hole around the sprinkler. Once you see the sprinkler head is functioning well, you can fill the hole around it by shoveling the dirt back into the opening and spreading it evenly. 

Following these easy steps can ensure that you replace a broken lawn sprinkler head without hiring a contractor. However, if you are uncertain about any of these steps, contact a professional. 

Cory’s Lawn Service focuses on delivering top-notch customer service, maintaining beautiful lawns, and giving customers more time to spend on what is most important.