What to do if you break a sprinkler head?

Breaking a sprinkler head can seem like a big problem, but it doesn’t have to be! With some basic tools and know-how, most homeowners can replace a broken sprinkler relatively easily. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to diagnose the problem, choose the right replacement, and install your new sprinkler head. We’ll also look at what to do afterwards like testing and adjusting the system. Follow along and you’ll be back to a fully functioning irrigation system in no time.

How Do You Know a Sprinkler Head is Broken?

There are a few key signs that indicate a sprinkler head is broken or malfunctioning:

– The sprinkler is not popping up and spraying water as expected. It may remain fully or partially retracted.

– Water is spraying erratically from the sprinkler head in the wrong directions.

– Water is leaking steadily from the base of the sprinkler head when the system is off.

– The sprinkler head is tilted to one side or at an odd angle.

– The sprinkler nozzle has broken off completely or is missing.

Any of these are clear indicators you need to replace the broken sprinkler head. Catching problems early can prevent further damage to your system.

Should You Repair or Replace the Sprinkler Head?

In most cases, replacement is better than attempting to repair a broken sprinkler head. Sprinkler heads are designed to be easily replaced and are quite affordable, usually just $5-20 for a basic unit.

Repairs like gluing a broken piece back on rarely work well or last. It’s not worth the hassle when a brand new sprinkler head is so quick and simple to install.

However, if it’s just the nozzle piece that connects to the sprinkler body that is broken, you may be able to find a replacement nozzle that matches your existing heads. This small piece can sometimes be replaced without swapping out the entire unit.

How to Choose the Right Replacement Sprinkler Head

Picking the correct replacement sprinkler head is important so it functions properly with your existing system. Here’s how to choose:

– Match the original style – rotary, spray, gear drive, etc. Heads create different spray patterns so make sure to replace like-with-like.

– Match the brand. Sprinkler heads are designed to fit specific bodies and match precipation rates. Staying with the same brand ensures the best fit.

– Match flow rate (GPM). Choose a head with the same flow rate as the original to maintain even watering. This spec is usually printed on the side.

– For in-ground systems, measure pop-up height to match.

– Consider adjustable arc nozzles if replacing part-circle sprinklers. These allow customizing the spray pattern.

It’s best to bring the old sprinkler head with you to the store when purchasing a replacement. That makes it easy to select the right match.

How to Install a New Sprinkler Head – Step-by-Step

Installing a new sprinkler head is a straightforward DIY project. Follow these key steps:

1. Turn off the water to the irrigation system at the main shut-off valve. Relieve pressure by turning on one of the zones briefly.

2. Use a sprinkler head removal tool to unscrew the old broken sprinkler head from the riser. These tools look like oversize wrenches and make quick work of removal.

3. Inspect the riser pipe for any cracks or damages. Make repairs if needed.

4. Apply thread seal tape to the riser pipe threads.

5. Screw on the new sprinkler head. Don’t overtighten.

6. Turn the water back on slowly and pressurize the system. Check for leaks.

7. Turn on the zone with the replaced sprinkler to test it out. Adjust the spray pattern if needed.

8. Flush the system to clear any dirt or debris shaken loose by the repair work.

That’s all it takes! One tip is to have a few extra sprinkler heads on hand so you can make a quick swap when problems emerge. Investing in a shut-off tool and a removal wrench will also make future repairs a breeze.

How to Adjust the Sprinkler Spray Area and Nozzles

Part of your sprinkler head replacement project involves adjusting and testing out the new component. Here are some tips for adjusting the spray pattern:

– Start by observing the basic coverage area as you turn the new head on. Does it spray as far and wide as needed?

– To reduce the spray distance, look for flow control screws that limit the valve opening. Turning these clockwise reduces the arc.

– For gear drive rotors, adjust the range knob or radius screw to extend or decrease reach.

– To narrow or widen the spray pattern, look for trajectory or guide screws.

– Rotate the entire sprinkler body to change the direction of throw if needed.

– For part-circle sprinkler heads, adjustable arc nozzles can customize the spray angle from 40 to 360 degrees.

– Nozzles are available in different trajectories – standard, low angle, and multipattern. Swap nozzles to alter reach.

Take the time to make adjustments and observe the new sprinkler head’s coverage area. Get it set perfectly to avoid dry spots or overspray onto driveways and sidewalks.

How to Test a Sprinkler Head and Your Irrigation System

Anytime you replace or repair a sprinkler head, it’s a good idea to test the full system afterwards. Follow this process:

1. Turn on each zone and observe all sprinkler heads. Look for leaks, clogged or broken nozzles, and irregular spray patterns. Make any needed tweaks.

2. Inspect the grass surrounding each head. Yellow spots indicate an improper spray pattern leaving dry areas.

3. Adjust individual sprinkler heads to provide head-to-head coverage and prevent missed spots between sprinklers.

4. Run a manual test cycle. Check the pressure at each PSI gauge. Pressure over or under the norm could signal problems.

5. Measure the depth of water soaked into the soil after a 10-15 minute test run. Adjust runtimes to achieve 1 inch of water.

6. Check that drainage and runoff is minimal. Make note of any heavy puddling.

7. Clean out filters, screens, and nozzles throughout the system. Flush lines thoroughly.

Taking the time to test ensures your entire sprinkler system is running optimally after you replace a broken head. Catching any other issues early prevents further problems down the road.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Broken Sprinkler Head?

When a sprinkler head breaks, the main costs involved are:

– The price of a replacement sprinkler head unit – usually $5-20. More for specialty heads.

– Cost of any tools needed like a shut-off key, head removal tool, adjustable wrench, etc. These are around $10-30 each.

– If you hire an irrigation company to replace the head, typical service call fees range from $75-150 per hour.

Doing the work yourself saves significant cost over hiring a pro. And having the right basic tools on hand makes fixing a broken sprinkler a quick and painless project costing less than $30 in most cases.

Sprinkler Head Replacement Cost Table

Item	Cost
Basic sprinkler head	$5-$20
Specialty rotor head	$25-$50
Shut-off key tool	$10-$20
Sprinkler head wrench	$10-$15
Plumber’s tape	$5
Total DIY Cost	$55 max
Irrigation service call	$75-$150/hour

As you can see, repairing a sprinkler head yourself can save $100 or more compared to hiring a pro.

How to Prevent Broken Sprinkler Heads in the Future

While sprinkler heads can break from time to time, there are steps you can take to avoid problems down the road:

– Inspect heads regularly and fix tilted/sunk heads before damage occurs.

– Adjust sprinklers spraying on sidewalks or roads to avoid car/pedestrian damage.

– Remove grass/dirt clogging the popup stem so it retracts properly.

– Shut off and drain the system before winter to avoid freeze damage.

– Flush the system in spring to clear any debris or sediment.

– Consider installing head covers or curb stops if kids/pets frequently step on sprinklers.

– Replace old heads that are 10+ years old before they break. Check your warranty.

– Upgrade to more durable head models in high traffic areas if breakage is common.

With preventative care and regular inspections, you can catch problems before they escalate. And follow the steps in this guide when the inevitable broken sprinkler does occur! Just a bit of DIY expertise will have your system back up and running quickly.

Conclusion

Fixing a broken sprinkler head is one of the most common repairs homeowners have to make to irrigation systems. Thankfully, replacing a malfunctioning sprinkler is a straightforward job anyone can tackle. With just a few basic tools and a little know-how, you can diagnose the problem, purchase the right replacement head, install it properly, and get your system back to full strength in no time. Spending $20-30 on a new head is almost always the best solution compared to jury-rigging repairs. And learning to do it yourself rather than hiring a sprinkler company can save you well over $100. So don’t let a broken sprinkler stress you out. Just follow this guide and you’ll have luscious lawns and landscaping again in no time.