DIY Replacing Sprinkler Heads

Replace your sprinkler heads and

Evaluate your irrigation system

There are many reasons why you might have to replace your sprinkler heads.  In fact, it’s one of the most common repair jobs reported by homeowners.  

They could get run over by a lawn mower, weed wacker, edger, or car tire.  They could also get clogged with dirt or other debris.  Or perhaps your dog has discovered the heads and taken a liking to chew them up.  All of these factors could cause your sprinkler heads to stop working effectively.  Or worse, cause them to make a mess of your yard.  

Faulty sprinkler heads mean that water isn’t being evenly distributed to your lawn.  Most often this means that areas of your yard aren’t getting an adequate water supply, and you may start to notice some patches of struggling turf.  But sometimes, a faulty sprinkler head can even lead to excess water leakage, creating a huge puddle in your yard and effectively drowning a patch of turf.  Beyond that, the water could run into your foundation, potentially leaking into your basement and causing considerable, expensive damage to your home.  

It’s essential that you keep an eye on your sprinkler heads to ensure that you avoid costly repairs and maintain the health of your lawn.  

FAQs

How do I know if my sprinkler heads need to be replaced?

It’s a good idea to monitor your sprinkler system every now and then while it’s watering your lawn. You can take a walk around your house and see if any sprinkler heads aren’t functioning properly. You may notice that some of the sprinkler heads are spraying water erratically or aren’t releasing any water at all. In the worst case, you’ll find a broken sprinkler head with a pool of water around it. This could lead to much bigger problems if the water ends up flowing toward your foundation. It’s important to replace broken sprinkler heads as soon as you discover them to avoid incurring more costly repairs.

I just replaced my sprinkler heads... why are some broken again so quickly?

It’s actually rather easy for sprinkler heads to become clogged or broken. Sometimes all it takes is for you to cut your grass a few times with a lawn mower and the loose grass will get lodged in the sprinkler head, causing it to malfunction. And if you have a dog, that could be the culprit as well. Dogs are notorious for ripping sprinkler heads apart. Freeze damage and vandalism are among the other reasons we’ve seen for broken sprinkler heads. The best thing you can do is monitor the state of your irrigation system often.

Do I need to prepare my house before the service begins?

All you’ll need to do is make sure to turn off your irrigation system before the work begins, screw off the damaged head, and replace it with the same type of sprinkler head.

Have Further Questions?