Step 1: Identify the Problem
Is the head:
- Not popping up?
- Leaking around the base?
- Spraying wild like a broken fire hydrant?
- Just plain missing?
If yes to any of those, it’s time to swap it out.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water
Always start by shutting off your sprinkler system at the timer or main valve. Don’t try this while water’s flowing unless you want a muddy mess and a soaked shirt.
Step 3: Dig Around the Sprinkler Head
Use a hand trowel or small shovel and dig a 6–8 inch wide hole around the head. Go down about 6 inches or until you reach the pipe connection. Leave the dirt on a tarp or bucket so it’s easy to refill later.
Step 4: Unscrew the Broken Sprinkler Head
Grip the sprinkler body and unscrew it counterclockwise. Most heads are threaded onto a riser or directly to the lateral pipe. If the riser is cracked or comes up with the head, you’ll need to replace that too.
Step 5: Clean Out the Fitting
Wipe out any dirt, grit, or chunks inside the riser or pipe fitting. Dirt in the threads can cause leaks. If the riser is damaged, replace it (they’re cheap—about a buck at the hardware store).
Step 6: Install the New Sprinkler Head
- Match the spray pattern and radius to the old one (e.g., 90°, 180°, 360°)
- Screw on the new head by hand—not too tight
- Adjust the nozzle direction before turning the system back on
Mr. Lee’s Tip: Use Rain Bird, Hunter, or Toro heads for quality and longevity. Cheap heads crack faster in Seattle freeze-thaw cycles.
Step 7: Test the Zone
Turn the water back on and:
- Check the spray direction
- Make sure it pops up and down smoothly
- Look for leaks around the base
Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the spray radius or angle if needed. Most heads have a tiny screw right on top.
Step 8: Backfill the Hole
Once everything looks good, carefully fill the hole back in and tamp it down gently. Don’t push too hard—you might mess up the alignment.
When to Call Mr. Lee
If you’ve got:
- Water bubbling up from underground
- A broken lateral line below the head
- Multiple sprinkler heads acting up in one zone
You might be dealing with a pipe issue, not just a head.
Need Help Fast?
We fix sprinkler heads and full irrigation systems across Seattle—from West Seattle to Northgate. If your system’s leaking, sputtering, or just not performing, give us a ring. We’ll get it dialed in fast, clean, and right the first time.
