Landscape Addiction ~ how to change a broken sprinkler

How to change a broken sprinkler

	How to change a broken sprinkler
	TOOLS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THIS JOB:
	--Round Point or Trenching Shovel --Pipe Wrench or similar tool --Riser Extractor --New Sprinkler if needed --Rag
1.	Identify the location of the broken sprinkler that needs changed out.
2.	Dig a round or square hole around the sprinkler. When exposing the sprinkler, be sure to expose the pipe under the sprinkler so you are able to determine whether there is a leak in the threads where the pipe connects to the bottom of the sprinkler.
3.	Once you determine where the water is coming from proceed by following the steps below. [Please note: If the pipe from under the sprinkler is NOT also leaking where the threads connect, SKIP steps 9 and 10].
4.	Shut off the water supply to the sprinkler.
5.	If the water is coming from the sprinkler unthread (turn it to the left) the sprinkler to remove it. You might need to use the pipe wrench or channel locking pliers.
6.	Determine the kind of sprinkler that you have.
7.	If your sprinkler has a fixed spray pattern it is a “pop-up spray head”. If it sprays out in a stream-like pattern it is a “gear driven rotor”. If it sprays in a steam-like pattern with an impulse it is an “impact head”. You can find any of these sprinklers at any Lowe’s®, Home Depot®, Horizon®, John Deer Landscapes®, Ace Hardware® or other local landscape supply warehouse stores. Please keep in mind that not all of the stores mentioned will carry all of the brands; some brands are exclusive to professional suppliers only. Do check with them; in some instances they might also sell to retail customers.
8.	Now you have the correct head that will replace the damaged one. If you have a “pop-up spray head” DO NOT INSTALL THE NOZZLE. Please note that it is OK for you to install the nozzle for a “gear driven rotor” or “impact head” sprinkler because the nozzle orifice is big enough for small debris to pass through with the water.
9.	Take the riser extractor and push it into the center of the riser and thread it to the left until it comes off.
10.	Replace it with the new one.
11.	Make sure that the threads on the riser are clean and free of mud and grit.
12.	If the water wasn’t coming from the sprinkler you can use the old one. If you have a “pop-up” sprinkler remove the nozzle then follow the following steps:
13.	Screw the new head onto the riser where you removed the damaged sprinkler. Make sure you keep it straight when doing it so you don’t cross thread it.
14.	Make sure that when you are done threading it on that it is hand tight (it doesn’t need to be tightened with any tools). Don’t fill in the hole quite yet because when you flush out the system it will fill up with debris again.
15.	Now you are ready to flush out the system. Go to the valve or to the irrigation timer and manually turn on the valve that controls the zone that the sprinkler is on-- you only need to run it until you see clear water coming out; this usually takes anywhere from 15-20 seconds.
16.	Insert the filter screen and thread the nozzle onto the sprinkler head.
17.	Now you can fill the hole with the dirt that you dug out, but when doing so make sure the sprinkler is straight-- otherwise it will not give you the proper coverage.
18.	Next, adjust the head to make sure water is going where it needs to go. Go to the valve or to the irrigation timer and manually turn on the valve that controls the zone that the sprinkler is on. Leave the water on and go to the sprinkler. Make sure the water is going where it should be going; make sure that you are getting as little as possible on the sidewalk or structures. If this happens, go ahead and grab the section that popped up and rotate it (if you hear a clicking sound that is normal. It is just the built-in ratchet-- that is what keeps the sprinkler from misadjusting) until the spray pattern is where you want it.
	NOW YOU ARE DONE!