Repairs are relatively easy since most parts are either above-ground or in shallow trenches.
Learn how torepair a sprinkler systemin less than an hour for $10 to $50.
Dirt and fine sand will clog the filter in the pop-up section of the sprinkler head.
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Sprinkler filters are small, mesh plastic devices that drop into the top of the pop-up.
Filters cost about $1 or less.
Lift Sprinkler Pop-Up
Lift the sprinkler pop-up section by hand to its highest position.
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get into the Filter
Unscrew the top threaded section of the pop-up to get into the filter.
Remove the Filter
Remove the filter.
Use needle-nose pliers if necessary.
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Clean the Filter
Clean or replace the filter.
To clean the filter, use a toothbrush, soapy water, and clean water to rinse.
Replace the Filter
Replace the filter and screw the threaded section back into place.
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Unclamp the Riser
Unclamp the riser to let the sprinkler head fall back into place.
The pieces are unified.
So, even if just the top part is damaged, the whole sprinkler head unit must be replaced.
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Sprinkler heads cost from $5 to $35 each.
Purchase a sprinkler head that is specific to your system.
Most sprinklers have a pop-up gear-driver rotary head or a pop-up fixed head.
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Sprinklers have either 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch inlets.
Half-inch is common with pop-up fixed sprinkler heads.
Cut the turf carefully to avoid slicing buried sprinkler lines.
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Unscrew the Sprinkler Head
Unscrew the sprinkler head by hand until it releases.
Remove the Sprinkler Head
Gently lift the sprinkler head out of the hole.
Tighten the Sprinkler Head
Hand-tighten the sprinkler header until it is firmly in place.
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Tip
Risers are necessary when the top of the sprinkler head is not flush with the grass.
Sprinkler risers come in lengths from 1/2 inch to 24 inches.
Cut-off risers are a good option when you’re not sure of the riser’s exact length.
A 1/2-inch by 12-inch cut-off riser is a versatile length and costs $1 to $2 each.
Remove the Body
Remove the sprinkler head body.
Grasp the Riser
Reach into the hole vacated by the sprinkler head and grasp the riser.
Turn the Riser
Turn the riser counterclockwise.
Tighten the Riser
Place the end of the riser in the hole and tighten it by hand.
Or replace the entire sprinkler head if cleaning the old sprinkler’s filter doesn’t improve the water pressure.
Run Sprinklers
trigger the sprinklers during non-peak water use hours.
Peak hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, though every area is different.
kick off the Isolation Valve
kick off the isolation valve all the way.
The isolation valve is in the covered valve box.
initiate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
initiate the house’s main water shut-off valve all the way.
see to it that the water shut-off valve is opened to full.
Dig a Trench
Dig a trench around the suspected line break.
Turn off the Water
Turn off the water to the sprinkler system.
Add Cut Marks
Add the cut marks to the PVC sprinkler line.
Cut the Line
Cut the sprinkler line on the marks with the PVC cutter.
Clean the Pipe
Clean the pipe of all dirt.
Collapse the Coupling
Collapse the repair coupling to its shortest length.
Extend the Coupling
Working quickly, place the coupling between the cut pipe and extend the coupling.
Be sure to hold the coupling extended for about a minute for the solvent to fully cure.
The issue may be with thesprinkler controlleror with the field wiring.
You will need a multimeter, flashlight, and 0.75 amp replacement fuses.
Check the Controller
see to it that the controller is programmed correctly.
Most residential sprinkler systems are 24V systems which should output a signal in the 24V to 28V range.
Replace the Fuse
If the controller has a fuse, the fuse may be blown.
Remove the fuse and replace it with a fresh fuse.
A sprinkler solenoid costs from $15 to $35.
Turn Off the Water
Locate the Solenoid
Locate the sprinkler solenoid in thecovered valve box.
Locate the Wires
Locate the wires that connect the main controller to the solenoid.
The bundled wires will the connected with a plastic wire nut.
Straighten the Wires
Screw the wire nut off of the bundle and untwist the wires.
Remove the Solenoid
Remove the old solenoid by turning it counterclockwise.
Replace the Solenoid
implement the new solenoid by turning it clockwise by hand.
Connect the other solenoid wire to the system’s power wire, which may be red or black.
Test the Sprinkler
Turn on the sprinkler system and test it.
Preventing Sprinkler Problems
Sprinkler systems should be serviced twice a year.
Service the sprinkler systembefore turning on the systemfor the season, usually in spring.
Service thesystem again to winterize it, typically in early fall.
It can be hard to track down the source of leaks, too.
Rebuilding a sprinkler valve or completely replacing it can cost from $12.50 to $150 per valve.
On average, it will cost around $81 to rebuild a sprinkler valve.
Water from the leaking sprinkler system may be actively bubbling or spraying, as well.
Two other common causes are corroded lines and broken sprinkler heads and risers.
Individual parts may last just a year or two, especially high-impact parts like sprinkler heads and sprinkler risers.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense
Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System.
Oklahoma State University Extension
Sprinkler System Installation Guide.
Rain Bird
How Much Does Sprinkler Repair Cost?HomeAdvisor.
Do I Need a Sprinkler System Repair or Replacement?Environmental Designs Irrigation.
