The Ultimate Guide To Screwing In Sprinkler Heads

Sprinklers are a great way to water your lawn without the hassle of hoses and oscillators. However, sometimes they need a little maintenance to keep them in good working order. One common issue is a sprinkler head that won't screw back on. This could be due to a number of factors, such as dirt on the threads, tension in the pipe, or a larger base on the new sprinkler head. There are several ways to troubleshoot this problem, including cleaning the threads, digging around the nipple for more clearance, or using a different type of sprinkler head. With the right tools and some persistence, you can save yourself a call to a professional and get your sprinkler system working again.

Characteristics of Screwing in a Sprinkler Head

Identify the sprinkler type

Before you screw in a sprinkler head, it is important to identify the type of sprinkler you have. There are several types of sprinkler heads, each with unique features and functions. Here is a guide to help you identify your sprinkler type:

Pendent Sprinkler Heads

Pendent sprinkler heads hang down from the ceiling and are ideal for offices, hotels, and factories. They spray water in a downward, circular pattern to maximize coverage. This type of sprinkler head is designed to be visible and is often used in spaces where aesthetics are not a primary concern.

Concealed Pendant Heads

Concealed pendant sprinkler heads are similar in function to pendent sprinkler heads, but they are hidden within the ceiling and covered by a cover plate. These sprinklers become activated when the surrounding temperature reaches 20˚F lower than the fire sprinkler temperature, causing the cover plate to fall off. They are commonly used in places where aesthetics are important, such as decorative ceilings or spaces with exposed beams.

Upright Sprinkler Heads

Upright sprinkler heads spray water upward in a hemispherical pattern. They are useful in buildings with exposed ceilings, such as mechanical rooms, or hard-to-reach places like beams and ducts.

Side Wall Sprinkler Heads

Side wall sprinkler heads are mounted on the side of a wall and only have half of a deflector, resulting in a half-circle or crescent-shaped spray pattern. They are perfect for small rooms, hallways, and areas where sprinkler pipes run up walls.

Impact or Multi-Trajectory Sprinklers

Impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers rotate back and forth and pop up when activated but do not turn while spraying. They are designed to spray water in multiple directions, making them ideal for covering large areas.

Fixed Spray Heads

Fixed spray heads have a set spray pattern that does not move or rotate. The spray pattern can range from 90 to 360 degrees, depending on the nozzle installed. These sprinklers are reliable due to their minimal moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance and a longer lifespan.

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

Pop-up sprinkler heads, also known as spring retraction sprinklers, automatically retract underground when the watering cycle is completed. They provide even water distribution and a low spray angle, making them suitable for lawns of all sizes and gardens.

Rotary Sprinkler Heads

Rotary sprinkler heads deliver a single rotating stream of water or multiple streams over lawn and turf surfaces. They operate at a higher pressure rate, covering a larger radius, and deliver water more slowly than spray designs.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems are ideal for hard-to-reach areas that require slow and steady water delivery without damaging plants and flowers. They are often used for hanging shrubs or delicate gardens.

Flood or Bubbler Sprinkler Heads

Flood or bubbler sprinkler heads are designed to flood the surface area rather than spray it. They are perfect for tree wells, planters, and shrubs, as they soak the soil to reach the root zone. The water flow can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of your plants.

Multiple Stream Sprinkler Heads

Multiple stream sprinkler heads produce thin streams of water, making them more water-efficient than fixed-spray sprinkler heads. They are suitable for medium-sized lawns, ground cover, slopes, and uneven ground.

Shrub Sprinkler Heads

Shrub sprinkler heads are mounted above foliage on a riser or vertical pipe rather than being buried under the lawn. They are used to irrigate ground cover, planters, and dense gardens. However, the vertical pipe can pose a hazard, so they must be installed away from walkways and areas where people frequent.

Assess your lawn's watering needs

To ensure your grass gets the right amount of water to thrive, it's important to assess your lawn's watering needs.

Firstly, it's crucial to remember that lawn care is a year-round process. Your grass needs at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week, even in winter. In summer, when temperatures are higher, your lawn will need more water due to increased evaporation. Keep in mind that rainfall counts towards your lawn's water intake, so combine natural precipitation with sprinkler usage to avoid overwatering.

The type of soil you have will also affect how much and how often you should water. You can buy a soil test kit or consult a lawn care professional to determine your soil type. Sandy soil, for example, does best with watering every third day, whereas clay soil can get by with once-weekly watering.

When assessing your lawn's watering needs, pay attention to the colour and resilience of the grass. Grass that has turned blue or grey or has lost its springiness is likely in need of more water. You can also try the screwdriver test: stick a screwdriver 3-4 inches into the ground and wiggle it around. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water your lawn.

Additionally, check your lawn for any brown or withered patches, which will need a larger stream of water. Also, look out for soaked or swampy areas that may require less water.

By regularly assessing your lawn's watering needs and adjusting your sprinkler heads accordingly, you can ensure your grass receives the optimal amount of water to stay healthy and vibrant.

Get the right tools

To screw in a sprinkler head, you'll need to first identify the types of sprinklers in your yard. There are three main types of sprinkler heads: impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers, pop-up sprinklers, and gear-driven rotors. Once you know the type of sprinkler you're dealing with, you can gather the necessary tools for the job.

In most cases, you will only need a screwdriver, regardless of the type of sprinkler head. A narrow flathead screwdriver will be the most useful. If you have rotor-type sprinklers, you will also need a rotor nozzle adjustment tool. Manufacturers usually sell adjustment tools that are specifically designed for their own sprinkler heads, so it's worth checking if the manufacturer of your sprinkler system sells these. For example, if you have a Hunter-manufactured sprinkler system, you can purchase a Hunter adjustment tool.

Other tools that may be useful include pliers or vise grips, and a nozzle insertion collar (sometimes called a sprinkler head lock tool). These tools are not necessary but may make the job easier.

Start screwing in the sprinkler head

For rotor sprinkler heads, you will need to first turn the head counterclockwise to the left stop position to complete any cycle it may be running. Check where the arrow is pointing as this is the left stop. To adjust the left stop, turn the sprinkler with a wrench to point the arrow in the right direction. If this is not possible, unscrew the rotor from the sprinkler, pull it out, and reposition the left stop. Then, put it back into the sprinkler.

Apply gentle pressure to the top of the rotor and turn it clockwise to the right side until you reach the right stop position, and it cannot turn further. Do not force it to turn. The direction that the arrow is pointing will indicate the right stop position. Hold the rotor in this right position and insert the rotor adjustment tool into the keyhole.

Now you can start screwing in the sprinkler head. Place the key end (plastic side of the tool) into the keyhole on the rotor and turn the key to the left to increase the arc, or to the right to decrease it. When you are satisfied with the arc, remove the adjustment key from the opening.

Allow the sprinkler head to rotate and observe the water flow to see if you have achieved the correct arc adjustment and spray distance. Repeat this process until you have fine-tuned the water arc and spray radius to match your lawn's needs.

For pop-up sprinkler heads, use a flat-head screwdriver to rotate the radius adjustment screw on top of the rotor. Turn the small screw clockwise to increase the radius of the pattern or how far out from the head the water sprays. Turn the screw counterclockwise to decrease the radius and shorten the water spray distance.

If you are working with impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers, you can adjust the spray and arc by simply rotating the sprinkler head. Turn the head clockwise to increase the arc or counterclockwise to reduce it. Use an adjustment ring to get a better grip on the nozzle.

Fine-tune the water arc and spray radius

Fine-tuning the water arc and spray radius of your sprinkler head is a straightforward process that will ensure your lawn gets the right amount of water. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Rotor Sprinkler Heads:

• Turn on your irrigation system and stand behind the rotor you want to adjust.
• Turn the rotor spray head all the way to the left to complete any cycle it might be running.
• Find the "right stopping point" by applying pressure to the top of the head and turning it all the way to the right until it stops spraying.
• Look for the "plus" and "minus" signs on the top of the rotor, next to which you'll find a tiny keyhole.
• Insert the rotor adjustment tool into the keyhole.
• Hold the head at the "right stop" and turn the key to the left to increase the arc, or to the right to decrease it.
• Remove the adjustment key and observe the spray pattern.
• Repeat the above steps until you've fine-tuned the water arc to your desired setting.
• To adjust the spray radius, use a flat-head screwdriver to rotate the radius adjustment screw on top of the rotor.
• Turn the screw clockwise to increase the radius or counterclockwise to decrease it.

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads:

• Check the type of spray nozzle on the head. If it's a fixed spray nozzle, you won't be able to make adjustments.
• If you have a variable arc spray nozzle, use a flat-headed screwdriver to turn the small screw at the top of the nozzle.
• Turn the screw clockwise to reduce the radius or counterclockwise to increase it, thus adjusting the arc pattern.
• Set the arc position by adjusting the stem to cover the desired spray distance.

Impact Sprinkler Heads:

• To change the spray pattern and direction, move the metal stops or tabs on the sprinkler head to the left or right as needed.
• You can use pliers or vise grips to grab the tabs and pinch them together if necessary.
• Turn the nozzle to raise or lower the spray deflector, adjusting the spray distance.
• Lowering the deflector will allow you to water closer to the sprinkler head, while raising it will create a higher arc that sends water further away.

General Tips:

• Keep the water running while making adjustments to see the impact in real-time.
• Ensure that each irrigation head sprays over to the next in every direction for full coverage.
• If you have a fixed spray nozzle that isn't spraying correctly, you may need to replace the sprinkler head.
• Manufacturers usually sell adjustment tools designed specifically for their sprinkler heads, which can make the process easier.

Frequently asked questions