How to Repair a Yard Sprinkler
- 1). Inspect the sprinkler for damage. Lawn equipment and human foot traffic can damage a sprinkler. Look for any visible signs of sprinkler injury. A damaged sprinkler may not be able to be repaired and can require replacement (see Step 5).
- 2). Check the filter and sprayer. Most sprinklers have an internal filter that prevents dirt and debris from clogging the sprayer. Twist the cap of the sprinkler off the body. Push the riser up and twist off the sprinkler head. Be careful not to lose any parts. With the head off, push the filter out of the riser with a screwdriver. Inspect the filter for debris. Flush the filter with water. While the spray head is off, inspect it as well. Flush any debris out with water. Reassemble the parts and reattach the sprinkler head to the sprinkler body.
- 3). Adjust the spray radius or pattern by turning the radius or distance adjustment screw located on top of the yard sprinkler and above the sprayer opening with an appropriately-sized and shaped screwdriver. Turning the screw clockwise will dial down the radius or distance, and turning it counterclockwise will increase it.
- 4). Adjust the sprinkler arc. This applies to yard sprinklers that are gear-driven or rotary. The arc is the number of degrees, or the rotation, a sprinkler turns. On most sprinklers, it can be adjusted by turning an arc adjustment screw on top of the sprinkler. A small plus or minus symbol or labeled degrees (90, 180, 270 and 360) can indicate which way to turn the screw for an increase or decrease in the sprinkler's arc. Turning the screw clockwise will typically increase the arc, and turning it counterclockwise will decrease it.
- 5). Replace the sprinkler. If the sprinkler is damaged and cannot be repaired, it will need to be replaced. Remove the damaged sprinkler by grabbing the body and twisting it loose from the underground inlet or pipe. Install the new sprinkler by twisting it onto the pipe. Turn the sprinkler on to test its operation.
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