How to Fix a Pop-Up Sprinkler with Sprinkler Master Repair (Salt Lake City, UT)
About the Pop-Up Sprinkler Head:
A pop-up sprinkler head is a sprinkler head that pops up out of the ground. It connects to the pipe by a nipple, or a 90 degree funny pipe that connects under the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head uses the water pressure to push up the center shaft, which then connects to the nozzle that sprays water. A Pop-up sprinkler head also has a rubber seal and a spring that helps slide the center shaft up and down. The nozzle’s arc is the angle it waters, measured in degrees; its radius is the spray distance. Available arcs and distances depend on the model. Nozzles can either constantly spray a fan of water, or spray in small streams that slowly rotate. A pop-up sprinkler head is usually attached to a lateral line and can connect on the side if it’s a longer head.
Watch this video to learn more about the Pop-Up Sprinkler components, and this video for an overview of the Pop-Up Sprinkler.
Parts that make up the Pop-Up Sprinkler:
The list below mixes manufacturers, nozzle families, and components; these are not interchangeable parts or a compatibility list. Check your model’s documentation.
- Rainbird
- Hunter
- Orbit
- Toro
- Nozzles
- Rubber seals
- Springs
- Top screw covers
- Extensions
- 90 degree funny pipe
- Dual orifice/Dual Spray
- MP Rotator
- MP 1000-3000
- Adjustable nozzle
- Rotary R-Vans
- He-Van(finger Streams)
- Van-Adjustable
- Side strip nozzles
- Center strip nozzle
- End strip
- Quarter, Half, Full, High Efficiency
- Arc
- Bubbler
- Nozzle throw distances vary; filters are selected for the nozzle model, not by a universal distance list.
Pro and Cons of the Pop-Up Sprinkler:
Installation height and connection options depend on the product and layout. Check compatibility before moving a head. A filter does not make a nozzle a shutoff valve; use model-specific adjustment instructions.
Common Problems:
Pop-up sprinklers get broken easily from being stepped on, ran over, or worn down due to weathering. They can also clog anywhere from the line that feeds them up to the nozzle they spray out of. Persistent flow after a zone is off can indicate a valve problem; brief drainage from a low head can have a different cause. Confirm the cause before replacing parts. The nipple or 90 degree funny pipe that connects the sprinkler head to the pipe can easily break or crack. Pressure can also be low from too many heads on one line, or valve.
How to Diagnosis Problems:
A call and visit from Sprinkler Master Repair (Salt Lake City, UT) would mitigate the problems you have with your pop-up sprinkler. Call us today at (385) 226-5764 to see if we can help you with any of the following problems, or if you need more help to find solutions:
- An abnormal spray can result from a nozzle problem, pressure, debris, or physical damage. Compare other heads before diagnosing it.
- The sprinkler head stays up after watering; possible causes include debris, seal wear or a damaged spring.
- Water at the base may come from the connection, body, or seal. Weak flow may involve pressure, a leak, or a restriction; it does not prove there is a clog.
- Set installation height for the product, finished grade, and planting height. Check whether soil or plants block the spray before moving the head.
- If the whole zone has weak pressure, check supply conditions, leaks, restrictions, and required flow. Nozzle or zone changes should follow diagnosis and manufacturer design guidance.
How to Install or Repair:
Before opening fittings, isolate the water supply and relieve pressure. Before digging, arrange utility locating and account for private lines. The checks below are general possibilities, not a substitute for your model’s repair instructions.
- Your nozzle and filter underneath may need to be replaced if a nozzle is broken or clogged. Simply unscrew the nozzle/filter, and screw a new one in.
- If the sprinkler head is staying up after watering, the top of the head, or the entire head may need to be replaced, depending on damage and parts availability; component and complete-head prices vary. If water is coming up from under the head, dig a circle of dirt out from around the head, use a nipple extractor to unscrew the broken nipple if possible. However, when that may not a possibility, cut the fitting out of the pipe and put a new one in. Blow out any debris by turning the valve on and then screw a new nipple and head on.
- A nozzle may contain debris, but weak flow can have other causes. Follow the model’s cleaning and flushing instructions. Do not infer a buried pipe blockage merely because no debris appears at the nozzle.
- A sprinkler head may be too low. Simply unscrew the head and either unscrew the nipple its attached to. If the head is connected to a funny pipe, add a nipple extender or lift the pipe. Your sprinkler head may be too high and you’ll need to unscrew the head and either unscrew the nipple its attached to, reattach a lower one, or connect the head to a funny pipe and move it so it can go lower than the feed pipe (if not already attach to funny pipe).
- If the whole zone has weak pressure, check supply conditions, leaks, restrictions, and required flow. Nozzle or zone changes should follow diagnosis and manufacturer design guidance.
Additional Tips and Tricks:
Shut off the zone and relieve pressure before removing a nozzle or filter. Clean and flush only as directed for that model; do not force a screwdriver through the nozzle or use an adjustment screw as a universal shutoff.
With any other issues, know that you can call Sprinkler Master Repair (Salt Lake City, UT) to discuss your sprinkler repair needs. One call at (385) 226-5764 is all you’ll need to understand the Sprinkler Master difference. We offer exceptional service, all while using quality parts at an affordable price. Don’t delay, call us today!
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Sources and further reading
- EPA WaterSense: sprinkler inspection and repair checklist
- USU Extension: irrigation system maintenance
For related service information, visit the main Sprinkler Master website and Sprinkler Master Boise’s repair services. These regional pages describe service in their own areas; Salt Lake City appointments are handled by our local team.
