How to Get Dirt Out of Sprinkler Pipes

When dirt gets into the sprinkler supply line, it can cause blockages to sprinkler heads or damage to the pipes. It's important to flush out your sprinkler line at the beginning of each watering season to clear dirt and other debris from the lines. Flushing the system clears rocks, chunks of dirt and even insects that have found their way into the line. Clearing your sprinkler lines ensures that your sprinklers perform their best and keep your lawn looking green.

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the irrigation box outside the house. The box usually has a green or purple lid and contains the valves that control the flow of water to the sprinkler zones. Lift the lid to expose the valves.
- 2
  Turn the solenoid on top of the first valve counterclockwise. This manually turns on the flow of water to the first zone on the system.
- 3
  Allow the water to run for at least 30 seconds and then have a helper turn the solenoid clockwise to shut off the water. Watch the sprinkler to see which one is the last to retract into the ground. The last sprinkler to spray is the last on the line.
- 4
  Unscrew the sprinkler that you've identified as being last on the line until it pulls free from the sprinkler riser underground. This leaves an exposed opening at the end of the line for water to flush from.
- 5
  Turn the solenoid on the same sprinkler valve counterclockwise to begin flushing the line. Allow the water to gush out of the exposed sprinkler connection for at least one minute before tightening the solenoid again. This allows any large debris or dirt to flush out of the line.
- 6
  Replace the sprinkler head back on the exposed riser and tighten it clockwise by hand until flush with the surrounding surface. Repeat these steps with each valve in the control box until all of the lines have been flushed out.

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