Do-It-Yourself Lawn Sprinkler Repairs

Replacing a Broken Sprinkler

• 1

  Dig up at least 7 inches of dirt around the base of the damaged sprinkler. Make enough room to place your hand around the sprinkler.

• 2

  Twist the entire sprinkler body counterclockwise to release it. The sprinkler will pull free from the riser below after several turns.

• 3

  Wrap a single layer of Teflon tape around the exposed end of the sprinkler riser that's sticking out of the ground beneath the old sprinkler. The tape will lubricate the connection.

• 4

  Place a new sprinkler body onto the riser and turn it clockwise until tight. Replace the dirt and turn on the sprinklers to test the new sprinkler head.

Replacing Sprinkler Nozzles

• 5

  Insert a pair of pliers into the lip on the top of the sprinkler and pull it up. Some sprinklers may not have a lip but can be grabbed by hand.

• 6

  Hold the sprinkler supply tube in one hand and twist the nozzle counterclockwise with the other hand. The nozzle should come off easily.

• 7

  Place a new sprinkler nozzle as the same brand noted on the old nozzle onto the top of the supply tube and turn it clockwise until tight. Turn on the sprinklers to test the new nozzle.

Pipe Repair

• 8

  Turn on the sprinklers for 15 minutes and look for any pooling water above the surface. This is an indication of where a pipe has likely burst or cracked underground.

• 9

  Dig up the area around the pooled water until you spot the underground supply line. Clear out dirt and debris along the path of the line in both directions until you can see a crack or other damage to the pipe.

• 10

  Wipe away any water or dirt in the area of the crack.

• 11

  Place a pipe repair clamp around the area of the crack, making sure to press the rubber gasket against the crack or open area.

• 12

  Turn the screws on either side of the bracket until snug with a Phillips head screwdriver. Turn on the sprinklers to check the repair before replacing the dirt.