Sprinkler Heads Are Not Popping up

Damaged Supply Tube

• The supply tube is the extension that the sprinkler head is screwed into. This tube sits on a spring that is forced up when the water is turned on. Sometimes, a supply tube can become bent or broken if it is kicked, stepped on or hit by the lawnmower, which will cause the tube to jam inside the sprinkler body. You can check the function of your supply tube by pulling it straight out of the body with your hand.

Low Water Pressure

• When there is new construction nearby, your home water pressure can drop, which can cause some or all of your pop-up sprinklers to stay in the ground even when turned on. If you suspect low water pressure, contact your water provider and ask if it is a temporary problem. Sometimes construction can use a lot of water for short amounts of time, so run your system every few hours to see if there is a better time for higher water pressure. When you do water the lawn, turn off all appliances in the house that use water, including the shower.

Friction Damage

• Sometimes a small amount of dirt or sand can become lodged between the sprinkler supply tube and the body of the sprinkler. As the sprinkler goes up and down, this debris can rub into the side of the plastic supply tube over time, which can create gouges in the plastic that lead to friction between the two pieces. You can sand down the supply tube with a fine-grit sandpaper to try and repair the damage, but you will have to replace your sprinkler if the damage becomes too great.

Bad Riser Connection

• Sprinklers are connected to the supply line underground by a plastic riser. This connection is important for maintaining proper water pressure and a watertight seal. If a connection is loose, it can leak water or cause the pop-up heads not to lift up. You can unscrew the sprinkler body from the riser to inspect the pipe threads for signs of damage or corrosion.