Pop Up Garden Sprinklers

Installing Pop-Up Nozzles

• Almost all pop-up sprinkler heads are interchangeable, meaning you can easily replace a broken nozzle or swap one out for a different model. Sprinklers manufactured by Rain Bird, Hunter, Orbit and many others are compatible. Toro, however, requires the use of a proprietary sprinkler body for the company's MRP nozzles. To change a pop-up nozzle, pull the nozzle straight up and twist the nozzle counterclockwise. Insert the new nozzle and tighten it by turning the nozzle clockwise.

Circular Patterns

• Most pop-up sprinkler heads use a circular pattern. This means that the water will exit the nozzle in a circular direction, anywhere from 20 to 360 degrees. Some nozzles are set in a pattern, such as 90 or 180 degrees. The 90-degree nozzles are effective for use in corners, while the 180-degree models are better for sprinklers along sidewalks or driveways. Some sprinkler nozzles are customizable, and can be set anywhere from 0 to 360 degrees to meet your specific requirements.

Rectangle Patterns

• One of the newest types of pop-up sprinkler nozzles applies water in a rectangle pattern. These are perfect to use along narrow strips of grass, such as between a sidewalk and a street. Rectangle heads, such as those manufactured by Hunter, allow water to be directed only where it needs to go. These nozzles minimize waste by reducing overspray onto the street or other unwanted areas.

Pop-Up Materials

• Pop-up sprinklers are made out of metal or plastic, but the most common type of pop-up sprinkler is plastic. These models are durable and rust resistant. But plastic sprinklers can be crushed by a lawnmower or car tire if you're not careful. Metal pop-up sprinklers are much more durable, and can survive a brush with a car or lawnmower. Metal sprinklers are generally more expensive, but they will also last longer than most plastic models.