How to Replace a Buried Sprinkler

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system or specifically to the section of system where the sprinkler that must be replaced is located.

Excavate the area around the sprinkler that must be replaced. Dig down deeply enough that the riser or section of pipe that the sprinkler connects to is exposed and can be reached around. Be careful when digging to avoid accidentally damaging the pipe.

Reach under the sprinkler head and hold the riser steady while unscrewing the sprinkler from the riser with the other hand to remove the sprinkler head. When the sprinkler head is glued to piping rather than screwed in, cut the pipe below the connection using PVC pipe cutters.

Sever the riser or connector with PVC pipe cutters. Clean the area thoroughly, then paint PVC primer on the end of the pipe and the fitting or coupling used to attach the pipe sections. Apply PVC glue to the pieces and slide the pipe into the fitting, rotate it about a quarter, hold it in place for about 15 seconds so the glue can set and wipe off excess glue. Attach any additional lengths of pipe necessary to reach the point at which the cleaned or replacement sprinkler can be installed.

Screw the sprinkler head onto the riser. Hand-tighten it while holding the pipe or riser under the sprinkler steady. Do not use PVC cement, putty or tape when joining threaded plastic fittings.

Fill in the space excavated around the irrigation line and riser. If PVC glue was used to attach any new or replacement sections, do not run water through the system until the glue has adequately dried -- for about an hour or according to the glue manufacturer's instructions.