Proper Installation of Lawn Sprinkler Heads

Locate the attachment point on the sprinkler system where you want to install the sprinkler head. If the lawn irrigation system is just being installed, these points include riser tees connected to the main line. If you want to install the sprinkler head on an existing system, place a flag in the ground at the location of the sprinkler head.

Dig a 6- to 8-inch-deep and equally wide trench over the flagged spot to connect the pipe to the sprinkler system. Skip this step if you are laying a new sprinkler system.

Attach the PVC riser to the underground sprinkler system supply line. If the line has a threaded outlet, attach the riser to it by twisting it clockwise. If the line has nonthreaded outlet points, apply PVC primer to a section of the PVC pipe and outlet. Once cured, apply PVC cement to an end of the pipe, the outlet and the inner edges of male coupling. Twist the coupling to the pipe to attach the two. Attach the pipe to the outlet to join the assembly and leave the cement to cure.

Wind a length of Teflon tape around each end of the riser to seal it against leaks when the assembly is installed.

Attach the desired sprinkler head to the riser pipe. Grasp the riser pipe with one hand and the sprinkler head's housing with the other. Turn the sprinkler head clockwise to join it to the riser pipe, ensuring that it faces the area you want it to water. Do not tighten too hard, as you might crack the sprinkler head. The top of the sprinkler head should lie flush or just below the soil surface.

Turn the water supply to the sprinkler head to check whether it is irrigating the desired area. If you need to adjust the throw pattern or radius, locate the adjustment screw above the sprayer's opening and turn it counterclockwise to increase the radius, or clockwise to decrease it.

Back-fill the area around the sprinkler head and tamp it with the back of a shovel. Do not cover the top of the pop-up sprinkler head; it should be visible through the surface when it emits water.