How to Cap a Broken Sprinkler

Sprinkler systems are a network of underground water supply pipes and sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads sometimes become damaged when run over by garden tractors, lawnmowers and other heavy objects. Once the broken sprinkler has been located, it needs to be removed and its water supply pipe capped. This enables the remaining sprinklers to operate normally until a new sprinkler head can be installed. You can perform the necessary work with a few tools, materials and basic plumbing knowledge.

Hand shovel
Lock-jaw pliers
Pipe cap
Pipe joint compound

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water supply valve to the broken sprinkler. Tag or otherwise mark the valve to alert others of the work being done.
- 2
  Dig an area around the broken sprinkler with a small hand shovel. You may have to dig 6 to 8 inches to get down to where the sprinkler is connected to the water supply pipe.
- 3
  Disconnect the sprinkler from the water supply pipe by gripping the body of the sprinkler and turning it counterclockwise. Lock-jaw pliers will help if the sprinkler body is tight.
- 4
  Install a pipe cap to the male end of the supply pipe. Apply pipe joint compound on the inner threads of the cap. Tighten clockwise with the lock-jaw pliers.
- 5
  Restore the water supply to the system and check the cap for leaks.

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