How to Dig Up a Nelson Sprinkler Head

Turn off your main water supply before you dig. Cutting off the water prevents you from having any excessive leaks while fixing your Nelson sprinkler system. You may need a wrench to cut off your water supply.

Dig a hole with a 6-inch radius around the sprinkler head. Work slowly and carefully to avoid hitting underground pipes. This gives you approximately a 1-foot hole to work with. If you are familiar with the location of the pipes in your sprinkler system, you may be able to work with a smaller hole.

Remove any clamps that hold the Nelson sprinkler head in place. These may be located at the base of the sprinkler.

Twist the sprinkler head counterclockwise slowly. It should come loose easily from the underground water pipe. If not, use a wrench to help you loosen the sprinkler head. Continue to turn it until the sprinkler head pops out.

Clear any debris or rocks from the underground pipe. Replace the old Nelson sprinkler head with a new one.

Replace clamps or other mechanisms that hold the sprinkler head in place. Not all types of Nelson sprinkler heads are equipped with these devices.

Turn the water supply back on and run sprinkler system. Test the new Nelson sprinkler head to ensure it runs properly and allows water to flow freely.

Fill in dirt around new sprinkler head, and replace the surrounding grass so that it lies flat. Avoid mowing around this area for a week or so, until the grass grows in fully.