Sprinkler heads are an essential part of any sprinkler system, and they play a vital role in keeping your lawn and garden looking its best. However, there may come a time when you need to close a sprinkler head, either for maintenance or repairs. If you’re not sure how to do this, don’t worry – it’s actually a pretty simple process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to close a sprinkler head, so you can get your system back up and running in no time.
The first step is to locate the sprinkler head that you need to close. Once you’ve found it, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system. This can usually be done by turning off the valve at the main water source. Once the water supply is turned off, you can proceed to the next step.
Identifying the Sprinkler Head Type
Sprinkler heads can vary significantly in design and operation. Understanding the different types is crucial for proper maintenance and troubleshooting. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in identifying the most common sprinkler head types:
1. Recessed Sprinkler Heads
Recessed sprinklers are installed flush with the ceiling or wall, making them virtually invisible when retracted. They are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings with suspended ceilings or drop ceilings. Recessed sprinklers come in various types, including:
a. Sidewall Sprinklers: Designed to be installed on the side of a wall and discharge water in a horizontal pattern. They are suitable for protecting areas where access is limited, such as under desks or in narrow corridors.
b. Upright Sprinklers: Installed upright on a ceiling or wall and discharge water in a downward pattern. They are commonly used in open areas with high ceilings.
c. Pendant Sprinklers: Suspended from the ceiling by a pipe, discharging water in all directions. They are ideal for protecting large, open spaces with high ceilings.
| Sprinkler Type | Installation | Discharge Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewall Sprinklers | Side of wall | Horizontal |
| Upright Sprinklers | Ceiling or wall (upright) | Downward |
| Pendant Sprinklers | Suspended from ceiling | All directions |
Gathering Necessary Tools
To properly close a sprinkler head, you’ll need to gather the following tools:
- Sprinkler head wrench: This specialized wrench is designed to fit the unique shape of sprinkler heads and allow you to loosen or tighten them.
- Adjustable wrench: An adjustable wrench can be used as a backup if you don’t have a dedicated sprinkler head wrench.
- Screwdriver: A small, flat-head screwdriver may be required to remove certain types of sprinkler heads.
- Plumber’s tape: This tape is wrapped around the threads of the sprinkler head to create a watertight seal.
- Rags or a towel: These can be used to wipe away any water or debris that may get on your hands or the sprinkler.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sprinkler head wrench | Loosen or tighten sprinkler heads |
| Adjustable wrench | Backup for sprinkler head wrench |
| Screwdriver | Remove certain types of sprinkler heads |
| Plumber’s tape | Create a watertight seal |
| Rags or towel | Wipe away water or debris |
Safely Turning Off Water Supply
Before beginning any work on your sprinkler system, it is critical to turn off the water supply to prevent flooding or damage to your property. Follow these steps to safely turn off the water supply:
-
Locate the Water Source
Determine the location of your main water shut-off valve. It is typically found near the front of your house or in the basement.
-
Choose the Right Tool
Most shut-off valves require a wrench or valve key to operate. Identify the type of valve you have and gather the appropriate tool.
-
Turn Off the Valve
To turn off the valve, follow these steps:
- Turn the valve clockwise slowly using the wrench or key. Avoid overtightening.
- Check for leaks. Slowly open a faucet or sprinkler head to release any remaining water pressure. If there are no leaks, the water supply is successfully turned off.
- Close the faucet or sprinkler head and leave the water supply turned off until the work on the sprinkler system is complete.
Removing the Spray Nozzle
The spray nozzle is the part of the sprinkler head that releases water. To remove the spray nozzle, you will need to use a pair of pliers.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Before you start working on the sprinkler head, it is important to shut off the water supply. This will help to prevent water from spraying out of the sprinkler head when you remove the spray nozzle.
Step 2: Loosen the Set Screw
Locate the set screw on the side of the sprinkler head. This screw holds the spray nozzle in place. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the set screw.
Step 3: Remove the Spray Nozzle
Once the set screw is loose, you can remove the spray nozzle by pulling it straight up. Be careful not to damage the nozzle or the sprinkler head.
Step 4: Inspect the Spray Nozzle
Once you have removed the spray nozzle, inspect it for any damage. If the nozzle is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Water is leaking from the sprinkler head | The spray nozzle is damaged |
| The sprinkler head is not spraying water | The spray nozzle is clogged |
| The sprinkler head is spraying water in an uneven pattern | The spray nozzle is misaligned |
Removing the Sprinkler Head
To close a sprinkler head, you need to first remove it. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
- Locate the sprinkler head that you want to close.
- Use a screwdriver or a sprinkler head removal tool to loosen the sprinkler head from the riser.
- Carefully pull the sprinkler head straight up and out of the riser.
- If the sprinkler head is difficult to remove, you may need to use a penetrating lubricant to help loosen it.
| Tip | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| If you are having trouble removing the sprinkler head, you can try using a rubber mallet to gently tap the sprinkler head loose. | Be careful not to hit the sprinkler head too hard, as you could damage it. |
| Once you have removed the sprinkler head, you can close it by turning the adjustment screw clockwise. | The adjustment screw is usually located on the top of the sprinkler head. |
| Turn the adjustment screw until the sprinkler head is completely closed. | You will know that the sprinkler head is closed when the water stops flowing out of it. |
Identifying and Accessing the Sprinkler Head
Locate the sprinkler head within the irrigation system. It is typically a round or square fixture that rises from the ground or is flush with the surface.
Dig around the sprinkler head using a small trowel or garden spade to expose it. Remove any dirt or debris that may be obstructing access.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Sprinkler Head
Use a wire brush or soft cloth to gently remove any dirt, debris, or mineral deposits from the sprinkler head. Avoid using sharp tools that could damage the delicate components.
Checking the Nozzle
Inspect the nozzle for clogs or damage. The nozzle is the part of the sprinkler head that releases water. If it is clogged or damaged, it can affect the flow and coverage of the water.
Use a small wire or pin to gently clear any clogs in the nozzle. If the nozzle is visibly damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Checking the Sprinkler Body
Examine the sprinkler body for any cracks or leaks. The sprinkler body is the main housing that contains the internal components.
Apply light pressure to the sprinkler body to check for any signs of weakness or leakages. If the body is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Checking the Riser
If the sprinkler head is mounted on a riser, inspect the riser for stability and alignment. The riser is the pipe that connects the sprinkler head to the underground plumbing.
Ensure that the riser is securely attached to the sprinkler head and the ground. Any loose connections or misalignments can affect the performance of the sprinkler.
| Cleaning and Inspection Checklist |
|---|
| Inspect the nozzle for clogs or damage |
| Examine the sprinkler body for cracks or leaks |
| Check the riser for stability and alignment |
| Clear any clogs or debris from the head |
| Replace any damaged or clogged components |
Replacing the Sprinkler Head
To replace a sprinkler head, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
- Locate the problem sprinkler head.
- Dig around the sprinkler head carefully to expose it.
- Unscrew the old sprinkler head using a wrench.
- Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads of the new sprinkler head.
- Screw the new sprinkler head into the riser pipe.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If you are still having problems with your sprinkler head, there may be an underlying issue with the system. Here are some advanced troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No water is coming out of the sprinkler head | Check the water pressure and make sure it is at least 30 psi. |
| The sprinkler head is leaking | Replace the sprinkler head or repair the leak by tightening the screws. |
| The sprinkler head is not spraying evenly | Adjust the sprinkler head to ensure that it is spraying in the correct direction and distance. |
Installing the Spray Nozzle
Once the sprinkler head is assembled and the riser is installed, it’s time to install the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is what determines the spray pattern and flow rate of the sprinkler head. Here are the steps to install the spray nozzle:
- Apply a small amount of pipe joint compound to the threads of the spray nozzle.
- Screw the spray nozzle onto the sprinkler head by hand, tightening it until it’s snug.
- Use a wrench to further tighten the spray nozzle, but be careful not to overtighten it.
- Test the sprinkler head by turning on the water supply and observing the spray pattern.
If the spray pattern is not what you want, you can adjust it by turning the spray nozzle slightly. You can also change the flow rate of the sprinkler head by installing a different size spray nozzle. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right spray nozzle:
- If the sprinkler head is frozen, you can thaw it out by pouring hot water over it. Do not use a blowtorch or open flame.
- If the sprinkler head is leaking, you can try to tighten the packing nut. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the packing washer.
- If you’re not comfortable working on sprinkler systems, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
- Locate the water supply valve for your sprinkler system. This is typically located near the main water shutoff valve for your home.
- Turn the valve clockwise to turn on the water supply.
- Open a faucet somewhere in your yard to check if the water is flowing.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw. Do not use your fingers, as this could damage the screw or the head.
- Tighten the screw until the head is snugly closed, but do not overtighten it.
- If the head is not closing properly, there may be a problem with the head or the adjustment screw. Contact a qualified sprinkler technician for assistance.
- Turn on the water supply: Ensure that the water valve supplying water to the sprinkler system is open.
- Check the pressure: Use a pressure gauge connected to the sprinkler system to measure the water pressure. It should be within the recommended range for your sprinkler system.
- Inspect the sprinkler head nozzle: Look for any clogs or debris obstructing the nozzle. If there are any, gently clean them away.
- Adjust the sprinkler pattern (optional): If the sprinkler is not watering the desired area, you may need to adjust the pattern. Use a screwdriver to loosen the adjusting screw on the sprinkler head and rotate the head to the desired angle.
- Check for leaks: Once the sprinkler head is adjusted, turn on the water supply. Carefully observe the sprinkler head for any water leaks. If there are any, tighten the fittings or replace the sprinkler head.
| Spray Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
| Full circle | For open areas like lawns and fields |
| Part circle | For areas near walls or fences |
| Square | For areas with a square or rectangular shape |
| Rotor | For large areas with irregular shapes |
Additional Tips for Closing a Sprinkler Head
Turning On Water Supply
Before you can close a sprinkler head, you need to turn on the water supply. This will ensure that there is water flowing through the system when you open the head.
9. Closing the Sprinkler Head
Once the water supply is on, you can close the sprinkler head. To do this, simply turn the adjustment screw clockwise until the head is tightly closed.
Here are some additional tips for closing a sprinkler head:
| Adjustment | Flow Rate |
|---|---|
| Fully open | 300 mL/min |
| Halfway open | 150 mL/min |
| Fully closed | 0 mL/min |
Testing the Sprinkler Head
To ensure that the sprinkler head is operating correctly, it’s crucial to test it periodically. Here’s a step-by-step guide to test the sprinkler head:
By following these steps, you can effectively test your sprinkler head and ensure its proper operation.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| No water flow | Clogged nozzle, broken pipe, or faulty solenoid |
| Leaking head | Damaged O-ring, loose fitting, or worn-out sprinkler head |
| Uneven spray pattern | Clogged or damaged nozzle, misaligned sprinkler head |
How to Close a Sprinkler Head
Sprinkler heads are an important part of any irrigation system, but they can sometimes need to be closed for maintenance or repair. Closing a sprinkler head is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes.
Step 1: Locate the sprinkler head that you need to close.
Step 2: Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler head. This can be done by turning off the valve that controls the water flow to the sprinkler head.
Step 3: Remove the sprinkler head from the ground. This can usually be done by simply pulling up on the sprinkler head.
Step 4: Close the sprinkler head. This can be done by turning the cap of the sprinkler head clockwise.
Step 5: Reinstall the sprinkler head in the ground.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply to the sprinkler head.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my sprinkler head is closed?
You can tell if your sprinkler head is closed by turning the cap of the sprinkler head clockwise. If the cap turns easily, then the sprinkler head is closed.
How often should I close my sprinkler heads?
You should close your sprinkler heads whenever you need to do maintenance or repair on the sprinkler system. You should also close your sprinkler heads during the winter months to prevent them from freezing.
Can I close my sprinkler heads manually?
Yes, you can close your sprinkler heads manually by turning the cap of the sprinkler head clockwise.
