For years, I have enjoyed the benefits of a yard bird sprinkler. I’ve never had to worry about water wasting away or paying for too much watering.
However, as much as I love using my yard bird sprinkler, it is important that we maintain it so that it continues to work properly and efficiently.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Plan out your day and set clear goals |
| Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency |
| Minimize distractions and avoid multitasking |
| Take breaks and use them to recharge |
| Evaluate your progress regularly and make adjustments as needed |
Check the Head for Debris
If you have debris in your yard bird sprinkler head, you can remove it by using a toothpick. The hole that the watering tube passes through is small and a toothpick will fit right in there.
Simply slide the toothpick inside of the hole and gently remove any debris that may be stuck inside of it. You may also use tweezers or even a paper clip if you don’t feel like going to town with a toothpick.
There are two ways to tell if there is damage to your yard bird sprinkler head:
Check for leaks around where its located on your lawn (this will be more visible from above). If there’s no visible damage but water continues coming out of these areas, then this might indicate that your yard bird has cracked somehow (which isn’t covered under warranty).
In this case we recommend replacing the sprinkler head entirely with another one just like it!
Run water through it as usual…if air bubbles come out instead of water flowing properly then also consider replacing before using again; otherwise continue below steps needed for repair
If you notice that your sprinkler heads are not working correctly or spraying water where it isn’t needed, take a look at our guide on how to adjust yard sprinkler heads. Properly adjusted sprinkler heads can help you save water, time and money by ensuring that your lawn and plants receive the right amount of water.
Check the Filter Screen
It’s easy to forget about the filter screen, but it should be cleaned regularly. The filter screen is a small circular piece of plastic that sits in the middle of the head and filters out debris from entering into the sprinkler’s water flow.
The filter screen can be removed by simply unscrewing it from your yard bird head using an adjustable wrench or a screwdriver (depending on what type of screw is holding it in).
You can also take this opportunity to replace any broken parts or missing screws by inspecting your head when you’re cleaning it out!
These parts are easy enough to find at hardware stores or online: Just look up ‘yard bird sprinkler heads’ and then add “-replacement-parts” at the end so you’ll only get results for replacement parts instead of whole heads themselves.”
Remove the Filter Screen
Next, remove the filter screen.
Check for debris and look for any broken parts.
You may find a bent screen or a broken filter screen retainer (the piece that holds onto the end of the sprinkler head). If you do not have these on hand, they can be ordered from your local hardware store or online at sites like Amazon.
If you have problems with water puddling in your yard after a rainstorm, check out our guide on how to achieve better yard drainage. A proper yard drainage system can help prevent water damage to your property, keep your yard healthy, and prevent insect infestations.
Find a New Spray Nozzle
Before you can adjust your spray nozzles, you need to know what type of sprinkler head you have. Spray nozzles come in different sizes and shapes, as well as different spray patterns (straight or rotating) and spray pressures (low or high).
To figure out which type you have, look for the manufacturer’s name stamped on the body of your sprinkler head.
If there is nothing written down there, then it’s probably a standard lawn sprinkler head with a straight stream pattern.
Replace the Spray Nozzle
Remove the old spray nozzle. You can pull it out by hand, or you may need to use a screwdriver to pry it off.
Screw on your new spray nozzle. It should screw onto the existing threads of your sprinkler head, so once you get it started just turn it clockwise until it’s tight and make sure there’s no play in its movement.
Test out your new nozzle! Sometimes when these things are swapped out they don’t work right away. If that happens, simply turn off the water and give things another go later on when there isn’t as much pressure pushing against the mechanism.
If you’re dealing with standing water or a waterlogged yard, it can be frustrating to try to find a solution. Our guide on how to absorb standing water in yard offers some practical tips to help you fix the problem by using natural materials, tools, and techniques.
Connect the Spray Nozzle to the Body
After you install the sprinkler head, you’ll connect the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is what allows water to be dispersed in a specific pattern, so it’s very important that you get this right. First, make sure that your sprinkler head is pointed in the direction that you want. If necessary, adjust it so that it points toward where you want your lawn to grow (for example).
Next, tighten the nozzle onto its body with two hands until it feels tight but not overly tight. Use pliers for extra security if necessary but never use pliers on any other part of your sprinkler system; this could cause damage or leaks!
Connecting the Spray Nozzle to the Sprinkler Body
| Steps to Connect the Spray Nozzle | Possible Issues |
|---|---|
| Identify the spray nozzle and the sprinkler body | None |
| Remove the protective cap from the nozzle | Over-tightened cap, damaged or missing screen or filter |
| Place the nozzle on the body and align the tabs | Misaligned tabs or nozzle, cross-threaded threads |
| Twist the nozzle clockwise until snug | Loose nozzle, stripped threads |
| Adjust the nozzle to the desired pattern and direction | Misaligned spray pattern, uneven water distribution |
Reattach the Riser Pipe
This is the final step and involves attaching the riser pipe to the body of your yard sprinkler.
You’ll need a wrench to tighten it up. Make sure you attach it firmly, or else you may get leaks at that point on your lawn if your water pressure isn’t high enough.
If you have an animal in your yard, such as a stray cat, squirrel, or rabbit, that’s causing damage to your plants, a motion-activated sprinkler system like the Yard Enforcer can help. Learn how to adjust yard enforcer in our guide to ensure that it functions at its best without wasting water.
Replace Any Damaged Parts of the Sprinkler Head
To replace any damaged parts of the sprinkler head, you need to open up your control valve and remove the worn out or broken part.
Once you have removed this piece, check for leaks around the area where it was sitting. Most likely there will be a small amount of water under this area that needs to be dried up before replacing anything else.
If you are installing a new sprinkler head or repairing an existing one, remember that you may need to replace other components as well such as o-rings and washers.
These parts can sometimes wear out faster than others because they are exposed to constant pressure and stress on them during operation so make sure that when checking for leaks inside your control valve assembly that all rubber seals look in good condition before proceeding with this project further!
Ensure That All Screws are Tightened Securely and That There Are No Leaks
Once the sprinkler head is properly adjusted, make sure that all screws are tightened securely and that there are no leaks.
If you have a leak, it’s likely that you need to tighten the screws again. If you still have a leak after re-tightening the screws, it may be time to replace your sprinkler head altogether.
Overabundance of water in your yard can lead to problems such as root rot, mold, and bacterial diseases, which can damage your lawn and plants. Our guide on how to absorb excess water in yard can help you avoid these issues by offering simple and effective ways to absorb water and prevent waterlogging.
Check for Sprinkler Movement
If you’re having trouble adjusting your sprinkler head or it seems like you can’t move it at all, there’s a good chance that the sprinkler is broken.
It’s important to check whether your sprinkler head is moving freely before trying to adjust the arc of the spray.
To do so, use a screwdriver to gently nudge and wiggle the head back and forth. If it doesn’t budge, then you will need to replace it with another one.
Checking for Broken Sprinkler Head
| Signs of a Broken Sprinkler Head | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| The sprinkler head won’t move | A broken or rusted riser; debris caught in the nozzle |
| The entire sprinkler body is loose | A broken or cracked connection between the head and the underground pipe |
| The head wobbles or oscillates | A damaged seal, loose fitting, or cracked sprinkler housing |
| The sprinkler leaks water around the base | A cracked housing, seal, or riser; damaged water pressure regulator |
Repair or Replace a Broken Sprinkler Head
When a sprinkler head breaks or becomes completely disassembled, you can repair it. It’s always best to replace damaged parts but sometimes that’s not possible.
If a part is broken and the rest of the system is working as expected, it may make sense to repair rather than replace your sprinkler head.
You’ll need:
- A screw driver
- Water hose
- Pliers/needle nose pliers
Further Reading
If you’d like to learn more about adjusting sprinkler heads, check out these resources:
How to adjust Rainbird 5000 sprinkler heads: A step-by-step guide with detailed instructions and diagrams for adjusting your Rainbird 5000 sprinkler heads.
How to adjust a Rain Bird rotor head: A video tutorial that demonstrates how to adjust the arc and radius of your Rain Bird rotor head.
How to adjust rainbird sprinkler heads: A comprehensive guide that covers all types of Rainbird sprinkler heads, including step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
How do I adjust my sprinkler head’s spray pattern?
To adjust your sprinkler head’s spray pattern, locate the spray pattern adjustment screw on the top of the nozzle or riser. Using a screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to decrease the spray pattern or counterclockwise to increase the spray pattern.
How do I adjust the spray distance of my sprinkler head?
To adjust the spray distance of your sprinkler head, locate the distance adjustment screw on the side of the nozzle or riser. Turn the screw clockwise to decrease the spray distance or counterclockwise to increase the spray distance.
Why is my sprinkler head spraying in the wrong direction?
If your sprinkler head is spraying in the wrong direction, it’s likely that the arc or radius needs to be adjusted. Check your sprinkler head’s user manual or consult our guides to learn how to adjust these settings.
What should I do if my sprinkler head is not spraying water?
If your sprinkler head is not spraying water, check to make sure the nozzle is not clogged with dirt, debris or grass. Turn off the water supply and remove the nozzle. Clean the screen and nozzle with warm, soapy water or vinegar and reattach the nozzle.
How often should I adjust my sprinkler heads?
You should adjust your sprinkler heads at the beginning of each watering season to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, you may need to adjust your sprinkler heads if you notice changes in water pressure or if your lawn or plants are not receiving enough water.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
