The short answer: For a basic sprinkler head replacement, you need only four things: a small shovel or garden trowel for digging, Teflon tape (plumber’s tape) for the threads, the replacement head itself, and optionally a pair of pliers or channel locks if the old head is stuck. That’s it. Total cost for tools and materials is typically under $25. Most homeowners already have the shovel and pliers in their garage. The job takes 15-20 minutes. No special irrigation tools or plumbing experience required.
Essential Tools
Small shovel or garden trowel. Used to dig around the sprinkler head and expose the threaded connection below. A hand trowel works fine for most situations. For deeper connections, a small spade shovel helps.
Teflon tape (plumber’s tape). Wrap this around the threads of the new head to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. A small roll costs about $2 and lasts for dozens of repairs. White tape is standard, but the color doesn’t matter for this application.
Replacement sprinkler head. Match the type, size, and spray pattern of the original. Bring the old head to the store if you’re unsure. Basic spray heads run $3-8, rotors $15-30.
Helpful but Not Required
Pliers or channel lock pliers. If the old head is stuck or corroded, pliers give you a better grip to unscrew it. Grip the body of the head (not the pop-up stem) and turn counterclockwise. Channel locks with adjustable jaws work well.
Rags or paper towels. For wiping mud off threads, cleaning up water, and keeping the new head clean during installation.
Bucket or container. Catch water that drains from the line when you remove the old head. Also useful for holding small parts and the old head.
Knee pad or old towel. Kneeling on wet grass and dirt for 15 minutes gets uncomfortable. A pad makes the job more pleasant.
Screwdriver (flat head). Many sprinkler heads have an adjustment screw on top for setting the spray arc or radius. A flathead screwdriver lets you fine-tune after installation.
For Tougher Jobs
Sometimes a simple head replacement turns into something more. Here’s what might help:
WD-40 or penetrating oil. Spray on stuck threads, wait 5 minutes, then try again. Helps break loose corroded fittings.
Two pairs of pliers or wrenches. If the riser pipe below the head turns when you try to unscrew the head, you need to hold the riser with one tool while turning the head with another. This prevents twisting or breaking the pipe.
PVC cutters or a hacksaw. If a fitting breaks during removal, you may need to cut the pipe and make a repair. This turns a 15-minute job into a 45-minute job but is still doable for a handy homeowner.
PVC primer and cement. For gluing PVC pipe and fittings if repairs are needed. Purple primer and blue cement are standard.
What You Don’t Need
Some homeowners think irrigation repair requires specialized tools. It doesn’t. You don’t need:
Pipe wrenches. Too big and aggressive for plastic irrigation fittings. Standard pliers work better.
Special sprinkler tools. While nozzle pullers and head adjustment keys exist, they’re for technicians doing multiple repairs daily. Not necessary for one head.
Power tools. Everything is hand-tightened. Over-tightening with power tools cracks plastic fittings.
Quick Shopping List
Head to your local hardware store (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace, or an irrigation supply house) with this list:
Replacement sprinkler head (bring the old one to match)
Roll of Teflon tape (if you don’t have any at home)
Total cost: Usually under $15 for a spray head, under $35 for a rotor.
When You’d Rather Call a Pro
For more than 25 years, Complete Lawn Care has been providing irrigation services throughout the Tulsa area. While replacing a single sprinkler head is definitely a DIY-friendly job, some situations make professional help worthwhile.
If you have multiple heads to replace, don’t want to chase parts to the hardware store, or encounter problems like broken fittings or hard-to-identify components, our team can handle it efficiently. We stock common parts on our trucks and can usually complete repairs in one visit. Sometimes it’s just easier to have someone else do it.
The Bottom Line
Basic tools: Trowel, Teflon tape, replacement head.
Helpful extras: Pliers, rags, and a screwdriver for adjustments.
For tough jobs: Penetrating oil, backup pliers, and PVC repair supplies.
Total investment: Under $25, including the new head.
Need Professional Irrigation Repair?
Complete Lawn Care offers sprinkler repair services throughout Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, and surrounding communities. Whether it’s one head or a full system tune-up, we can help.
Phone: (918) 605-4646
Email: [email protected]
Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote
Proudly serving the Tulsa metro area since 2000.