The short answer: Dig around the head to expose the connection, unscrew the head from the riser, add a riser extension (also called a cutoff riser or nipple extension) to raise the height, then reinstall the head. Riser extensions come in various lengths from 2 to 6 inches and simply thread between the existing fitting and the sprinkler head. Alternatively, you can replace a short riser pipe with a longer one. The goal is to get the top of the sprinkler head flush with or slightly above the surrounding soil level so grass doesn’t block the spray pattern.
Why Sprinkler Heads Sink Over Time
Soil settling. Newly installed systems often sink as fill dirt settles around pipes and fittings. This is especially common in the first year or two after installation.
Soil buildup from topdressing. Each time you add compost, sand, or topsoil to level your lawn or improve soil quality, the ground level rises while the sprinkler heads stay put.
Grass growth and thatch accumulation. Thick grass and thatch around heads can make them appear sunken even when they haven’t actually moved.
Foot traffic and mower damage. Repeated pressure from walking or mowing overhead can gradually push them down, especially if the surrounding soil is soft.
Signs Your Sprinkler Head Is Too Low
Spray blocked by grass. When the zone runs, you see water bubbling at the head, but the spray pattern is obstructed by surrounding grass.
Brown spots in the coverage area. Areas that should be covered by that head are showing drought stress because water isn’t reaching them.
The head doesn’t pop up fully. The pop-up stem rises, but the nozzle still sits below the grass canopy.
You have to dig to find it. If the head is buried under soil and grass, it’s definitely too low.
Method 1: Add a Riser Extension
This is the easiest solution for most situations:
Step 1: Turn off water to the irrigation system.
Step 2: Dig around the head to expose where it connects to the pipe or fitting below.
Step 3: Unscrew the sprinkler head counterclockwise from the fitting.
Step 4: Buy a riser extension (cutoff riser or nipple) in the length you need. These are typically 1/2-inch male threads on one end and 1/2-inch female threads on the other. Available at hardware stores for a few dollars.
Step 5: Apply Teflon tape to the male threads of the extension and screw it into the existing fitting.
Step 6: Apply Teflon tape to the sprinkler head’s threads and screw it onto the extension.
Step 7: Test for leaks and proper spray, then backfill.
Method 2: Install a Swing Joint or Flexible Riser
A swing joint (also called a funny pipe assembly or flexible riser) connects the sprinkler head to the main line with flexible tubing. This allows easy height adjustment and protects against damage from mowers or foot traffic. The head can move slightly rather than breaking when hit.
Installing a swing joint is more involved because you need to cut into the lateral line and add a tee fitting. However, it’s the professional standard for new installations because it makes future adjustments simple and reduces breakage. If you’re already digging and the existing connection is problematic, upgrading to a swing joint may be worth the extra effort.
Method 3: Replace with a Taller Pop-Up Head
If your current head has a 2-inch or 3-inch pop-up and grass is consistently blocking it, replacing it with a 4-inch or 6-inch pop-up may solve the problem without adding risers. The taller pop-up lifts the nozzle higher above the grass when active. This is often the simplest solution if the head itself is due for replacement anyway.
How High Should a Sprinkler Head Be?
The top of the sprinkler head body (when retracted) should be flush with the soil surface or up to 1/4 inch above. This allows the pop-up stem to rise completely above grass level when activated while keeping the head low enough to avoid mower damage when not running.
If the head sticks up too high, mowers will hit it. If it’s too low, grass blocks the spray. Finding the right height is a balance. After raising a head, run the zone and verify the spray clears the grass before backfilling.
Professional Height Adjustment
For more than 25 years, Complete Lawn Care has been helping Tulsa-area homeowners keep their irrigation systems working properly. Sunken sprinkler heads are a common issue we see, especially in lawns that have been topdressed or in systems that are several years old.
If you have multiple heads that need raising, or if you’d prefer professional installation, our irrigation team can adjust heights quickly and correctly. We can also evaluate whether your system would benefit from upgrading to swing joints for easier future maintenance.
The Bottom Line
Add a riser extension between the fitting and the head. Cheapest and easiest solution.
Or replace it with a taller pop-up head. Simple if the head needs replacement anyway.
The head should be flush with soil when retracted. Pop-up should clear grass when active.
Swing joints make future adjustments easier. Consider upgrading if you’re already digging.
Need Sprinkler Heads Adjusted?
Complete Lawn Care provides irrigation adjustment and repair services throughout the Tulsa metro area. We can raise sunken heads, improve coverage, and make sure your system is watering effectively.
Phone: (918) 605-4646
Email: [email protected]
Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote
Proudly serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Sand Springs, and surrounding Oklahoma communities since 2000.