The short answer: Turn off the water to your irrigation system, dig around the broken head to expose the connection, unscrew the old head counterclockwise from the riser or fitting, wrap the threads of your new head with Teflon tape, and screw it in clockwise until snug. Run the zone to flush debris and check for leaks. The whole job takes about 15-20 minutes and costs under $15 for a basic replacement head. Most pop-up sprinkler heads use standard half-inch threaded connections, making this one of the easiest irrigation repairs a homeowner can do.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Replacement sprinkler head. Match the brand and type if possible, or bring the old head to the store to find a compatible replacement. Note whether it’s a spray head, rotor, or rotary nozzle.
Small garden trowel or shovel. For digging around the head to access the connection.
Teflon tape (plumber’s tape). Wrap the threads to prevent leaks. Available at any hardware store for a couple dollars.
Rags or paper towels. To clean threads and wipe up water.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
Step 1: Turn off the water. Locate your irrigation system shutoff valve (usually near the backflow preventer or water meter) and turn it off. You can also just make sure that zone isn’t running, but turning off the main valve prevents accidental activation.
Step 2: Dig around the head. Use your trowel to carefully dig around the sprinkler head, creating a hole about 6-8 inches in diameter and deep enough to see where the head connects to the pipe or fitting below. Be careful not to damage the supply line.
Step 3: Remove the old head. Grip the body of the sprinkler head (not the pop-up stem) and turn counterclockwise. It should unscrew from a threaded fitting or riser pipe. If it’s stuck, try gripping with pliers or a strap wrench, being careful not to twist the pipe below.
Step 4: Clean the fitting. Remove any old Teflon tape or debris from the threads of the fitting or riser. Wipe clean with a rag.
Step 5: Apply Teflon tape to the new head. Wrap 3-4 turns of Teflon tape clockwise around the threads of your new sprinkler head. Pull the tape tight as you wrap it so it sticks to itself.
Step 6: Install the new head. Thread the new head into the fitting by hand, turning clockwise. Tighten until snug, but don’t overtighten. The head should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil when finished.
Step 7: Test and adjust. Turn the water back on and run that zone manually. Check for leaks around the new head. Adjust the spray pattern if needed using the adjustment screw on top of the head.
Step 8: Backfill and clean up. Once you’ve confirmed no leaks and proper operation, backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently around the head.
Common Problems During Replacement
The head won’t unscrew. Dirt and corrosion can freeze threads. Try spraying penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar) on the connection and waiting a few minutes. If it still won’t budge, you may need to hold the fitting below with one wrench while turning the head with another to prevent twisting the pipe.
Fitting breaks when removing the head. Old plastic fittings can crack. If this happens, you’ll need to dig deeper and replace the fitting or cut and repair the pipe. This turns a simple job into a more involved repair.
Water gushes when you remove the head. The water wasn’t fully off, or there’s residual pressure in the line. Turn off the water completely and let the pressure drain before continuing.
The new head leaks at the base. Either not enough Teflon tape, a cross-threaded connection, or debris on the threads. Remove the head, clean everything, reapply tape, and reinstall more carefully.
When to Call a Professional
While replacing a sprinkler head is straightforward, some situations call for professional help:
The pipe or fitting below is damaged. Cracked fittings or broken pipes require cutting and gluing PVC, which is more complex.
You can’t find a matching head. If the system is old or uses unusual components, a professional may have better access to parts or know compatible alternatives.
Multiple heads need replacement. If several heads are failing, it might indicate a larger problem like pressure issues or age-related deterioration throughout the system.
You’re not comfortable with the repair. There’s no shame in calling for help. A professional can do the job quickly and correctly.
Professional Sprinkler Repair Services
For more than 25 years, Complete Lawn Care has been helping Tulsa-area homeowners maintain their irrigation systems. While replacing a single sprinkler head is a DIY-friendly task, we’re here when you need us for more complex repairs or when you’d simply rather have a professional handle it.
Our irrigation services include head replacement, valve repairs, leak detection, controller troubleshooting, and complete system inspections. We stock common parts on our trucks and can often complete repairs in a single visit. If your DIY repair hits a snag or you’d prefer professional help from the start, we’re just a phone call away.
The Bottom Line
Turn off the water, dig around the head, unscrew the old, and install the new. Simple 15-20 minute job.
Always use Teflon tape on threads to prevent leaks.
Match the replacement head to the original or bring it to the store for comparison.
Test before backfilling to check for leaks and proper spray pattern.
Need Help With Sprinkler Repairs?
Complete Lawn Care offers professional irrigation repair throughout Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, and surrounding communities. Whether you need a single head replaced or a complete system overhaul, we can help.
Phone: (918) 605-4646
Email: [email protected]
Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote
Proudly serving the Tulsa metro area since 2000.