How to Adjust Rain Bird Sprinkler Heads in Under 10 Minutes

You may need to adjust your Rain Bird sprinkler heads if you notice uneven watering across your lawn, higher water bills, or if your sidewalk is getting soaked by your sprinkler. Learn how to adjust Rain Bird sprinkler heads so that you can fine-tune their direction, spray distance, and arc radius. No matter the type, our guide has you covered.

Why Adjust My Rain Bird Sprinkler Heads?

Adjusting your Rain Bird sprinkler heads can help you:

• Ensure even water coverage across your lawn

• Reach all areas of grass

• Avoid watering sidewalks and driveways

• Save water and improve efficiency

• Prevent overwatering

• Correct misalignment that can happen due to weather, soil changes, and accidental bumps

• Maintain a healthy lawn

Determine What Type of Rain Bird Sprinkler Head You Have

Rain Bird sells many types of sprinkler heads. Each head or nozzle has slightly different mechanisms for making adjustments. Determine which sprinkler type you have so that you’re ready to dive into the project.

• Rotor sprinkler: A rotor sprinkler’s cylindrical head turns while it sprays lots of water in a more concentrated stream. It has adjustment screws on the top of the head. 

• Spray head: Spray heads are cylindrical sprinklers that spray water in a fan and don’t rotate. They have circular dials to make adjustments.

• Rotary nozzle: A rotary nozzle is a spray head that sends water in a rotating, finger-like pattern. Dials and the stem allow you to make adjustments.

• Impact sprinklers: Impact sprinklers aren’t cylindrical and rotate on a bearing as they spray water. They’re often used on large properties. The gears for adjusting are below the nozzle.

How to Adjust Rain Bird Rotor Sprinkler Heads

You can modify a Rain Bird rotor sprinkler’s spray direction, arc, and spray distance by lifting the stem out of the ground, setting the fixed left edge, and turning the arc and radius screws. Pull up the sprinkler head with your fingers or a flathead screwdriver to pop it out of the ground. You may want to wear rubber gloves while handling the sprinkler to help with grip.

1. Set the Spray Direction

You can adjust where your rotor sprinkler sprays water by setting the fixed left edge. With your hands, turn the center cap of the rotor head all the way to the right until it can’t go further. Then, do the same on the left. Don’t overextend the rotor, or it could strip the gears.

Then, rotate the entire rotor case to align the left edge with where you want the water to start spraying. The sprinkler will rotate from this left position to spray the other parts of the grass. 

2. Adjust the Spray Radius

The arc dictates how wide the spray will be, which ranges from 40 degrees to 360 degrees on Rain Bird rotor sprinklers. The arc is preset to rotate 180 degrees (a half circle).

Use a flathead screwdriver or a Rain Bird adjustment tool to turn the arc adjustment screw on the top of the sprinkler head. Move it clockwise (+) to increase the arc’s radius and counterclockwise (-) to decrease the arc’s radius. Run the sprinkler to test the arc and fine-tune adjustments. 

Pro tip: If you’re running the sprinkler while making adjustments, only turn the screw in the direction the rotor is turning. Otherwise, it could strip the gears. You should also avoid overextending the screw. You’ll hear a ratcheting noise when you’re turning the arc beyond the min or max, and that’s your cue to stop. 

3. Adjust the Spray Distance

You can adjust the distance the sprinkler throws the water. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the radius reduction screw (located inside an opening). Turn it clockwise to decrease the spray distance or counterclockwise to increase the distance.

The distance can only be reduced by 25%. To change the spray distance more than that, swap for a different nozzle or change the water pressure in your system. Be sure not to unscrew the reduction screw too far, or the rotor nozzle might loosen and fly off due to water pressure. 

How to Adjust Rain Bird Spray Heads

There are two main types of Rain Bird spray heads: fixed and variable. With either type, pull up the spray head stem with your fingers or a flathead screwdriver.

You can use rubber gloves to help you grip a wet sprinkler head, but don’t use a wrench because it can damage the stem. Make sure the nozzle (top piece) is secure by tightening it clockwise before making your adjustments.

Fixed Pattern

On a fixed pattern head, you’ll see a number that represents the number of feet that the water shoots and a letter to signify the pattern. For example, you might have a 10H head, and that means it sprays 10 feet in a half-circle.

You’ll also see lines that indicate where the water comes out of the head. You can adjust the direction and distance of the spray but not the radius.

1. Adjust the Spray Direction

Grab the stem of the sprinkler and turn it counterclockwise to adjust the spray direction (you will hear a clicking noise as you go). Set the left edge of where the sprinkler will start spraying. Turn on the water to fine-tune where the water sprays, such as in line with your lawn’s edge and away from the sidewalk. 

2. Adjust the Spray Distance

To adjust the spray distance, turn the throw distance screw on the top of the nozzle. The factory setting will be the full spray listed on the head. Turn it clockwise to reduce spray distance and counterclockwise to increase distance.

Reducing the spray distance too much can impact the quality and evenness of the spray. Choose a different nozzle if you want to majorly decrease the distance.

Adjustable Arc Nozzle 

Tighten the nozzle of an adjustable nozzle by turning it clockwise before making adjustments. On an adjustable arc nozzle, use the colored dials to secure the nozzle first. Do not use the black dial first because that one’s for adjusting the arc. 

1. Set the Spray Direction and Radius

Set the direction of the spray by setting the fixed left first. Hold the stem of the sprinkler head and turn it to the left in line with where you want the water to start spraying. Turn the water on, then adjust the black dial to fine-tune the radius of the spray.

2. Adjust the Spray Distance

To adjust the spray distance, turn the throw distance screw on the top of the nozzle with a flathead screwdriver. The factory setting will be the full spray listed on the head (often 10 feet). Turn the screw clockwise to reduce the throw distance and counterclockwise to increase the distance.

Reducing the spray distance too much can impact the quality and evenness of the spray. Swap for a different nozzle if you want to achieve a different distance.

How to Adjust Rain Bird Rotary Nozzles

Rain Bird rotary nozzles come in a range of options, such as an R-VAN. No matter the exact model, lift the stem out of the ground with your fingers or a flathead screwdriver. Before adjusting, tighten the nozzle by rotating the top colored piece clockwise until it’s secure. 

1. Set the Spray Direction and Arc 

With your hands, grab the stem to set the fixed left. A white line on the nozzle marks the left you want to set. Turn the stem (you’ll hear a clicking noise) until the white line is where you want the water to start spraying.

Next, turn on the water and set your right stop. Push down on the colored top ring and turn clockwise to increase the arc. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the arc. 

2. Set the Spray Distance

The black bottom dial of the nozzle allows you to adjust the spray distance. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the distance. Turn it clockwise to increase the distance. 

How to Adjust Rain Bird Impact Sprinkler Heads

To adjust your Rain Bird impact sprinkler head, first lift the internal assembly body out of the sprinkler body with a flathead screwdriver. 

1. Adjust the Spray Radius and Direction 

You can adjust the radius of the sprinkler anywhere from 20 degrees to 360 degrees. Move the adjustable metal stops located on the collar to the desired right and left positions. Turn on the water and fine-tune the pattern. If you want the head to rotate in a full circle, push the trip pin upward so that it's out of the way of the metal stops.  

2. Adjust the Spray Distance

Turn the nozzle on the top (often a unique color) clockwise to decrease the distance. Turn it counterclockwise to increase it. You can also use the diffuser pin, which is the black knob dial beneath the spray nozzle. You can reduce the water throw distance by up to 25%. 

Tips for Taking Care of Rain Bird Sprinklers

To keep your Rain Bird sprinklers in great working order and avoid costly repairs, follow these maintenance tips: 

• Inspect heads at least once a year for sprinkler leaks, damage, clogs, and uneven sprays.

• Fix leaks and clogs as soon as you notice them to prevent further damage.

• Replace damaged nozzles and sprinkler heads.

• Clean nozzles and sprinkler heads to remove grass clippings and debris.

• Ensure water pressure is within the right range for your sprinkler model.

• Winterize your sprinklers by shutting off the water supply and draining the pipes and sprinkler heads to prevent damage from freezing.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Adjusting Rain Bird sprinkler heads yourself takes less than 10 minutes. It’s an easy DIY for most homeowners. But if you have broken, leaking, or low-pressure sprinkler heads, contact a sprinkler repair pro near you. They can replace or fix your heads and optimize your sprinkler system.

The cost of a sprinkler repair pro ranges from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on where you live and the complexity of the issue. A yard sprinkler system inspection costs $115 on average and ensures that everything from your backflow preventer to the nozzle is performing its best.