How to Adjust Sprinkler Heads in Your Irrigation System

Before you start tinkering with the sprinkler heads, turn on the sprinkler system and identify which sprinklers need some TLC. The sprinklers may be missing a spot on the lawn, leaving behind a dry patch, or the spray may be weak. Stick a landscaping flag near any sprinkler heads you want to adjust to mark their spots.

If your lawn seems lackluster but you’re not sure if the sprinkler heads are the problem, consider investing in the cost of a yard sprinkler inspection to help determine any potential issues and get you closer to the healthy, green lawn of your dreams.

Different types of sprinkler heads need to be adjusted in different ways. You may have fixed spray heads that sit aboveground, pop-up heads that sit below ground and spring out from the ground when the system kicks on, impact sprinkler heads that click as they spin and spray out large amounts of water, or rotary heads that spray water outward while rotating around. 

Fixed sprinkler heads can only be adjusted by changing the nozzle. The nozzle sits at the top of the sprinkler head and should just twist off. Then, you can twist on a new sprinkler head that’s designed to meet your desired water spray pattern.

If the area nearby still needs some extra water after replacing the nozzle on a fixed sprayer, consider adding a sprinkler head to this watering zone.

For many sprinkler heads, including pop-up or rotary varieties, you can easily change the direction just by using a pair of pliers or a wrench. Gently grip the sprinkler head with pliers and pull it upward, then twist in the direction you want the sprinkler to spray.

Most sprinkler heads have a screw at the top that turns left or right to change the spray pattern. Turn on the sprinkler so that you can see the spray pattern. Insert the screwdriver (you may need a hex wrench for other types of openings) and twist slightly to the left or right until you achieve the spray pattern you want.

Rotary sprinkler heads come with a small notch on top to help lengthen or shorten the arc. On one side is a small plus (+) symbol, and on the other, you’ll find a minus (-) symbol. Insert a rotor screwdriver (or an adjustment tool made specifically for your brand of rotary sprinkler head) into the notch, then turn it toward the plus to lengthen the arc or toward the minus to shorten it. You may want to have the rotary head turned on while doing this to find the sweet spot for arc length.

Impact heads can be easily adjusted just by manually twisting the sprayer clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the arc, respectively. After adjusting the arc, turn the sprinkler system on to check that the arc is to your liking, then adjust again as needed.

If you’ve cleaned the sprinkler heads and adjusted for spray pattern, arc, and direction and still find dry patches in the lawn or a malfunctioning sprinkler head, it may be time for a replacement. You can either DIY sprinkler head replacement for $5 to $40 per sprinkler head or hire a pro for $50 to $100 per hour.

If the issue is with yard flooding from too much water, consider calling a pro for yard drainage assistance. The issue may not be the sprinklers but the lack of proper drainage.

With the sprinkler heads adjusted, faulty sprinklers replaced, and a drainage system in place, your irrigation system will be back to properly watering your lawn and garden for a vibrant, lush look.