Scrub-a-dub-dub that sprinkler system!
A sprinkler system is an investment in your yard or garden. But the expenses don’t stop there. Upkeep and maintenance are essential elements of owning a sprinkler system, and this includes learning how to clean sprinkler heads. Keeping everything in good shape can mean less costly repairs down the line and a garden or lawn that stays in tip-top shape all season.
The sprinkler head is the end-stage component of a sprinkler system. It’s where the water emerges from the tubing out onto your luscious lawn or vibrant garden bed. No matter the type of sprinkler system you have, the heads, sometimes called emitters, are essential. Without them, your lawn or beds won’t be watered.
Over time, debris and minerals can build up in your sprinkler heads, leading to clogged lines, low water pressure at the sprinkler head, and a whole host of other common sprinkler problems. But, regularly cleaning sprinkler heads can help you avoid many of these issues, ensuring your system runs efficiently.
Setting up a regular cleaning schedule can help keep your sprinkler heads running smoothly. The following issues could point to clogged or dirty sprinkler heads.
If water is trickling out of your sprinkler heads instead of misting out (or just not coming out at all), there could be clogs in the filter.
If you haven’t cleaned your sprinkler head since installing your system, they could definitely use a good scrub down.
Do you live in an area with hard water or water with a high mineral content? Limestone, chalk, and calcium deposits can build up in your sprinkler head, causing clogs and low water pressure. If your home has hard water, you may have to deep clean your sprinkler heads more frequently, as mineral buildup can happen quicker than you think.
If a sprinkler head is broken or damaged, it’s time to take it apart, clean it, and see if it can be repaired or replaced. Damaged sprinkler heads usually need to be fixed by a local sprinkler company, so keep this in mind before hoping that a simple clean will resolve everything.
Ideally, you should clean your sprinkler head filters twice a year—once in the early spring to prepare for the growing season and again in the fall to prepare the lines for winter. However, whenever you notice issues with the nozzle head, you can also clean the filters using the following method.
There are a few simple tools you’ll need for this job:
Adjustable vice grip
Needle-nose pliers
Towel or soft-bristle brush
Lift the sleeve or tip of the sprinkler nozzle up. The sprinkler head nozzle should pop out like it does when it’s on. You may need to hold the shaft in place using a pair of adjustable vice grips to keep the shaft up during cleaning.
Unscrew the top of the sprinkler nozzle or head to reach the filter. The filter is small and sits just under the nozzle head in the shaft housing. You may need to use the needle-nose pliers to remove it.
Using a clean towel or a soft-bristle brush, wipe away the debris accumulated in the filter. You’ll likely find dirt, grass, and sediment.
Once the filter is wiped down, return it to the sprinkler shaft and replace the nozzle head. Keep the adjustable vice grip in place. Turn the system back on and let water run out of the sprinkler head for a few moments to help clean any remaining obstructions.
Repeat the process across all sprinkler heads.
Now that you know how to clean a sprinkler head filter, let’s move on to the next step: deep cleaning. If you haven’t cleaned your sprinkler heads in a while, or cleaning the filters doesn’t solve the clogging, it may be time for a deep clean. Cleaning the filter might not eliminate the mineral buildup that can accumulate in the head of the sprinkler.
Plan to deep clean your sprinkler heads once a year, or once every other year, unless you encounter clogs more frequently.
You’ll need most of the same tools for a deep clean as you used for cleaning the filters:
Adjustable vice grip
Needle-nose pliers
Towel or soft-bristle brush
Cleaning solution (rust remover or vinegar)
Start the same way as a maintenance clean. You can remove most sprinkler heads by twisting them from the sprinkler line. Lift the sleeve or tip of the sprinkler nozzle, unscrew the head, and gently pull it out.
Using a clean towel or soft-bristle brush, wipe down the sprinkler head to remove any loose obstructions. You may find sand, insects, or other debris contributing to clogs.
Place the sprinkler head in a bucket large enough to submerge it. Cover the sprinkler head in a rust remover solution, which you can find at any hardware store. Alternatively, soak the sprinkler head in a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. Wait 30 minutes.
Brush the sprinkler head a final time to dislodge any buildup the rust remover loosened. Then, rinse the head in cool water before returning the sprinkler head to its housing.
Once you’ve returned the sprinkler heads to the line, run the sprinkler system to flush out any lingering deposits.
Taking good care of your sprinkler heads will help prevent issues before they arise. Follow these regular maintenance tips to keep your irrigation system in good condition:
Put biannual filter cleanings on your calendar to ensure you never miss them.
Keep sprinkler heads clean of obstructions like weeds and high grass.
Periodically, manually turn your sprinkler system on and walk the property to look for clogged sprinkler heads, flooding, or wet spots.
When you first notice pressure issues or browning grass, adjust your sprinkler heads.
Small maintenance tasks on your sprinkler system can prevent more significant, costly issues down the line.
You can expect a well-maintained sprinkler system to last for 20 years. Proper maintenance from you and consistent inspections from a professional sprinkler company will ensure that you get the most life out of your sprinkler system. The key to a long life span for your sprinkler system is fixing any small issues before they become big ones.
Sprinkler heads last, on average, between 10 and 15 years. The better you maintain them, the longer their life span will be. You can replace sprinkler heads yourself or reach out to a professional. If you had your system professionally installed, the company may offer free maintenance and replacement within a number of years.
During times of high heat, it’s ideal to water your grass early in the morning or in the evening. If you water closer to midday, the sun will evaporate a good deal of the water before it’s able to absorb into the soil and give your garden or grass the correct amount of moisture. Watering in the morning and evening ensures they get the perfect amount.
