Sprinkler Head Isn't Rotating: 4 Common Reasons Why

If your sprinkler head isn’t rotating, the solution could be as simple as cleaning the filter (fingers crossed), or it may indicate that you need to call in a sprinkler repair professional. A stubborn sprinkler head could be the result of several different causes. Use this guide to troubleshoot the most common reasons your sprinkler head stopped rotating. 

How to Determine the Problem

The best way to diagnose problems with your sprinkler system on your own is to run the system and walk around your yard or garden, looking at each sprinkler head and zone to see if anything looks a bit off. For example, if part of the head is broken, you may actually be able to see the physical damage to the part. Additionally, if water is still coming out of the sprinkler, but it’s at a trickle rather than the steady mist it typically is, you have a pretty good idea that poor water pressure is to blame. 

Of course, if you don’t see any obvious signs of damage, poor water pressure, or flooding around your sprinkler heads (which could indicate broken irrigation lines), you should reach out to a professional to get your issue diagnosed and repaired ASAP. Many problems with sprinkler heads can lead to water waste and skyrocketing water bills, so you don’t want to wait to reach out to a pro if it’s not a simple DIY fix.

1. Trapped Dirt or Debris in the Filter

Some rotating sprinklers operate on a gear drive, containing a sealed filter to stop dirt and debris from getting into the gears. However, time, deterioration, and even poor water quality can trap debris. Dirt from your lawn and garden can also get wedged beneath the filter head, causing it to fail to pop up or down.

How to Clean the Filter of a Rotating Sprinkler Head

If you suspect dirt and debris are the problems, don’t worry, the solution isn’t too complicated. Remember to shut off the system before you start any repairs.

• Locate the filter in the sprinkler’s gear assembly, under the sprinkler head. The gear assembly is the part that pops up.

• You may need to use a pair of adjustable vice grips to hold it in a popped-up position while you work. 

• Unscrew the sprinkler head, and pull out the filter. You might need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out.

• Wipe the filter of any debris. 

• Flush the sprinkler head with running water before you’ve put it back into place. 

• Reassemble the sprinkler and test it.

2. Poor Water Pressure 

The water pressure hits the gears in your sprinkler, causing it to move and rotate the spray heads and water your lawn. However, low water pressure will prevent this step from happening. 

There are several common reasons why you might have low water pressure, including:

• Too much demand on your system 

• Leaks in the pipes that supply your outside water

• Closed water valves 

What to Do If You Suspect Low Water Pressure

• If you think water supply (and demand) is the culprit, you may need to reduce your number of sprinkler zones or time your sprinklers to run when your household demands—such as laundry and showers—don’t coincide. 

• You can check your household shutoff valves (most homes have two) to ensure they are in the “on” position.  

• If you suspect you have leaking pipes, you should immediately contact a local plumbing professional for evaluation and repairs.

3. Broken Irrigation Lines 

If a damaged irrigation pipe feeds the water to your sprinklers, it may affect the sprinkler’s ability to rotate. To determine whether this is the cause of your problem, inspect the irrigation pipelines coming into your sprinkler head for any damage and repair. For additional help, consult a local irrigation repair professional.

4. Damaged Sprinkler Head 

Sprinkler heads and spray heads get damaged all the time. For example, lawnmowers and cars can hit them, or you can unknowingly damage them while hauling garden supplies. They also can wear out over time, as most sprinkler systems last for fewer than 20 years. 

The solution is to replace the damaged or worn-out sprinkler heads or spray heads. If you only need to replace one of them, you might consider doing it yourself. But if there seems to be a system-wide problem, it’s probably best to consult a sprinkler repair professional to ensure the repair is done correctly. Repairing your sprinkler system will cost an average of $257, which is considerably less than the cost of replacing an entire sprinkler system.

When to Hire a Professional for Repairs

If your basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, you should call in a local sprinkler repair professional. The pro can evaluate whether it is a simple fix, like swapping a filter or replacing a head, or something more extensive.