- How to adjust different types of sprinkler heads<\/a><\/li>
- How to determine your sprinkler head type<\/a><\/li>
- How to tell when sprinkler heads need adjusting<\/a><\/li>
- Why is it important to adjust your sprinkler heads?<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
How to adjust different types of sprinkler heads<\/span><\/h2>
Overall, adjusting your sprinklers is pretty straightforward, regardless of the type of sprinkler system<\/a>. <\/p>
Keep in mind, there\u2019s a high likelihood you will get wet from sprinkler spray during this project. I usually plan this project for a sunny day when the temperature will be pleasant, so I\u2019m not freezing.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Some sprinkler heads have a fixed spray nozzle, meaning they spray a specific distance and at a designated angle. For instance, an 8-ft quarter radius sprays eight feet of water at 90\u00b0, while an 8-ft half circle sprays eight feet of water at 180\u00b0. The direction of the spray can be adjusted, but the distance and angle cannot. If these heads aren\u2019t spraying correctly, you will need to <\/em>replace the sprinkler head<\/em><\/a> completely instead of adjusting it.<\/em><\/p>Tools needed <\/span><\/h3>
![\"homeowner](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/homeowner-adjusting-sprinkler-head-with-pliers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: nebari<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> In most cases, all you\u2019ll need is a screwdriver, regardless of the type of sprinkler head. Other tools may come in handy but aren\u2019t necessary.<\/p>
Here’s what you may need or want to have on hand:<\/p>
- Narrow flathead screwdriver<\/li>
- Rotor nozzle adjustment tool (optional, may have come with your system)<\/li>
- Hex wrench<\/li>
- Pliers or vise grips<\/li>
- Nozzle insertion collar (sometimes called a sprinkler head lock tool)<\/li> <\/ul>
Note:<\/strong> Manufacturers sell special adjustment tools that work for their line of sprinkler heads. They aren\u2019t required to adjust spray patterns but may make it easier.<\/em><\/p>
How to adjust rotor sprinkler heads<\/span><\/h3>
![\"person](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/person-adjusting-a-gear-driven-rotor-sprinkler-head-in-the-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Gear-drive rotors can emit water from a single opening and rotate to move the water, or they can have multiple openings, so numerous streams of water spray as they turn. <\/p>
Specific instructions for adjusting these may vary depending on the manufacturer, so it\u2019s best to check their website (or your owner\u2019s manual) for detailed instructions.<\/p>
The following are general instructions for rotor heads.<\/p>
To adjust the arc:<\/p>
- Turn the head counterclockwise<\/strong> to the left stop position to complete any cycle it may be running. Check where the arrow is pointing\u2014this is the left stop.<\/li>
- To adjust the left stop,<\/strong> you may be able to turn the sprinkler with a wrench to point the arrow in the right direction. If this isn\u2019t possible, unscrew the rotor from the sprinkler, pull it out, and reposition the left stop. Then put it back in the sprinkler.<\/li>
- Apply gentle pressure to the top of the rotor and turn it clockwise<\/strong>, to the right side, until you reach the right stop position and it cannot turn further. Do not force it to turn. Where the arrow is pointing shows the right stop position.<\/li>
- Hold the rotor in this right position<\/strong> and insert the rotor adjustment tool into the keyhole.<\/li>
- Turn the key to the left<\/strong> to increase the arc; turn the key to the right to decrease the arc.<\/li>
- Remove the key, and watch the spray pattern.<\/strong> Repeat the above steps and fine-tune the arc adjustment until the arc is where you want it to be.<\/li> <\/ol>
To adjust the spray radius:<\/p>
- Use a flat-head screwdriver<\/strong> to rotate the radius adjustment screw on top of the rotor.<\/li>
- Turn the small screw clockwise<\/strong> to increase the radius of the pattern or how far out from the head the water sprays.<\/li>
- Turn the screw counterclockwise<\/strong> to decrease the radius, shortening how far water sprays.<\/li> <\/ol>
How to adjust pop-up sprinkler heads<\/span><\/h3>
![\"automatic](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_victor-furtuna-txd1kxslmic-unsplash.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Victor Furtuna<\/a> | Unsplash | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This type of sprinkler head is available in varied fan widths from 30 to 360 degrees, allowing you to adjust the spray pattern, the distance sprayed, and the amount of water emitted.<\/p>
- Use a flat-head screwdriver<\/strong> to rotate the radius adjustment screw on top of the rotor.<\/li>
- Turn the small screw clockwise<\/strong> to increase the radius of the pattern or how far out from the head the water sprays.<\/li>
- Turn the screw counterclockwise<\/strong> to decrease the radius, shortening how far water sprays.<\/li>
- To adjust where the water hits,<\/strong> use your hand to turn the sprinkler stem manually, moving the arc in the right direction. You may need pliers or vise grips to move the stem to the correct position.<\/li> <\/ol>
Note:<\/strong> Pop-up sprinkler heads are easier to adjust when the system is on. The water pressure pushes the heads up, and there is less risk of damaging a head versus when you manually try to pull the riser out of the ground. Once out of the ground, you can use the sprinkler head lock tool on the sprinkler body.<\/em><\/p>
How to adjust impact sprinkler heads<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/close-up-of-an-impact-sprinkler-head-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: geckophotos<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Impact sprinkler heads are a type of rotary sprinkler that sprays water in multiple directions while rotating. <\/p>
- To change the spray pattern and direction,<\/strong> move the metal stops or tabs to the left or right to adjust accordingly. You may need pliers or vise grips to grab the tabs and pinch them together to move them.<\/li>
- Turn the nozzle to raise or lower the spray deflector<\/strong> to adjust the spray distance. Lowering the shield allows you to water closer to the sprinkler head; raising the shield creates a higher arc, sending the water spray further away.<\/li> <\/ol>
How to determine your sprinkler head type<\/span><\/h2>
Before we can really dive into this project, you have to figure out what kind of sprinkler heads you\u2019re working with, so you can determine how to adjust them properly. Figuring out which type you have is pretty easy, and you may know without even taking a look outside. <\/p>
There are three main sprinkler heads types:<\/p>
- Gear-driven rotors<\/li>
- Pop-up sprinklers<\/li>
- Impact or multi-trajectory sprinklers<\/li> <\/ul>
They differ based on how the head moves and the resulting stream of water. Impact sprinklers are always above-ground, pop-ups are underground, and gear-driven rotors can be buried underground and pop up when turned on or installed so they are above the soil surface. <\/p>
- Turn the nozzle to raise or lower the spray deflector<\/strong> to adjust the spray distance. Lowering the shield allows you to water closer to the sprinkler head; raising the shield creates a higher arc, sending the water spray further away.<\/li> <\/ol>
- Turn the small screw clockwise<\/strong> to increase the radius of the pattern or how far out from the head the water sprays.<\/li>
- Turn the small screw clockwise<\/strong> to increase the radius of the pattern or how far out from the head the water sprays.<\/li>
- To adjust the left stop,<\/strong> you may be able to turn the sprinkler with a wrench to point the arrow in the right direction. If this isn\u2019t possible, unscrew the rotor from the sprinkler, pull it out, and reposition the left stop. Then put it back in the sprinkler.<\/li>
- Turn the head counterclockwise<\/strong> to the left stop position to complete any cycle it may be running. Check where the arrow is pointing\u2014this is the left stop.<\/li>
- How to determine your sprinkler head type<\/a><\/li>