Michael Dobry, of Slade Industrial Landscapes, outlines the steps you must take to repair a broken sprinkler head. Tip: - Because most sprinkler systems operate automatically when you're away, you will need to turn the valve on in order to locate the broken sprinkler.
- Dig out trench to expose pipe. You can use a trenching shovel or a spade. You don't have to dig up a lot of your lawn -- just a small area will suffice (figure A).
- Cut pipe to remove broken sprinkler head. If the old fitting is in good condition, you may be able to use a section of it in the repair (figure A).
- Cut pipe section to prepare for new coupling. Leave about 1-1/2" to have room to attach the new fitting.
- Attach the new sprinkler head to the pipe section.
- Check the sprinkler-head height before gluing.
- Apply glue to both pipe and fitting. Be sure to get it on the inside edge.
- Glue the new fitting to the pipe in the trench. Hold for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.
- Turn on the water to flush out system.
- Insert a microfilter and connect the nozzle, screwing it in tightly.
- Backfill the trench, throwing any extra dirt in the garden. Use a roller to pack down the sod (or just step up and down on it). Fill in any cracks with leftover dirt.
Note: - If the sprinkler doesn't have a swivel joint, you may want to install one at this time. To do so, you may need to cut the PVC pipe if the outlet is facing up (the outlet needs to be facing the side or parallel with the surface). Most garden-supply centers will have ready-made swivel joints.
- Replace the sprinkler head with one of the same or better quality. Remember to install the sprinkler head at the right level and with the correct nozzle.
- Backfill the hole or trench, making sure the dirt is compacted. Always flush the dirt out of the line before installing the nozzle.
Note: - When digging out the sprinkler head in a turf area, cut out the lawn and flip it onto one side and the dirt on the other. Always use the best glue -- this isn't where you want to skimp on quality. Pipe cutters are also available if you don't want to use a hand saw, but remember: the blade can be razor-sharp.
Gadget Dude The Gadget Dude introduces a variety of lawn ornaments: - Balinese carving (figure C)
- Spinning plastic yard flowers (figure D)
- A sartorially resplendent goose (figure E)
- A prop from a '50s sci-fi film? (figure F)
- And that great American classic, the pink flamingo (figure G).
Web site resource for sprinklers: A Sprinkler for any Lawn
GUESTS :
Michael Dobry
Slade Industrial Landscape
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
