Causes And Answers To Common Sprinkler Problems

This article provides charts to help you troubleshoot your sprinkler problems. With these scenarios, you can quickly identify the problem and apply the solution.

1. The Sprinkler On A Zone Doesn’t Pop Up Correctly:

Learn more about how to fix sprinkler heads that don’t pop up

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Not enough water pressure to run the zone.	Split the zone into two or more zones.
Main system shutoff valve is not fully open.	Open the system shutoff valve counterclockwise.
Flow control on the zone valve is partially closed.	Open the flow control counterclockwise.

2. The Sprinkler Pops Up But No Water Sprays:

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Radius adjustment screw may be turned fully off.	Turn the screw counterclockwise.
Nozzle clogged by debris.	Remove and clean nozzle.
Internal nozzle filter may be plugged by debris.	Flush out the nozzle screen.
Broken sprinkler.	Replace spray or rotor.

3. A Rotor Sprinkler Won’t Rotate:

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Too little water pressure.	Increase water pressure.
Sprinkler is broken.	Replace spray or rotor.

4. There Is A Gap In The Spray Pattern

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Debris stuck in sprinkler nozzle and/or head.	Clean out the sprinkler head and nozzle.
Sprinkler is faulty.	Replace spray or rotor.

5. The Sprinkler Rotates In One Direction, Then Stops

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Not enough pressure to rotate the sprinkler.	Increase water pressure.
Faulty sprinkler head.	Replace spray or rotor.

6. Water Floods From A Sprinkler

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Sprinkler nozzle missing.	Replace the missing nozzle.
Cracked or missing sprinkler head.	Replace spray or rotor.

7. Troubleshooting Chart: A Sprinkler Will Not Retract After Watering

Possible Causes:	Remedy:
Debris is stuck between the sprinkler riser and the riser seal.	Remove any debris from the seal.
Damaged riser or riser seal.	Replace the seal or replace the sprinkler.
Damaged retraction spring.	Replace spray or rotor.