Repairing A Clogged Sprinkler Head
Dirt, debris, and mineral deposits must be removed from the sprinkler heads in the lawn, and this can be done easily and quickly. Special cleaners can help dissolve dirt, rust, and excessive mineral buildup. With the help of proper tools and materials, one can get rid of clogged sprinkler heads.
Tools required
Certain tools and materials can help unclog the sprinkler head. A brass bristle brush, mineral and rust remover, and spray silicone can help complete the job well.
Cleaning of the clogged sprinklers
Suppose there are excess accumulations of iron and various other minerals in your sprinkler system’s water flow. In that case, it is normal for them to continue creating the problem. The buildup of minerals, such as iron, accumulated on the working parts of the system and also on the sprinkler holes should be treated immediately. If left untreated, they are likely to stop running. The parts that have accumulated iron, dirt, and debris can be soaked in the solutions that can help with the rust-removal part. Using silicone lubricant can follow this process, and you can be assured of rejuvenating the sprinkler head or system.
Rust-remover therapy
Sprinkler heads can be soaked in rust-removal solutions dipped in a freezer bag half-filled with such solution. CLR calcium, rust remover, and lime can be used, but other rust-removing solutions also work equally. The solution should be distributed evenly. After 30 minutes, the sprinkler head should be removed from the solution and rinsed in clean water.
Silicone spray
The remaining buildup of rust and minerals must be cleared off carefully with the help of a brass-brittle brush. Silicone spray on the sprinkler parts and heads can help lubricate the parts so that iron and mineral buildup can also be prevented in the future.
Steps to cleaning up the clogged sprinkler head
01. Identification of Clogged Sprinkler Heads
Make sure to check the water flow and find out which sprinkler heads need to be fixed and have a reduced amount of water flow. They may be clogged.
Inspection of the sprinkler head is also important. Find out the debris, dirt, and potential damage that can be seen on the sprinkler head. Look for dirt and debris and various other obstructions, such as mud and grass, that may cause the clogging to build up. As a result, smaller openings within the nozzle can be clogged, too.
02. Putting the Water Supply Off
Sprinkler heads can be worked upon only after the irrigation system is turned off. It must be done carefully to avoid the spraying out of water when the head of the sprinkler is removed.
03. Sprinkler Head Removal
The sprinkler head should be unscrewed carefully from the base or riser. Make sure that the other parts of the sprinkler, including the threads, are not damaged in the process.
04. Head Cleaning and Disassembling
Most sprinkler heads contain a nozzle and a filter screen that can be easily removed. These can be detached, and debris can be carefully inspected.
The sprinkler head must be rinsed under water pressure with a sink faucet and garden hose. The nozzle, filter, and head should also be cleaned properly. This cleaning can be more effective with the use of a brush, compressed air, or a toothpick to get rid of the stubborn dirt and debris that has accumulated within the smaller holes.
Evaluate issues with the sprinkler line
Flushing the sprinkler system can help. When the sprinkler head is removed, the water supply can be turned back on so that the excess dirt and debris can be flushed out completely. Debris that may be residing within the supply line and the riser must be pushed out well. This would ensure that any traces of re-clogging can be prevented in the near future.
Sprinkler Head Reassembly
After the cleaning of the sprinkler head has been completed, all the parts, including the nozzle and the filter, must be inserted back again. Putting all of them back together should happen with the help of proper screwing in of the sprinkler head and attaching them to the riser again. The head must be screwed in correctly for the prevention of leaks as soon as the sprinkler system starts to operate.
Sprinkler System Test
The sprinkler system must be tested for efficiency by reactivating the water supply to determine how well the sprinkler head has been working. The spray pattern must be even.
Replacement
When cleaning has failed to bring the sprinkler system back to life, it may be wise to consider replacing the sprinkler head, as it may have been damaged. To make the new head compatible with the system, a new sprinkler head of the same type and model may need to be ordered.
Conclusion
Preventative measures and crucial steps must be taken to avoid clogs in the future. Periodical inspection and cleaning of the sprinkler heads can help. It may be a vital part of the inspection, particularly before and after the irrigation season. A filter can be installed in the same irrigation system so that debris can be caught at earlier stages, right before it can start damaging or impacting the sprinkler heads.
