How to Install Pop-Up Sprinklers

Use your hands or a small shovel to loosen the soil around the sprinkler head. Dig a small square around the sprinkler head at least 1 inch from the edges of the sprinkler head. Dig deep enough to expose the entire sprinkler head and riser, which is the piece that connects the sprinkler head to the water lines for the system.

Remove the old pop-up sprinkler and examine the riser.

Lay out a ruler on the grass in front of you and wrap a piece of string around the riser’s thread area. Measure the width of the riser by placing the string you wrapped on the ruler.

Purchase a replacement pop-up head that has the same diameter as the riser. Remember to purchase the appropriate type of pop-up head for the area you are replacing. Corner pop-ups are meant to sit in a corner section of the lawn, while a full spray is meant for an area that needs full coverage.

Remove any debris or dirt that has built up in the riser threads. Flush the sprinkler line by running the sprinkler system to remove any dirt trapped in the exposed riser.

Twist the new pop-up sprinkler over the riser’s threads and secure it tightly with a pair of crimp ring pliers. Make sure the sprinkler does not sit loose, or there will be leaks.

Turn the adjustment ring on the sprinkler head to make sure the spray is pointed in the right direction.

Run a test on the line by engaging the sprinkler system. Check the flow coming from the pop-up sprinkler head and make sure it covers the lawn section desired. Make adjustments by turning the adjustment ring on the sprinkler’s nozzle if needed.

Fill the hole around the sprinkler with the dirt and pat it down securely around the sprinkler head.