How to Change a Pop-up Sprinkler

Shut off the sprinkler system's water supply valve.

Use your hands to remove any leaves, grass or other debris from the area surrounding the sprinkler head. Use the trowel to dig around the water pipes until you can reach the T-connection.

Hold the horizontal section of the T-connection with one hand and twist the sprinkler head counterclockwise with the other hand. Use locking pliers or an adjustable wrench if you need more leverage to loosen the sprinkler. Remove and discard the old sprinkler or use it as a sample when shopping for a replacement part.

Clear out any debris from the open end of the water pipe. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the pipe and screw the replacement sprinkler into place.

Pack the loose dirt around the new sprinkler head. Open the main supply valve to restore water to the sprinkler system.

Turn on the sprinklers manually and watch the spray from the new pop-up head. If the water does not spray in the desired direction, turn the system off and rotate the sprinkler head with your hands to adjust its aim. Tighten the screw in the center of the sprinkler head if you need to decrease the water stream's pressure. Loosen the screw to increase the power of the sprinkler's water stream.