How to Adjust Sprinkler Head

Having a sprinkler system is ideal because it distributes the water sprays around the lawn in a uniform manner. However, adjustments are needed to be done first to maximize the usage of the sprinkler system. And so, how can we adjust the sprinkler heads? 

This post will serve as your guide in adjusting sprinkler heads. Follow the steps thoroughly, and you’ll have a fully functioning sprinkler system! But first, there are a few things you need to know before adjusting.

There are three types of sprinklers, and those are: pop-up, rotor, and impact sprinklers. For this post, the instructions under each type of sprinklers apply to all of its brands. Depending on the brand and type of sprinklers, you might need to refer to a manual for instructions on how to adjust it. 

Let’s elaborate on the steps for each type of sprinkler heads!

Pop-up sprinklers

For water spray distance:

To begin adjusting the water spray distance of the pop-up sprinkler, make sure the system is turned on so that the sprinkler head will be visible for you to make the proper adjustment. Once it has popped up, make sure to grasp the sprinkler’s body to prevent it from lowering again. Then, proceed to adjust the screw at the head to adjust the water spray distance. By turning the screw in a clockwise direction, the water spray distance will be reduced; and vice versa.

For water spray arc:

To begin adjusting the water spray arc of the pop-up sprinkler, locate the adjustment socket at the top of the sprinkler head and then, rotate the head to the right-hand limit of travel. Be sure to hold it in that position. After that, insert the plastic head of the wrench and rotate the socket in a clockwise direction to increase the arc range of the sprinkler. Do the opposite to decrease the arc instead. 

Rotor sprinklers

For water spray distance:

Just like pop-up sprinklers, you can adjust the distance of the water spray by turning the adjustment screw in a clockwise direction, until it reaches the water stream. And then, turn the screw counterclockwise until the screw’s end is not touching the water stream anymore. Turn the screw clockwise if the water is spraying afar to reduce the distance, and vice versa. Adjust the screw until the desired distance is reached. 

For water spray arc:

You can adjust the rotor sprinkler’s arc by using the rotor key on the adjustment keyhole. To do so, you need to turn on the sprinkler system first and position yourself behind the sprinkler to prevent being wet. Following that, hold the sprinkler’s top cover gently and rotate it to the left until it reaches its limit of travel. Then, rotate it back to the right until it stops. Once that is done, insert the plastic end of the rotor key to the adjustment keyhole (the hole with plus and minus on both sides). Lastly, rotate the key towards the plus sign to increase the arc, and vice versa. 

Impact sprinklers

For water spray distance:

You can adjust the distance that the impact sprinkler’s sprayed water can reach by adjusting the diffuser pin or distance control dial for other brands. By rotating the pin or dial to a clockwise direction, the output’s distance will be reduced. The spray distance will increase if it’s rotated at a counterclockwise direction instead.

For water spray arc:

You can adjust the rotor sprinkler’s arc by simply raising or lowering the trip pin in the impact sprinkler. By raising it until it rests against the sprinkler head, a 360-degree coverage arc will be fully achieved. 

By following these instructions, you can adjust sprinkler heads! If this post has helped you, please don’t hesitate to share this with others!