Sprinkler heads take more abuse than any other part of an irrigation system. They sit at ground level where mowers, edgers, cars, dogs and foot traffic can hit them. They also deal with shifting clay soil, grass that grows over them and grit in the water. The upside is that head problems are usually simple to diagnose and inexpensive to fix. This article covers the head problems we see most often in Fort Worth and how each is repaired.
Types of Heads You May Have
Most Fort Worth systems use two main types:
- Spray heads with fixed nozzles that throw a fan of water a short distance. They are common in smaller areas, narrow strips and beds.
- Rotors that send one or more streams that turn slowly across an arc. They cover larger areas.
Some systems also use rotary nozzles, which fit on spray bodies but deliver rotating streams at a lower rate. Our comparison of spray heads and rotors explains when each works best.
Problem 1: Broken Heads
What it looks like
A broken head often gushes water, sprays a tall column, or does not pop up at all. You may see a cracked cap, a snapped riser, or a head body split open.
What causes it
Mower wheels and blades, vehicles near the curb or driveway, edgers along beds and walks, and freeze damage are the usual causes.
How it is fixed
Dig around the head, unscrew it from the fitting below, flush the line, and install a matching head at the correct height. If the fitting under the head cracked, it needs replacing too. A broken head that gushes can also cause a geyser, which we cover in our article on heads that geyser.
Problem 2: Sunken Heads
What it looks like
The top of the head sits below the grass or soil. When it pops up, the spray hits the surrounding grass instead of reaching across the lawn. The area around it may be soggy while spots farther out are dry.
What causes it
Soil settling after installation, thatch and soil building up over time, and heads installed too low from the start.
How it is fixed
Raise the head so its top sits level with the soil. That may mean adding a riser extension, replacing a short head with a taller body, or replacing the connection with swing pipe so it can be set at the right height. Our guide to sunken and tilted heads in clay goes into detail.
Problem 3: Tilted Heads
What it looks like
The head leans to one side and sprays at an angle, soaking one area and missing another.
What causes it
Clay soil swelling and shrinking, roots, foot traffic, and heads that were never packed in firmly.
How it is fixed
Dig around the head, straighten it, and firm the soil around it. For heads near trees or in high-traffic spots, a flexible swing pipe connection helps.
Problem 4: Clogged Nozzles
What it looks like
A spray pattern with gaps, streams going in odd directions, or a weak spray compared with the heads around it.
What causes it
Sand, grit, bits of pipe and debris in the water, especially after a pipe repair.
How it is fixed
Remove the nozzle and filter screen, rinse them clean, flush the riser by running the zone briefly without the nozzle, and reinstall. If the nozzle is damaged, replace it with a matching one.
Problem 5: Misaligned Heads
What it looks like
Heads spray onto the driveway, sidewalk, street, fence or house wall.
What causes it
Heads get bumped or twisted over time, or nozzles were replaced with the wrong arc.
How it is fixed
Turn the head or adjust the nozzle arc. Many nozzles can also be shortened with a screw on top. Our article on heads spraying the street, driveway or house walks through the adjustments.
Problem 6: Heads That Do Not Retract
What it looks like
The riser stays up after the zone shuts off.
What causes it
Dirt or grass stuck around the riser, a weak spring, or water still draining through the head.
How it is fixed
Clean around the wiper seal, flush the head, and replace it if the spring is weak.
Problem 7: Water Pooling at the Lowest Head
Water draining out of the lowest head after the zone shuts off is called low-head drainage. It is common on sloped yards. A check valve in the head can stop it. See our guide on low-head drainage.
Matching Replacement Heads
When replacing a head, match the brand, pop-up height and nozzle type where possible. Mixing heads with different flow rates on the same zone leads to uneven watering. If the original model is no longer available, use one with a similar flow and throw.
Why Head Repairs Matter in Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s watering rules list missing, misaligned or broken sprinkler heads as a source of water waste. Keeping heads in good shape helps you stay within the rules and makes the most of your two watering days each week.
Preventing Head Damage
- Mow with care near heads and keep blades set at a reasonable height.
- Edge by hand around heads in beds and along walks.
- Keep grass trimmed around heads so they are visible and spray freely.
- Check heads each spring and after any work in the yard.
When to Call a Technician
If you have many heads to replace, heads that keep breaking in the same spot, or head problems combined with low pressure or leaks, our sprinkler repair service can handle it in one visit.
Head problems are only one part of the picture. Our homeowner’s guide to sprinkler repair covers leaks, valves, controllers and freeze damage as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a sprinkler head is broken?
Look for gushing water, a head that will not pop up, a cracked cap or body, or a riser that is snapped off.
Why do my sprinkler heads sink over time?
Soil settles and thatch builds up around heads. On clay, soil movement also shifts heads. Raising them to grade restores coverage.
Can I mix spray heads and rotors on one zone?
It is best not to. They apply water at very different rates, so one area gets far more water than another.
Why is my new sprinkler head spraying poorly?
Debris may have entered the line during the repair. Remove the nozzle, flush the riser, clean the screen and reinstall it.
Heads Broken, Sunken or Misaimed?
If your sprinkler heads need attention, our technicians can repair, raise, adjust or replace them so your whole lawn gets watered evenly.
Request Service or call 817-500-0444
We serve homes throughout Fort Worth and nearby Tarrant County communities.