Capping off a sprinkler head may not be on top of your to-do list, but it’s a crucial step to ensure your lawn irrigation system runs smoothly. A capped sprinkler head prevents water from leaking out when it’s not in use, saving you money on your water bill and keeping your yard looking lush and green. It also protects the sprinkler head from damage due to freezing temperatures or debris, extending its lifespan and saving you the cost of frequent replacements.
If you’re new to sprinkler system maintenance, don’t fret. Capping a sprinkler head is a straightforward task that you can easily accomplish with a few simple tools. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful capping job. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, this guide will empower you to maintain your sprinkler system like a pro.
Before you embark on the capping process, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a sprinkler head cap, which can be found at most hardware stores or online retailers. You’ll also need a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to tighten the cap securely. Additionally, if you’re dealing with a stubborn or damaged sprinkler head, you may need to use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the old cap off.
Identify the Type of Sprinkler Head
Before you can cap a sprinkler head, you need to identify the type of sprinkler head you have. There are two main types of sprinkler heads:
- Pop-up sprinkler heads are the most common type of sprinkler head. They are typically made of plastic or metal and are installed in the ground. When the water pressure is turned on, the sprinkler head pops up and sprays water in a circular pattern.
- Fixed sprinkler heads are another type of sprinkler head. They are typically made of metal and are installed on a pipe or riser. Fixed sprinkler heads spray water in a fixed pattern.
To identify the type of sprinkler head you have, look at the shape of the head. Pop-up sprinkler heads are typically round or square, while fixed sprinkler heads are typically rectangular or triangular. You can also look at the way the sprinkler head is installed. Pop-up sprinkler heads are installed in the ground, while fixed sprinkler heads are installed on a pipe or riser.
If you are not sure what type of sprinkler head you have, you can consult your sprinkler system’s manual or contact a professional sprinkler installer.
Gather Necessary Tools
To cap a sprinkler head, you will need the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Sprinkler head cap
- Duct tape
Tools Specifications
Here are some specifications for each of the tools you will need:
Adjustable Wrench:
– Type: Crescent wrench
– Size: 6-inch or 8-inch
Screwdriver:
– Type: Phillips head screwdriver
– Size: #2 or #3
Pliers:
– Type: Needle-nose pliers
– Size: 5-inch or 6-inch
Sprinkler Head Cap:
– Size: 1.5-inch or 0.75-inch
– Material: Plastic or metal
Duct Tape:
– Color: Black or gray
– Width: 1-inch or 2-inch
Turn Off Water Supply
Before you attempt to cap your sprinkler head, it is essential to turn off the water supply. This will prevent unexpected water from spraying out when you start working.
Step 1: Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Typically, the main water shut-off valve is located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. It is often a large, round valve with a handle or lever. If you have a private well, the shut-off valve might be located near the pressure tank.
Step 2: Check the Shut-Off Valve
Ensure that the water shut-off valve is securely closed. Turn the handle or lever clockwise until it stops. If the valve is difficult to turn, use a wrench or pliers for assistance. It is also important to check for any leaks around the valve. If you notice any leaks, tighten the packing nut or replace the valve washer.
Step 3: Confirm Water Pressure Release
Once the shut-off valve is closed, open a faucet or sprinkler head to release any remaining water pressure in the pipes. This will prevent water from spraying out when the sprinkler head is capped.
Adjust Pop-Up Height
Adjusting the pop-up height of your sprinkler heads ensures they water the desired areas effectively. Follow these steps to make the adjustment:
- Locate the adjustment screw on the sprinkler head. It’s typically located on the top or side of the head.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or other suitable tool to turn the screw clockwise to lower the head or counterclockwise to raise it.
- Turn the screw incrementally, checking the height as you go.
- Aim for a height that allows the spray pattern to reach the desired areas without overwatering or missing any spots.
- If the screw is too loose, the head may not pop up properly. If it’s too tight, it may not fully retract.
- Adjust all the sprinkler heads within the same zone to the same height to ensure even watering.
| Adjustment screw location | Tool required | Adjustment direction |
|---|---|---|
| Top or side of sprinkler head | Flathead screwdriver | Clockwise to lower, Counterclockwise to raise |
Tighten Everything Down
The last step is to tighten everything down. Use a wrench to tighten the bonnet nut, which is the large nut at the top of the sprinkler head. Tighten it until it is snug, but be careful not to overtighten it. Once the bonnet nut is tightened, use a screwdriver to tighten the set screw, which is the small screw located on the side of the sprinkler head. Tighten the set screw until it is snug.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for tightening everything down:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a wrench that is the correct size for the nut. | Using a wrench that is too small or too large can damage the nut or the wrench. |
| Tighten the nut until it is snug, but be careful not to overtighten it. | Overtightening the nut can damage the sprinkler head. |
| Use a screwdriver that is the correct size for the set screw. | Using a screwdriver that is too small or too large can damage the set screw or the sprinkler head. |
| Tighten the set screw until it is snug, but be careful not to overtighten it. | Overtightening the set screw can damage the sprinkler head. |
Turn On Water Supply
Once you have located the water supply valve, it’s time to turn it on. Here are the steps to follow:
- Locate the valve: The water supply valve is typically located near the sprinkler system’s backflow preventer. It may be underground or above ground.
- Turn the valve clockwise: Using a wrench or pliers, turn the valve clockwise to open it. Do not overtighten it.
- Check for leaks: Once the valve is open, check for any leaks around the valve or in the piping. If you find any leaks, close the valve and tighten the appropriate connections.
- Turn on the system: Once you have confirmed that there are no leaks, you can turn on the sprinkler system by opening the valve that controls the water flow to the sprinklers.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a wrench or pliers for better grip | Using a wrench or pliers will give you more leverage to turn the valve, especially if it is stuck or rusted. |
| Turn the valve slowly | Turning the valve slowly will help prevent damage to the valve or piping. |
| Check for leaks after opening the valve | Checking for leaks will help you identify any potential problems before turning on the sprinkler system, saving you water and potential damage. |
Check for Leaks
Once you’ve capped the sprinkler head, it’s essential to check for leaks to ensure the repair was successful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to check for leaks:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. | Turn on the water supply to the sprinkler system. |
| 2. | Observe the capped sprinkler head for any signs of water leaking. |
| 3. | If no leaks are visible, use a tissue or paper towel to gently dab around the base of the cap. |
| 4. | If the tissue or paper towel becomes wet, it indicates a leak. |
| 5. | If a leak is detected, tighten the cap further using a wrench or pliers. |
| 6. | Repeat steps 2-5 until no leaks are observed. |
| 7. | Allow the system to run for a few minutes to ensure no additional leaks develop. |
| 8. | If the leak persists after tightening the cap, there may be a more significant issue with the sprinkler head or the supply line. |
| 9. | In such cases, it’s recommended to consult a professional for further troubleshooting and repair. |
1. Remove the sprinkler head.
To remove the sprinkler head, you will need to use a pair of pliers. Grip the sprinkler head with the pliers and twist it counterclockwise. The sprinkler head should come off easily. If it does not, you may need to use a wrench to loosen it.
2. Clean the sprinkler head.
Once the sprinkler head is removed, you should clean it. You can clean the sprinkler head with a brush and water. If the sprinkler head is very dirty, you may need to use a mild detergent to clean it.
3. Inspect the sprinkler head.
Once the sprinkler head is clean, you should inspect it for damage. If the sprinkler head is damaged, you will need to replace it. You can find replacement sprinkler heads at your local hardware store.
4. Install the sprinkler head.
To install the sprinkler head, you will need to thread it onto the sprinkler body. Once the sprinkler head is threaded onto the sprinkler body, you will need to tighten it. You can tighten the sprinkler head with a pair of pliers.
5. Adjust the sprinkler head.
Once the sprinkler head is installed, you will need to adjust it. You can adjust the sprinkler head by rotating it. The sprinkler head should be adjusted so that it is spraying water in the desired direction.
6. Troubleshooting Tips
1. The sprinkler head is not spraying water.
If the sprinkler head is not spraying water, there are a few things that you can check. First, check to make sure that the water supply is turned on. Second, check to make sure that the sprinkler head is not clogged. Third, check to make sure that the sprinkler head is adjusted properly.
2. The sprinkler head is spraying water in the wrong direction.
If the sprinkler head is spraying water in the wrong direction, you will need to adjust it. You can adjust the sprinkler head by rotating it. The sprinkler head should be adjusted so that it is spraying water in the desired direction.
3. The sprinkler head is leaking.
If the sprinkler head is leaking, you will need to replace it. You can find replacement sprinkler heads at your local hardware store.
4. The sprinkler head is broken.
If the sprinkler head is broken, you will need to replace it. You can find replacement sprinkler heads at your local hardware store.
5. The sprinkler head is stuck.
If the sprinkler head is stuck, you will need to use a pair of pliers to remove it. Grip the sprinkler head with the pliers and twist it counterclockwise. The sprinkler head should come off easily. If it does not, you may need to use a wrench to loosen it.
6. The sprinkler head is not rotating.
If the sprinkler head is not rotating, there are a few things that you can check. First, check to make sure that the water supply is turned on. Second, check to make sure that the sprinkler head is not clogged. Third, check to make sure that the sprinkler head is adjusted properly. Fourth, check to make sure that the sprinkler head is not damaged.
7. The sprinkler head is spraying water too far.
If the sprinkler head is spraying water too far, you will need to adjust it. You can adjust the sprinkler head by rotating it. The sprinkler head should be adjusted so that it is spraying water in the desired direction.
8. The sprinkler head is spraying water too close.
If the sprinkler head is spraying water too close, you will need to adjust it. You can adjust the sprinkler head by rotating it. The sprinkler head should be adjusted so that it is spraying water in the desired direction.
9. The sprinkler head is not spraying water evenly.
If the sprinkler head is not spraying water evenly, you will need to adjust it. You can adjust the sprinkler head by rotating it. The sprinkler head should be adjusted so that it is spraying water in the desired direction.
10. The sprinkler head is not spraying water at all.
If the sprinkler head is not spraying water at all, there are a few things that you can check. First, check to make sure that the water supply is turned on. If the water supply is turned on,
1. Check to make sure that there is no debris blocking the sprinkler head.
2. Check to make sure that the sprinkler head is not damaged.
3. Check to make sure that the sprinkler head is properly installed.
4. If the sprinkler head is not spraying water after checking all of these things, you may need to replace it.
How to Cap a Sprinkler Head
Capping a sprinkler head is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. It is important to cap sprinkler heads when they are not in use to prevent water from leaking out of the system. Capping the sprinkler heads will also help to prevent damage to the sprinkler heads from freezing temperatures.
To cap a sprinkler head, you will need a sprinkler head cap. Sprinkler head caps are available at most hardware stores. Once you have a sprinkler head cap, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
- Find the sprinkler head that you want to cap.
- Unscrew the sprinkler head from the riser pipe.
- Screw the sprinkler head cap onto the riser pipe.
- Turn on the water supply to the sprinkler system.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my sprinkler head needs to be capped?
If you see water leaking from the sprinkler head, then it needs to be capped. You should also cap sprinkler heads if they are not in use.
What type of cap do I need for my sprinkler head?
There are two types of sprinkler head caps: male and female. Male caps are used on male sprinkler heads, and female caps are used on female sprinkler heads. You can determine the gender of your sprinkler head by looking at the threads on the riser pipe. If the threads are on the inside of the pipe, then you need a male cap. If the threads are on the outside of the pipe, then you need a female cap.
Where can I buy a sprinkler head cap?
Sprinkler head caps are available at most hardware stores.
