How to Fix a Leaking Sprinkler Head
A leaking sprinkler head wastes water, raises your bill, and can damage your landscape. Learn how to identify the problem and fix it quickly, or when to call in professional help.
Common Causes of Leaking Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads leak for several reasons, and identifying the exact cause helps you determine whether it's a simple DIY fix or requires professional attention. In Arizona's intense sun and temperature extremes, plastic components degrade faster than in milder climates.
1. Worn O-Rings or Seals
The rubber O-ring inside the sprinkler head creates a watertight seal. Over time, heat, chemicals, and pressure cause these rings to crack, shrink, or become brittle. Water seeps out around the base of the head even when the system is off.
Solution: Unscrew the head, remove the old O-ring, clean the groove, and install a new O-ring of the correct size. O-ring kits are available at hardware stores for just a few dollars.
2. Cracked Nozzle or Head Body
Arizona's UV exposure and temperature swings cause plastic to become brittle. Lawn mowers, foot traffic, or freezing temperatures (rare but possible) can crack the head body or nozzle, creating visible leaks during operation.
Solution: Replace the entire sprinkler head. Attempting to patch cracks with sealant rarely works long-term and can worsen the problem.
3. Loose Connection
If the sprinkler head isn't screwed tightly onto the riser pipe, water leaks from the threads. Vibration from water pressure or ground settling can loosen connections over time.
Solution: Turn off the water, hand-tighten the head clockwise, and use a wrench if needed (but don't overtighten, which can crack the threads). Wrap Teflon tape around the threads for a better seal.
4. Debris in the Seal
Sand, dirt, or small rocks can lodge between the seal and the head body, preventing a tight seal. This is especially common after system repairs or in areas with sandy soil.
Solution: Remove the head, clean all surfaces thoroughly, flush the riser to clear debris, and reinstall with a new O-ring if the old one shows wear.
5. Damaged Riser Pipe
If water pools around the head but the head itself looks intact, the PVC riser pipe underground may be cracked. This requires excavation and pipe replacement.
Solution: Professional repair is recommended. Digging up and replacing underground pipes without damaging surrounding lines requires experience and proper tools.
Step-by-Step Repair Guide
For simple leaks caused by worn O-rings or loose connections, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water: Shut off the irrigation system at the controller and the main valve to prevent flooding.
- Unscrew the head: Turn the sprinkler head counterclockwise by hand. If it's stuck, use pliers with a cloth to avoid scratching.
- Inspect for damage: Check the head body, nozzle, and O-ring for cracks, wear, or debris.
- Replace worn parts: Install a new O-ring or replace the entire head if cracked. Clean all surfaces before reassembly.
- Reinstall and test: Screw the head back on firmly (use Teflon tape on threads), turn the water back on, and check for leaks.
When to Call a Professional
While replacing O-rings and tightening connections are straightforward DIY tasks, some situations require professional expertise:
- Water pooling around the head with no visible damage (indicates underground pipe leak)
- Multiple heads leaking on the same zone (suggests valve or pressure problems)
- Leaks that persist after replacing the head and O-ring
- Cracked riser pipes requiring excavation
- Uncertainty about which parts to buy or how to proceed
Why Choose Arizona Irrigation Repair?
- Fast diagnosis and repair of all sprinkler head leaks
- 29+ years of experience with Arizona irrigation systems
- Licensed, insured, and family-owned
- Same-day service available throughout Phoenix Metro
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix a leaking sprinkler head?
First, identify the leak source - it could be a cracked nozzle, damaged seal, or loose connection. Turn off the water, unscrew the head, inspect for cracks or worn O-rings, replace damaged parts, and reinstall. If the leak persists, the riser pipe may be cracked and require professional repair.
Can I temporarily stop a leaking sprinkler head?
Yes, you can cap the leaking head by unscrewing it and installing a threaded cap until you can make permanent repairs. This prevents water waste but leaves that area without irrigation.
What causes sprinkler heads to leak?
Common causes include worn O-rings or seals, cracked nozzles from sun damage, loose connections, debris preventing proper sealing, or damaged riser pipes underground.
Should I replace or repair a leaking sprinkler head?
If only the O-ring or seal is worn, replacement parts cost just a few dollars. However, if the head body is cracked or the internal mechanism is damaged, replacing the entire head is more cost-effective and reliable.
Stop Wasting Water Today
Don't let a leaking sprinkler head damage your landscape or inflate your water bill. Our experts fix leaks fast.