How to Clean Sprinkler Heads

Co-authored by Maggie Moran

Last Updated: October 4, 2022

Don't let your lawn suffer from a clogged sprinkler head. Debris, hard water buildup, and rust can inhibit your sprinkler from evenly distributing water, leaving your lawn with dry spots while flooding other areas. You will soon be able to get your sprinkler working like new again and have your lawn back to being the envy of the neighborhood.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Clearing Debris

1
Wipe the sprinkler head clean. Disconnect the unit from the water hose. Use a dry cloth to wipe the head of your sprinkler. Wipe it clean of any dirt, mud, silt, or other organic material.
2
Inspect the sprinkler head. Pay special attention to openings in which the water is forced through the sprinklers, and check for any obstructions. Rocks, mud, insects, and lawn clippings are often the culprits and are easily removed.^{[1]
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3
Dislodge debris with a paper clip. Bend one end of a paper clip or piece of wire and carefully insert into the opening of the sprinkler head. Often this is enough to dislodge dirt and other debris that has built up in the small openings of an oscillating sprinkler.
4
Rinse clean with the disconnected water hose. For more expensive irrigation systems, you may need to physically take apart the sprinkler head to do this. These systems often contain internal screens that you do not want to puncture by inserting an object directly into the sprinkler head.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Rust and Mineral Buildup

1
Place the sprinkler head in a bucket. Disconnect the sprinkler head. Place it into a bucket or plastic bag. Your container should be large enough to fully submerge the sprinkler head.
2
Apply a rust remover on the sprinkler head. Cover the unit completely in a common household rust remover. These cleaners often will tackle calcium build up and other minerals that are common in water supplies.^{[3]
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3
Soak it for about 30 minutes. Soak the sprinkler head in hot water to further loosen grime and buildup.
4
Scrub off any remaining buildup. Use a hard, bristled brush to remove any buildup from the sprinkler head. Then, rinse it with clean water.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Further Clogs

1
Lubricate any moving parts. Grease all exposed moving parts after cleaning with any lubricant that does not create buildup, such as WD40.^{[5]
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2
Clear the area around the sprinkler head. If the head is embedded in the ground, remove any grass or weeds that are too close to the unit. If the sprinkler is above ground, make sure it is on a level surface with no obstructions. Try placing a board underneath your sprinkler to give it more stability and prevent its components from directly coming into contact with dirt and future debris.
3
Clean sprinkler heads regularly. Clean them at least twice a year. It is most important to do so before storing for the winter, in order to keep them working in ideal conditions. This will help prevent major clogging, and your lawn will thank you.^{[6]
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- If you still have poor water distribution, a clog may not be the only problem.
- Check your water pressure and for any kinks in the hose which interfere with your sprinkler's ability to function properly.

Expert Q&A

Question

How long does a sprinkler head last in a sprinkler system?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

If the system is installed and maintained properly, a good quality sprinkler head should last 10-15 years.
Question

What does it mean when a sprinkler head is loaded?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

If the sprinkler head is covered in dust, dirt, grime or any other obstacle, it is considered loaded.
Question

What is a fire sprinkler escutcheon?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

They provide a filler to go around the sprinkler head that pokes through the drop ceiling, providing a neat visual look.