Blocking sprinklers can be a necessary evil for homeowners. Whether you’re trying to save water, prevent damage to your lawn, or simply avoid getting wet, there are a few easy ways to block your sprinklers. In this article, we’ll show you how to block sprinklers using three simple methods. These methods are effective and easy to follow, so you can get your sprinklers blocked in no time.
The first method involves using a golf tee. Simply insert the golf tee into the nozzle of the sprinkler head. This will block the water flow and prevent the sprinkler from spraying. This method is quick and easy, but it may not be effective for all types of sprinklers. For example, it may not work well for sprinklers with adjustable nozzles. However, it’s a good option for a quick and easy solution.
The second method involves using a piece of tape. Simply wrap a piece of tape over the nozzle of the sprinkler head. This will also block the water flow and prevent the sprinkler from spraying. This method is also quick and easy, and it’s effective for all types of sprinklers. However, it may not be as durable as the golf tee method. If the tape gets wet, it may come off and the sprinkler will start spraying again.
Identifying the Sprinkler’s Location
Identifying the location of the sprinkler is crucial before blocking it. This process may vary depending on the type of sprinkler system installed in your property. Here are some detailed steps to guide you:
Subsurface Sprinkler Systems
For subsurface sprinkler systems, the sprinklers are installed underground and pop up when activated. To locate them, observe your lawn during watering. The areas where water is emerging from the ground will indicate the sprinkler heads’ locations.
Above-Ground Sprinkler Systems
Above-ground sprinkler systems consist of visible sprinkler heads mounted on risers. Simply walk around your property and locate the sprinkler heads dispersed throughout the lawn or garden.
Identifying Specific Sprinkler Heads
To pinpoint a specific sprinkler head, turn on the sprinkler system and observe the water flow. Follow the trajectory of the water stream until you locate the sprinkler head responsible for watering a particular area.
Once you have identified the sprinkler heads, you can move on to the next step of blocking them.
Locating the Sprinkler’s Water Source
Identifying the origin of your sprinkler’s water supply is crucial before implementing any blocking methods. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you locate the water source:
1. Inspect the Sprinkler Head
Start by examining the sprinkler head. Check for a small access point or valve cover near the base of the head. Opening this cover may reveal a pipe or tube that leads to the water source.
2. Trace the Pipes and Lines
Follow the pipes or tubes connected to the sprinkler head. They will typically lead to a central point where the water supply originates. This could be a valve box, a backflow preventer, or even a water main pipe.
Common Locations to Check:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Valve Box | A buried box containing a valve that controls water flow to the sprinkler system. |
| Backflow Preventer | A device installed near the water source to prevent water from flowing back into the main water supply. |
| Water Main Pipe | The main pipe that supplies water to the property. It usually runs along the perimeter of the yard. |
3. Check for a Water Meter
If you don’t find any visible pipes or lines, locate your water meter. It’s typically installed in the basement, garage, or utility room. The meter will have a dial or display that indicates water consumption. Close all water sources inside the house, except the sprinkler system. If the meter continues to run, it suggests that the sprinkler system draws water from there.
4. Consult with a Professional
If you’re unable to locate the water source on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber or irrigation technician. They possess the expertise and tools to accurately identify and address the issue.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
To turn off the water supply to your sprinklers, follow these steps:
- Locate the water supply valve for your sprinklers. It is typically located near the front of your house, in the ground. It may be covered with a small plastic cap.
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. You may need to use a wrench to tighten the valve.
- Once the valve is turned off, check to make sure that the water has stopped flowing. You can do this by turning on a sprinkler head and checking to see if there is any water coming out.
| Valve Type | Steps |
|---|---|
| Gate Valve | Turn the valve clockwise using a wrench or key. |
| Ball Valve | Turn the valve handle a quarter turn clockwise. |
| Butterfly Valve | Turn the valve handle 90 degrees to the closed position. |
Once you have shut off the water supply, you can proceed to block off the sprinkler heads. This will prevent water from flowing out of the sprinkler heads when the system is turned back on.
Removing the Sprinkler Head
To remove the sprinkler head, first locate the screw that holds it in place. This screw is typically located on the side or top of the sprinkler head. Once you have found the screw, use a screwdriver to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as this can damage the sprinkler head.
Once the screw is loose, you can gently pull the sprinkler head straight up to remove it. If the sprinkler head is stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.
Once the sprinkler head is removed, you will see the sprinkler body. The sprinkler body is the part of the sprinkler that is connected to the water supply pipe. To remove the sprinkler body, you will need to use a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds it in place.
Once the nut is loose, you can gently pull the sprinkler body straight up to remove it. If the sprinkler body is stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.
With the sprinkler body removed, you will have access to the sprinkler valve. The sprinkler valve is the part of the sprinkler that controls the flow of water to the sprinkler head. To remove the sprinkler valve, you will need to use a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds it in place.
Once the nut is loose, you can gently pull the sprinkler valve straight up to remove it. If the sprinkler valve is stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.
With the sprinkler valve removed, you will have access to the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe is the part of the sprinkler system that supplies water to the sprinkler head. To remove the water supply pipe, you will need to use a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds it in place.
Once the nut is loose, you can gently pull the water supply pipe straight up to remove it. If the water supply pipe is stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.
Capping the Sprinkler Pipe
Capping the sprinkler pipe is a simple and effective way to block a sprinkler. This can be useful if you are having problems with a sprinkler head, if you are doing maintenance on your sprinkler system, or if you simply want to turn off a sprinkler for a period of time. To cap a sprinkler pipe, you will need a cap that fits the size of your pipe. You can find caps at most hardware stores. Once you have a cap, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply. This is important to do before you start working on your sprinkler system. You can usually turn off the water supply at the main valve for your house.
Step 2: Remove the sprinkler head. This can be done by unscrewing the head from the pipe. If the head is stuck, you may need to use a wrench to loosen it.
Step 3: Clean the pipe threads. Once the sprinkler head is removed, you will need to clean the threads on the pipe. You can do this with a wire brush or a pipe cleaner.
Step 4: Apply sealant to the threads. This will help to create a watertight seal between the cap and the pipe.
Step 5: Install the cap. Once you have applied sealant to the threads, you can install the cap. Screw the cap onto the pipe until it is hand-tight. Then, use a wrench to tighten the cap an additional 1/4 turn.
| Type of Sprinkler Pipe | Cap Size |
|---|---|
| 1/2-inch pipe | 1/2-inch cap |
| 3/4-inch pipe | 3/4-inch cap |
| 1-inch pipe | 1-inch cap |
Sealing the Hole in the Lawn
To effectively block a sprinkler, addressing the hole in the lawn is crucial. Follow these steps for a thorough seal:
1. Remove Remaining Sprinkler Parts:
Begin by removing any remaining sprinkler components from the hole, such as the head, riser, and pipe. Use pliers or a wrench to disconnect and extract these elements.
2. Clean the Hole:
Thoroughly clean the hole by removing any loose soil, debris, or grass clippings using a brush or water spray. This will help ensure a proper seal.
3. Apply Landscape Fabric:
Cut a piece of landscape fabric slightly larger than the hole’s diameter. Place the fabric over the hole and secure it with landscape pins or stakes around the perimeter.
4. Fill the Hole with Topsoil:
Fill the hole with high-quality topsoil and tamp it down firmly to create a dense base for the patch.
5. Create a Soil Mound:
Form a small mound of soil over the filled hole, ensuring it is slightly raised above the surrounding lawn level. This will allow for soil settling and prevent puddles.
6. Seed and Fertilize the Patch:
Broadcast grass seed evenly over the soil mound and lightly press it into the soil. Water the area thoroughly to aid germination. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote root growth and establish a healthy lawn.
The following table summarizes the steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove remaining sprinkler parts |
| 2 | Clean the hole |
| 3 | Apply landscape fabric |
| 4 | Fill the hole with topsoil |
| 5 | Create a soil mound |
| 6 | Seed and fertilize the patch |
Re-attaching the Sprinkler Head
Once the blockage is cleared, it’s time to reattach the sprinkler head. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
2. Remove the old sprinkler head by gently pulling it upwards.
3. Clean the threads on both the sprinkler head and the riser pipe using a wire brush or a cloth.
4. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the new sprinkler head.
5. Screw the new sprinkler head onto the riser pipe by hand, then tighten it using a wrench.
6. Turn on the water supply to the sprinkler system.
7. Adjust the sprinkler head to ensure proper coverage.
| Additional Tips for Re-attaching the Sprinkler Head |
|---|
|
Turning the Water Supply Back On
Once you have completed the repairs, it is time to turn the water supply back on. Follow these steps:
- Locate the water supply valve: This valve is usually located near the sprinkler system’s main control valve.
- Slowly open the valve: Turn the valve clockwise until it is fully open.
- Check for leaks: Inspect all of the connections in the system for leaks. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the damaged parts.
- Turn on the sprinkler system: Turn on the main control valve to start the sprinkler system.
- Adjust the sprinklers: As the sprinklers start to run, adjust the heads to ensure that they are watering the desired areas.
- Check the timer: Make sure that the sprinkler timer is set correctly to water your lawn on the desired schedule.
- Monitor the system: Run the sprinkler system for a few minutes to make sure that it is working properly.
- Turn off the water supply: Once you are satisfied with the system’s operation, turn off the water supply valve.
Additional Tips for Turning the Water Supply Back On
- If you cannot locate the water supply valve, consult the sprinkler system’s manual or contact a professional.
- If you find any leaks, do not attempt to repair them yourself. Contact a professional plumber to fix the leaks.
- If the sprinkler system does not start running when you turn on the main control valve, check the timer to make sure that it is set correctly. You may also need to reset the timer.
- If the sprinkler system is not working properly, consult the sprinkler system’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.
Checking for Leaks
Detecting leaks in your sprinkler system is crucial to prevent water wastage and potential damage to your property. Here are some comprehensive steps to identify and address leaks:
Turn On the System and Observe
Activate your sprinkler system and thoroughly inspect each sprinkler head and valve for any visible water leaks or seepage. Check both the base of the sprinkler head and the connection to the riser.
Check for Wet or Soggy Areas
Examine your lawn or garden for unusually wet or soggy areas, particularly around sprinkler heads. These may indicate leaks underground or in the connection to the main water line.
Valve Box Inspection
Open valve boxes and check for leaks around the valves. Look for dripping water or moisture buildup on the valve stems or pipes.
Pressure Gauge Monitoring
Install a pressure gauge on your main water line and observe the pressure when the sprinkler system is running. A sudden drop in pressure may indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
Riser Examination
Inspect sprinkler risers for cracks, bends, or breaks. Ensure that risers are secure and not loose, as this can cause leaks at the connection to the sprinkler head.
Emitter Inspection
Check sprinkler emitters for clogged nozzles or damaged diaphragms. These issues can lead to uneven water distribution and potential leaks.
Hose Connections
Examine all hose connections to the sprinkler system for leaks. Tighten any loose connections or replace defective hoses.
Flow Sensor Monitoring
If your sprinkler system is equipped with a flow sensor, monitor its readings. A sudden increase in flow rate may indicate a leak.
Underground Leak Detection
For buried sprinkler lines, consider using soil moisture sensors or infrared cameras to detect leaks that may not be visible above ground.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. No Water Flow
Check if the water supply is turned on. If it is, inspect the sprinkler head for clogs or debris. Remove any obstructions and try again.
2. Sprinkler Not Rotating
The sprinkler head may be clogged or jammed. Clean it thoroughly and ensure that no debris is blocking its movement.
3. Sprinkler Spraying Unevenly
Adjust the sprinkler head to ensure that it is spraying evenly. Check the water pressure and make sure it is consistent throughout the sprinkler system.
4. Sprinkler Leaking
Inspect the sprinkler head for cracks or damage. Replace it if necessary. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.
5. Sprinkler Not Watering a Specific Area
Adjust the sprinkler head to cover the desired area. Check the sprinkler coverage pattern and make sure it meets your needs.
6. Sprinkler Spraying Too Far
Adjust the sprinkler head to reduce the spray distance. Replace the nozzle with one that produces a shorter spray pattern.
7. Sprinkler Spraying Too Low
Adjust the sprinkler head to increase the spray height. Replace the nozzle with one that produces a higher spray pattern.
8. Sprinkler Overwatering
Reduce the watering frequency or duration. Adjust the sprinkler head to cover a smaller area or use a lower-flow nozzle.
9. Sprinkler Head Not Popping Up
Check if the sprinkler head is clogged with dirt or debris. Clean it and ensure that it is able to move freely.
10. Sprinkler Control Valve Not Working
Inspect the control valve for damage or clogs. Clean or replace it as necessary. Ensure that the electrical connections are secure and the valve is receiving power.
| Troubleshooting Common Sprinkler Issues |
|—|—|
| Issue | Possible Causes |
|—|—|
| No water flow | Water supply off, clogged sprinkler head |
| Sprinkler not rotating | Clogged or jammed sprinkler head |
| Sprinkler spraying unevenly | Misalignment, inconsistent water pressure |
| Sprinkler leaking | Cracks or damage to sprinkler head, loose connections |
| Sprinkler not watering specific area | Improper alignment, inadequate coverage pattern |
| Sprinkler spraying too far | Nozzle too large, high water pressure |
| Sprinkler spraying too low | Nozzle too small, low water pressure |
| Sprinkler overwatering | Excessive watering frequency or duration |
| Sprinkler head not popping up | Clogged sprinkler head, restricted movement |
| Sprinkler control valve not working | Valve damage or clogs, electrical issues |
How to Block a Sprinkler
There are several ways to block a sprinkler. One way is to use a sprinkler head cover. These covers are available at most hardware stores and are easy to install. Simply remove the sprinkler head and replace it with the cover.
Another way to block a sprinkler is to use a plug. Plugs are also available at most hardware stores and are inserted into the sprinkler head to prevent water from flowing out.
If you need to block a sprinkler temporarily, you can use a garden hose. Simply connect the hose to the sprinkler head and turn on the water. This will create a seal that will prevent water from flowing out of the sprinkler.
People Also Ask
How do I adjust the spray pattern of my sprinkler?
The spray pattern of a sprinkler can be adjusted by changing the angle of the sprinkler head. Most sprinkler heads have a screw that can be loosened to adjust the angle. Once the screw is loosened, you can rotate the sprinkler head to the desired angle.
How do I troubleshoot a sprinkler that is not working?
There are several things that can cause a sprinkler to not work. First, check to make sure that the water supply is turned on. Next, check the sprinkler head for any debris that may be blocking the water flow. Finally, check the wiring to the sprinkler head to make sure that it is not damaged.
How do I winterize my sprinklers?
To winterize your sprinklers, you need to blow out all of the water from the system. This can be done using a air compressor. Once the water is blown out, you can disconnect the sprinkler heads and store them in a warm place.
