Broken Sprinkler Head

Sprinkler head broken or leaking? Learn how to replace it yourself and typical repair costs ($50–$150).

Typical repair cost: $50–$150 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 15–30 minutes.

What usually causes it

• Lawnmower damage
• Foot traffic
• Freezing temperatures
• Age and wear
• Vehicle damage

What you need

• Replacement sprinkler head
• Small shovel
• Teflon tape

How to fix it yourself

1. Turn off the irrigation system
2. Dig around the broken head to expose the riser
3. Unscrew the broken sprinkler head counterclockwise
4. Wrap the riser threads with Teflon tape
5. Screw on the new sprinkler head (match the type: pop-up, rotor, etc.)
6. Turn on the system and check spray pattern — adjust as needed

When to call a pro

If the riser pipe is cracked or if you need to adjust zone coverage for an entire sprinkler system.

Get a fixed price from a local pro