You might have had an accident with a lawnmower or vehicle if you have sprinklers in your yard.It is easier to make sure they don't get damaged than it is to replace them.You can keep your sprinkler heads safe by installing a sprinkler donut and trimming and cleaning them.
Step 1: Measure the diameter of the sprinkler head.
Measure across the top of the sprinkler head to find out how large of a sprinkler donut you need.You need a sprinkler donut with at least 2 inch (13mm) of extra space on each side.
Step 2: Purchase donuts for each sprinkler.
As an added layer of protection, sprinkler donuts wrap around your sprinkler heads.They are made from a variety of materials.You should find a donut that is the right size for your sprinkler heads.There are Sprinkler donuts available at any lawn care store.Plastic will float away after heavy rains.
Step 3: The donut should be in the center of the sprinkler.
Put the sprinkler head in the hole at the center of the donut.Push the donut down with your foot to keep it in place.
Step 4: Cut 1 to 1.5 inches deep around the donut with a spade.
You can cut the turf with a spade or shovel if you hold the donut to the ground.It is easier to remove the grass if you go all the way around the donut.You can put a foot on the donut with a long-handled tool.
Step 5: The area has grass and dirt.
The area you cut has a donut in it.You can loosen the turf plug by using a spade or trowel.Once it is mostly gone, use your hands to clear any dirt or grass from the area.Whatever tool you choose, be gentle with it.You don't want to damage the sprinkler in the middle.
Step 6: The donut should be in the hole.
Push the donut into the dirt with your hands.Push with your foot to compact the dirt to make sure the donut is firmly in place.The top of the donut should flush with the soil.Since you cut along the edges of the donut, there shouldn't be any extra space that you need to fill in.
Step 7: There are sprinklers so place flags in the ground.
Keeping flags in the area where your sprinklers are will remind you to use caution.Any hardware store or lawn care store can sell plastic yard flags.
Step 8: It's normal to mow over a donut.
There should be no problem running a mower over the area since the donut surrounds the sprinkler.When you mow the lawn, be aware of where the tires are so they don't run over the sprinkler.If you don't like mowing over a sprinkler, use a weed whacker.
Step 9: You should clean the grass after you mow.
If you don't bag your grass clippings, there will be leftover in the donut.Use a leaf blower or compressed air to push the grass out before you run the sprinkler system again.Some donuts have sloped interior walls so that clippings and debris slide away from the sprinkler head.
Step 10: If the grass grows over your sprinkler, use a sprinkler head trimmer.
Any lawn care or garden store can sell sprinkler head trimmers.Push the end of the trimmer into the ground.Any grass that has grown around or over your sprinkler will be cut by the trimmer.As a long-handled tool, sprinkler head trimmers can be used as a smaller handheld tool.Either will work.It will cost more to use an electric trimmer.
Step 11: The sprinkler system should be turned off.
There is no water flowing through the sprinkler system if the valve is closed.The control panel for your system is where this may be done.
Step 12: The nozzle needs to be removed from the base.
To loosen it from the base, turn the nozzle clockwise.Set it aside once it is removed.You should bring a paper towel or rag with you when you clean to have an area to put the pieces in.You want to keep your sprinkler components in the lawn.
Step 13: The filter screen needs to be removed.
The sprinkler head has a screen that sits underneath the nozzle.Pull the screen out of the sprinkler head.There will be debris around it if it is dirty.
Step 14: Take a bowl of water and rinse off the screen.
The debris can be removed by moving the screen back and forth in a small bowl of water.You can either clean it with a cloth or your fingers.Do not use chemicals or cleaners.Residue can be sprayed across your lawn if it sticks in the filter screen.A toothbrush can be used to clean sprinkler heads.
Step 15: The system needs to be flushed out.
Before you attach the screen and nozzle again, make sure the sprinkler system is turned on.The water should flow for 1 to 2 minutes.If there is still debris, you may have to remove the base to get rid of it.
Step 16: The sprinkler needs to be put back together.
Attach the nozzle to the base of the sprinkler by turning it clockwise.If the sprinkler head runs better, run your sprinkler system.You may need to replace the head if not.