Tired of waterlogged lawns, unsightly sprinkler sprays, and wasted resources? Blockage is your solution! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to effectively block sprinklers, saving you time, money, and water. Whether you need to temporarily disable a single head or permanently modify your entire irrigation system, this article will guide you through the process with clarity and precision.
Before embarking on your sprinkler-blocking adventure, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences. While blocking sprinklers can be beneficial in specific scenarios, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on your overall lawn health. Sprinkler systems are designed to provide optimal water distribution, and blocking them can disrupt this balance, leading to dry patches and uneven coverage. Additionally, blocking sprinklers might interfere with your neighborhood’s water regulations or community guidelines. It’s always advisable to consult your local water authority or homeowners association before implementing any sprinkler modifications.
With these precautions in mind, let’s dive into the practical steps of blocking sprinklers. First, determine the type of sprinkler you have. Different sprinkler models may require specific blocking techniques. Once you’ve identified the type, gather the necessary tools. This could include a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, and a rubber plug or cap. For more permanent blocking methods, you may need additional materials like sealant or caulk. In the next section, we’ll delve into the specific methods of blocking sprinklers, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful outcome.
Identifying the Sprinkler System
The first step in blocking a sprinkler is to identify the sprinkler system. This can be done by following these steps:
- Locate the control panel for the sprinkler system. This is usually located in the garage, basement, or utility room.
- Open the control panel and look for a diagram of the sprinkler system. This diagram will show you the location of the sprinkler heads, valves, and other components.
- If you cannot find a diagram, you can trace the sprinkler lines back to the source. The source will be either a water main or a well.
- Once you have identified the sprinkler system, you can begin to block the sprinklers.
Type of Sprinkler System How to Identify In-ground sprinkler system Sprinkler heads are located in the ground, usually flush with the surface. Above-ground sprinkler system Sprinkler heads are located above the ground, on stakes or risers. Drip irrigation system Water is delivered to plants through a network of tubes and emitters. Locating the Sprinkler Box
Finding the sprinkler box is crucial for accessing and adjusting the sprinkler system. Follow these steps to locate it:
1. Inspect the lawn for a small, round cover or square box. It is typically flush with the ground and may be hidden in grass or near a sidewalk.
2. Check common locations:
– Near the house or driveway, particularly at corners or intersections.
– At the beginning or end of the property line.
– In open areas of the yard, such as the center or back of the lawn.
– Near trees, bushes, or other landscaping features.3. Use a metal detector. If you suspect the cover is buried, use a metal detector to locate it. Set the sensitivity to high and scan the ground.
4. Contact a professional electrician or plumber. If you cannot find the sprinkler box after thorough searching, it may be buried deep underground. Consult a professional to help you locate and access it.
Location Description Near house or driveway Often at corners or intersections Property line Beginning or end of the property Open areas Center or back of the lawn Landscaping features Near trees, bushes, or other features Shutting Off the Water Supply
Before you start any work on your sprinkler system, it’s important to turn off the water supply. This will prevent water from spraying out of the sprinkler heads and making a mess. To turn off the water supply, follow these steps:
- Locate the water shut-off valve for your sprinkler system. This valve is usually located near the main water supply line to your house.
- Turn the valve clockwise to close it.
- Manually shut off all zone valves if necessary. Some sprinkler systems have zone valves that control the water flow to different parts of the system. If your system has zone valves, you’ll need to shut them off as well. To do this, simply turn the handle on each valve clockwise to close it.
- Once the water supply is turned off, you can proceed to work on your sprinkler system.
Manually shut off all zone valves if necessary
Zone Location 1 Front yard 2 Back yard 3 Side yard Once you have located the zone valves, turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system by turning the valve handle clockwise. This will prevent water from flowing to the sprinkler heads and will allow you to work on the system without getting wet.
Disconnecting the Sprinkler Heads
Disconnecting the sprinkler heads is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to do it:
-
Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system. This can be done by turning off the valve that controls the water flow to the system.
-
Locate the sprinkler head that you want to disconnect. The sprinkler head is the part of the sprinkler system that sprays water onto the lawn or garden.
-
Unscrew the sprinkler head from the riser pipe. The riser pipe is the vertical pipe that connects the sprinkler head to the underground water supply line.
-
Once the sprinkler head is disconnected, you can cap the riser pipe to prevent water from leaking out. To do this, simply screw a cap onto the end of the riser pipe.
Tools Required Materials Required Wrench Sprinkler head cap Identifying the Sprinkler Valve
Locating the sprinkler valve is crucial for shutting off water flow to specific sprinkler zones or the entire system. Follow these steps to identify and access your sprinkler valve:
- Check the Owner’s Manual: If you have the original sprinkler system documentation, it should include a diagram or guide to locate the valve.
- Inspect the Meter Box: Often, sprinkler valves are installed near the water meter. Open the meter box cover and look for a large, round valve with multiple wiring connections.
- Follow the Sprinkler Line: Trace the sprinkler pipe from the main water line until you reach a point where there’s a sudden change in direction or height. This is typically the location of the valve.
- Listen for Running Water: If the sprinkler system is operating, walk around the property and listen for the sound of running water. This can indicate the presence of a valve box.
- Valve Box Details: Once you’ve located the valve box, it will typically be made of plastic or green grass. Lift the lid to reveal the sprinkler valve assembly inside.
Sprinkler Valve Components Description Valve Handle Used to manually open or close the valve Actuator Electrically powered device that opens and closes the valve automatically Flow Sensor Measures water flow and sends signals to the controller Relief Valve Releases excess pressure buildup in the system Bleed Screw Used to release trapped air from the valve Blocking the Sprinkler Valve
To block the sprinkler valve, follow these detailed steps:
- Locate the Sprinkler Valve Box: Find the green or black box in your yard where the sprinkler system’s valves are located.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Using a wrench, turn the valve on the water pipe leading into the valve box clockwise to shut off the water flow to the sprinklers.
- Open the Valve Box Lid: Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the lid of the valve box and expose the sprinkler valves.
- Identify the Valves You Want to Block: Sprinkler systems typically have multiple valves, each controlling a different zone. Determine which valves correspond to the sprinklers you want to block.
- Close the Sprinkler Valves: Use a flathead screwdriver or valve key to turn the handles of the valves clockwise to close them. This will prevent water from flowing to the sprinklers.
- Manually Block the Valves: For extra security, you can physically block the valves to ensure they stay closed. Use a hose clamp or zip tie to secure the valve handles to the valve body, preventing them from being accidentally turned on.
- Replace the Valve Box Lid: Secure the lid back onto the valve box and use the screws or bolts to tighten it in place.
Normal Valve Blocked Valve 
Installing a Sprinkler Block
Installing a sprinkler block requires some basic tools and materials, including a saw, screwdriver, and sprinkler block. Follow these steps to complete the installation:
- Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
- Locate the sprinkler head you want to block.
- Use a saw to cut the pipe leading to the sprinkler head.
- Install the sprinkler block onto the pipe using the screws provided.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
- Adjust the sprinkler block as needed to ensure it blocks the water flow to the sprinkler head.
- Once the sprinkler block is installed and working properly, you can bury it underground or cover it with mulch or other materials to conceal it.
Materials Needed
Item Quantity Sprinkler block 1 Pipe cutter 1 Screwdriver 1 Sealing the Sprinkler Valve
To seal the sprinkler valve, you will need the following materials:
- A screwdriver
- A pair of pliers
- A rag
- Waterproof sealant
- A brush
Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
2. Locate the sprinkler valve box. It is usually located in the ground near the house.
3. Remove the cover of the valve box.
4. Locate the sprinkler valve. It is a small, brass-colored valve.
5. Close the sprinkler valve by turning it clockwise with the screwdriver.
6. Apply waterproof sealant around the base of the sprinkler valve. Use the brush to smooth the sealant.
7. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
8.
Checking the Seal
– Once the sealant has dried, turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
– If you see any leaks, tighten the sealant around the base of the sprinkler valve and allow it to dry again.
– Repeat this process until the leak is sealed.
9. Replace the cover of the valve box.
10. Turn on the sprinkler system and check for proper operation.
Reassembling the Sprinkler System
Once the broken sprinkler head has been replaced, it is time to reassemble the sprinkler system. This process is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
1. Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
2. Remove the old sprinkler head.
3. Clean the threads on the sprinkler body.
4. Apply sealant to the threads on the sprinkler body.
5. Screw the new sprinkler head onto the sprinkler body.
6. Turn on the water supply to the sprinkler system.
7. Check for leaks.
If there are no leaks, the sprinkler system has been successfully reassembled. It can now be operated as normal.
9. Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble reassembling your sprinkler system, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- The sprinkler head is not spraying water evenly.
- The sprinkler head is spraying water in the wrong direction.
- The sprinkler head is not spraying water at all.
Problem Solution The sprinkler head is not sealing against the seat. Try applying more sealant to the threads. The sprinkler head is leaking. Tighten the sprinkler head. If the leak persists, replace the O-ring on the sprinkler head. The sprinkler system is not working. Check to make sure that the water supply is turned on. Also, check to make sure that the timer is turned on. Testing the Blocked Sprinkler
Once you suspect a blocked sprinkler, it’s crucial to verify the issue before proceeding with further steps:
1. Check the Valve
Ensure the valve supplying water to the blocked sprinkler is open and allowing water flow.
2. Inspect the Sprinkler Head
Examine the sprinkler head for any visible signs of blockage, such as dirt, grass clippings, or debris.
3. Manually Lift the Sprinkler
Use a screwdriver or similar tool to gently lift the sprinkler head and check if water rises freely.
4. Test with a Hose
Connect a hose to the sprinkler’s riser and turn on the water supply. If water flows out of the hose, the blockage is likely located further down the line.
5. Trace the Pipeline
Walk along the pipeline leading from the valve to the blocked sprinkler, checking for any bends, kinks, or potential problem areas.
6. Check for Inline Filters
If inline filters are present, inspect them for buildup or clogging that could restrict water flow.
7. Test the Pressure
Attach a pressure gauge to the sprinkler head and measure the water pressure. Low pressure can indicate a blockage or other issues within the system.
8. Check the Controller
Verify that the sprinkler controller is properly programmed and that the correct zone for the blocked sprinkler is selected.
9. Inspect the Wiring
Examine the wiring connected to the sprinkler valve and ensure it is undamaged or loose.
10. Advanced Troubleshooting
If the above steps do not identify the blockage, consider using specialized tools such as a sprinkler arc tracer or flow meter to pinpoint the exact location of the obstruction. Consult with a qualified professional if necessary.
How to Block a Sprinkler
If you need to block a sprinkler head for any reason, there are a few simple methods you can use. The most effective way to block a sprinkler head is to use a sprinkler head cap. Sprinkler head caps are designed to fit over the sprinkler head and prevent water from flowing out. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit different sprinkler heads. To install a sprinkler head cap, simply remove the old sprinkler head and replace it with the cap.
If you don’t have a sprinkler head cap, you can also use a piece of duct tape to block the sprinkler head. To do this, simply wrap the duct tape around the sprinkler head, making sure to cover all of the holes. You can also use a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to block the sprinkler head. Just be sure to secure it tightly so that water cannot leak out.
Once you have blocked the sprinkler head, you can turn on the water and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, you may need to adjust the cap or tape to ensure that it is properly sealed.
People Also Ask About How to Block a Sprinkler
1) How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler head?
The cost to replace a sprinkler head can vary depending on the type of sprinkler head and the difficulty of the replacement. However, you can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per sprinkler head.
2) How often should I check my sprinkler heads?
You should check your sprinkler heads at least once a year to ensure that they are working properly and that there are no leaks. You should also check your sprinkler heads after any major storms or other events that could damage them.
3) How can I tell if my sprinkler heads are clogged?
There are a few signs that your sprinkler heads may be clogged. These signs include:
