Rainbird Sprinkler Repair


Rainbird makes a number of different types of sprinklers for commercial and residential irrigation systems. Most sprinklers are made of a combination of plastic and metal with few moving parts, a construction design that tends to make them low maintenance. But sprinklers are prone to minor problems such as leaks and clogs that are fairly simple to repair.

Types of Sprinklers

Rainbird makes sprinklers that serve specific watering needs. Pop-up sprinklers are positioned just below ground level and rise due to pressure when the water is turned on. The sprinklers come in several different designs that spray water anywhere from 90 degrees to 360 degrees and can be adjusted to spray water short or long distances. Rotary sprinklers rotate from side to side and can be adjusted to water specific areas. Impact sprinklers also rotate from side to side but can be adjusted for different types of sprays to provide better coverage. Given their different design schemes, pop-up, rotary and impact sprinklers are prone to different problems.


One problem common to all types of Rainbird sprinklers is leaks. If a sprinkler does not appear to be throwing water as far or as high as it normally does, there's a good chance the sprinkler has a leak that is reducing its water pressure. Leaks can be easily diagnosed and repaired by checking all seals and washers and replacing any that appear to be worn. If a cracked sprinkler casing is the source of the leak, you can attempt to repair it with a strong, waterproof glue or sealant, though replacing the sprinkler could be a better option.


Given their close proximity to grass, dirt and mud, sprinkler heads often get clogged, and that leads to reduced water flow or an uneven spray. This a particular problem with pop-up sprinklers, since the sprinkler head is at ground level when it is not working. If you suspect a clog, simply unscrew the sprinkler from its mount and either soak the sprinkler in water or run water through it for 30 or 40 seconds. This should clean out any foreign objects that made their way inside the sprinkler.

Reduced Water Flow

Another problem common to Rainbird sprinklers is reduced water flow not caused by a leak. If a sprinkler is not throwing water as far as it should and a leak in the sprinkler or pipes has been ruled out, the problem is likely to be with the screw that controls the flow of water. To rectify the problem, turn the water off and turn the screw at the top of the sprinkler head clockwise using a small screwdriver. That will open the small valve inside the sprinkler head and allow more water to flow through.

Sprinkler Doesn't Rotate

Impact and rotary sprinklers sometimes become stuck in a fixed position and don't move from side to side, which is sometimes caused by debris. To check for debris inside the sprinkler, push a small wire inside the nozzle and move it from side to side to loosen anything that may be stuck inside. If that doesn't work, the arm spring that controls the sprinkler's rotation may be out of place. To remedy the problem, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to unhook the spring and rehook it onto the next adjoining notch on the sprinkler arm. The sprinkler should then return to its normal rotation cycle.

Keywords: Rainbird sprinkler repairs, Rainbird sprinkler troubleshooting, Residential sprinkler repair

About this Author

Doug Desjardins is a journalist and research analyst. He has worked for more than a half-dozen newspapers, magazines and websites and hiswork has appeared in a number of publications including the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Magazine.