How To Find Buried Sprinkler Heads

After a long winter when you finally try to run your in-ground sprinkler system again, you may notice that there are several sprinkler heads that are not rising above the ground. In some instances, these heads can become so firmly stuck that it's difficult to locate them. Because a malfunctioning sprinkler head will cause dry, brown spots in your lawn, you must locate and free the stuck heads quickly. Luckily this task requires only minor instruction and a small investment of time.

1. Turn on the System

Turn on your sprinkler system using its controller. The controller typically is located near your home's utility boards in the garage or basement. Simply choose any zone you like, and select "on." Try to activate the exact zone in which you need to locate the buried head.

2. Measure Between Two Active Heads

Measure the distance between active heads using a tape measure. To avoid getting wet, note the location of one of the functioning heads, and then turn off the water and move down in a straight line to the next head. Finding the exact distance between two of your sprinkler heads will help you determine where the missing head(s) are located. Usually each zone will pop up at least 3 heads.

3. Look for Blind Spots

With the entire sprinkler system activated, identify blind spots in coverage. Sprinkler heads are usually equidistant from each other, and many are tucked in the corners and edges of your lawn's layout. If you notice an area that isn't getting enough water coverage — or an area where no water is coming up — from the heads that pop up when the sprinkler is engaged, you've likely identified an area with a malfunctioning sprinkler head.

4. Probe Unwatered Areas for Heads

Probe blind spots with the tape measure and spade. Measure the distance — based on the measurement made above — from a nearby head. Then, lightly stab and scrape the ground with the spade to find the head. Though this process may take some time, you will eventually feel or see the solid circular rubber top of a sprinkler head. Then, you merely need to pull up on it firmly with your fingers to unstick it and return it to working order.