An irrigation system can provide your turf, trees, and landscaping plants with the appropriate amount of water to remain hydrated, healthy, and gorgeous. However, sprinkler heads may occasionally become clogged with dirt, twigs, and grass clippings, preventing them from emitting fluids properly. It's best to clean them during the winter to ensure they're ready for spring. The following guide explains how to cleanse and maintain them.

How Can You Clean Sprinkler Heads?

1. Remove the Heads & Screens

Dissembling the heads before washing and scrubbing them can provide a more detailed and thorough cleaning. Depending on the irrigation system you have, you might need a screwdriver, hex key, or sprinkler key to loosen the heads. Once you complete this task, unscrew the caps by turning them counterclockwise and pulling them off the nozzles. Pull out the nozzles and use the straightened end of a paperclip to gently lift and remove the screens from the tops of the nozzles. 

2. Soak & Brush the Screens 

Screens keep dirt and debris from entering the nozzles and water lines, preventing stubborn clogs. However, since they may become saturated with sediment over time, soaking them in water with a few drops of dish soap can loosen dirt and cleanse them. Leave the screens in the solution for about five minutes before scrubbing them with a toothbrush on both sides and rinsing them with water. 

3. Remove Rust & Mineral Buildups 

Running each nozzle through water can remove dirt, twigs, and grass clippings, but they may develop more stubborn corrosion and hard mineral deposits that require more intensive cleaning. Fortunately, you can completely submerge the nozzles in a solution of diluted white vinegar. Allow them to soak for about half an hour before scrubbing off rust and mineral buildups with a brush, then rinse them.

4. Flush the Lines 

With the lawn sprinkler heads removed, you can flush the lines to remove any debris located more deeply in the tubes. This task may prevent blockages that could interfere with the proper function of your irrigation system. You can clean out the lines by running your system until the water that emerges from each sprinkler runs clear. You can then reassemble the heads by placing the screens back on the nozzles, pushing the nozzles back into the sprinklers, and screwing on the caps before tightening the hardware. 

Keep your irrigation system in excellent condition with help from Whittemore Sprinkler Company. They provide sprinkler system repairs, maintenance, and new installations for clients throughout Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas. Call (402) 476-8552 to schedule sprinkler services, and visit their website to learn more about how the team can help.