Why Your Sprinkler Head Won’t Rotate and What to Do About It

While automatic irrigation systems are obviously great and extremely convenient, there are times where they can develop issues just like any other type of equipment. One common problem that occurs is when a sprinkler head won’t rotate. While we strongly recommend that you call a professional when you have problems, this is the one time where you may be able to perform a repair on your own. For some helpful sprinkler repair tips read below.

How Sprinkler Heads Rotate

Sprinkler heads rotate in different ways depending on the type of system you have. Gear-driven sprinklers use internal gears to control movement, while impact sprinklers rely on a spring-loaded arm that “impacts” against the water stream to rotate the head.

Key components include:
• Arc adjusters to set spray angle
• Trip pins and collars that control rotation points
• Diffuser screws for spray pattern
• Gears and springs that drive movement

When one of these parts becomes clogged, worn, or broken, rotation issues occur.

Quick Troubleshooting Table

Symptom	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Head pops up but doesn’t rotate	Dirt/debris in gears	Clean head/filter
Head stuck in one direction	Misaligned trip pin/collar	Adjust or reset
Weak or erratic spray	Low water pressure	Check PSI/clean nozzles
Won’t retract	Clogged filter or broken spring	Clean/replace parts

How to Do It

Again, if you have any sort of electrical problem, don’t try to work on your system on your own. Call a professional. But, if your sprinkler head won’t rotate simply because it is clogged, here’s some sprinkler repair tips.

Disassemble the sprinkler head. You should be able to simply unscrew it. Have a bucket of water handy and wash away any debris or dirt that may be causing the problem. If the head is clogged with dirt it may be able to rise but not be able to spray. It also may not lower or it could be spraying water erratically.

Take off the filter at the bottom of the head. If you can’t pop it out with your fingers, use a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Be gentle, though; you don’t want to risk doing any damage.

Rinse the filter in a bucket filled with clean water to wash out debris.

If this doesn’t work you’ll need to have the sprinkler head replaced. This can be a fairly involved job so you’ll more than likely be better off calling in an expert.

If it does work, make sure the head is properly adjusted when you re-install it.

Other Reasons a Sprinkler Head Won’t Rotate

Sometimes cleaning isn’t enough. Other common causes include:
• Water pressure that is too high or too low
• Debris jammed deeper inside gears or nozzles
• Broken or misaligned trip pins, collars, or springs
• Improper installation on sloped or uneven ground
• Irrigation line leaks lowering flow
• Malfunctioning controller or timer settings

How to Prevent Sprinkler Head Failures

A little maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding problems:
• Clean filters and heads at least once a season
• Check PSI with a pressure gauge (15–30 PSI for spray heads, 30–50 PSI for rotors)
• Avoid driving lawnmowers or vehicles over sprinkler heads
• Winterize systems before freezing weather
• Replace worn parts rather than using lubricants, as manufacturers like Rain Bird caution against them

When to Call a Professional

While cleaning a clogged head is often DIY-friendly, certain situations require expert service:
• Electrical or controller malfunctions
• Broken irrigation lines underground
• Heads that clog repeatedly or fail to adjust
• Full sprinkler head replacements or reconfigurations

Industry sources such as Angi report the average sprinkler repair costs around $257, so having a ballpark figure helps set realistic expectations.

Internal Resources for Further Help

For homeowners who want to dig deeper into related issues, linking to other guides makes this article a true hub for sprinkler troubleshooting:

• Low Water Pressure in Sprinklers – Learn how pressure problems can cause weak spray and prevent heads from rotating properly.
• How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System – Step-by-step seasonal care to protect your irrigation system from freeze damage.
• Common Sprinkler Valve Leaks – Understand how valve leaks waste water, lower pressure, and affect sprinkler head performance.

 

If you have any questions or need any type of sprinkler system repair, the experts at Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting will be glad to help. Give us a call or contact us online to set an appointment.