How to fix a leaking sprinkler head

I describe a method to repair an irrigation sprinkler head that is continuously leaking. This video describes the basic anatomy of home sprinkler systems followed by a practical example.

For a more recent video describing how to troubleshoot sprinkler valve problems, watch this video:

   • Troubleshooting irrigation sprinkler ...  

If you need help with the diagnosis as to whether your solenoid is bad, I recently made another video describing more details about that, here:

   • How to fix an irrigation sprinkler zo...  


The commonest cause of a continuous, low volume leak in a sprinkler head is a small debris particle that is holding the diaphragm of the control valve open. The particle is too large to be flushed beyond the valve, yet so small it may be drawn back up the line when water is not flowing. Therefore it is important to flush the line after disassembling the valve, to clear the proximal line of debris. If that effort fails you will need to clean and/or replace the diaphragm or perhaps replace the solenoid. When the diaphragm is off, examine the seat for scratches and pits caused by debris binding against it.