Skip to content
HireLocal
Reviewed by Tom Reilly — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting

Who to call · Landscaper

Sprinkler head broken or leaking: call a landscaper — or fix it yourself

A broken or misaligned sprinkler head wastes water, creates muddy patches, and leaves other areas of the lawn dry. A landscaper or irrigation specialist can replace the head, adjust spray patterns, and check for line damage — usually in under an hour.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Water gushing or bubbling from the sprinkler base instead of spraying

  2. 02

    One area of the lawn is waterlogged while adjacent areas are dry

  3. 03

    Sprinkler head stuck up and not retracting into the ground

  4. 04

    Uneven spray pattern or water shooting in the wrong direction

Who to call

Landscaper

An irrigation technician repairs broken laterals and valves, redesigns zones with poor coverage, and winterises the system where it freezes.

Browse landscapers near you

Related services

Fix it yourself

How to fix sprinkler head broken or leaking

Sprinkler head broken or leaking

easy 20–45 min

Tools: trowel, pliers, old towel, flag or stake to mark the spot · Materials: replacement head of the same type and nozzle, riser or flex riser if the fitting is broken

Steps

  1. Run the zone and watch: a geyser means a broken head, a bubbling puddle means a cracked riser or pipe.
  2. Turn the zone off and dig a neat circle of turf around the head with the trowel, setting it aside.
  3. Unscrew the old head anticlockwise; if the riser comes with it, unscrew the riser from the pipe fitting.
  4. Screw on the new head (hand-tight plus a quarter turn), set it so the top sits level with the soil, and run the zone briefly to flush grit before fitting the nozzle.
  5. Backfill, replace the turf, and adjust the spray arc and radius with the head's adjustment screw.

Stop and call a pro if

  • water bubbles up between heads — a broken lateral pipe under the lawn
  • the zone will not shut off — a stuck valve, not a head
  • the controller shows a fault or a zone will not activate at all

What a pro does that you can't

An irrigation technician repairs broken laterals and valves, redesigns zones with poor coverage, and winterises the system where it freezes.

DIY cost: $3–15 for a head

Get a free quote

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Sprinkler head broken or leaking?

Call a licensed landscaper. Landscapers have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose sprinkler head broken or leaking safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 5 steps (easy, 20–45 min, $3–15 for a head). Stop and call a landscaper if water bubbles up between heads — a broken lateral pipe under the lawn.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most landscapers offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Sprinkler head broken or leaking?

Water gushing or bubbling from the sprinkler base instead of spraying. One area of the lawn is waterlogged while adjacent areas are dry. Sprinkler head stuck up and not retracting into the ground. Uneven spray pattern or water shooting in the wrong direction.

Who to call

Not sure which service?

← All problems
ServicesBecome a ProCompare