Estimated life of sprinkler heads

10 years ago

How long should I expect a pop-up sprayhead to last.... what's it's average lifespan?

I had a pop-up sprayhead that was no longer popping up. It was a little low but it's sunken over time but I thought I could just replace that sprayhead with another one that I had in the garage from when we removed a couple of heads. So I unscrewed the top cap and put different spray assembly in existing body. (Old Nelson pop up spray head). It leaked badly where top assembly screwed into body. Tried other combos... They all seemed to leak at this same spot (top of assembly where it screwed into valve body.)

Are these just old, and I need to buy new spray heads?

And should I expect others to fail soon?

Comments (4)

lehua49
10 years ago
ng,

What type and quality of spray head pop-up are you writing about here? There are diaphragms and other gasket material that come with spray heads. It differs with the type and quality. Aloha
northerngirl_mi
Original Author
10 years ago
This is a Nelson 6300 pop up spray head...fixed spray, not a rotating head Spring is still intact, but spray head in not easy to move... Tried a little 3 in 1 oil on shaft to see if it would help ... Helped some... Don't see any gaskets...

Also just curious about expected life... System is about 20 yrs old...should I expect some substantial issues over time due to age?
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rainscape
10 years ago
Depending in how the head is installed plays a big role in its longevity. All sprinkler heads should be at grade level. If your heads are below grade you can expect spray heads to last maybe only a year or two before they start staying stuck up or won't pop up. The diaphragm the other person was talking about is called a wiper seal. It is a rubber gasket around the shaft at the top of the sprinkler head. It gives the head a water tight seal and removes any debris as the head retracts.
lehua49
10 years ago
ng,

After 20 yrs, the head has had a good long life. The friction collar is probably shot. Replace the head. Nelson is a good quality brand. So is Hunter and Rainbird. Shouldn't be too expensive. JMHO Aloha