How to Relocate a Sprinkler Head in Irving

Adding a new patio, flower bed, or play area to your yard often means one thing for your irrigation system: a sprinkler head is now in the wrong spot. Maybe it sprays your new deck instead of your grass, or it sits right where you want to lay pavers. The good news? You can move it — or call Irving Sprinkler Repair to handle it for you. With the right approach, you’ll keep your lawn green and your new landscaping dry.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to relocating a sprinkler head, plus a few reasons why calling a pro might save you time and headaches.

Why You Might Need to Relocate a Sprinkler Head

Homeowners in Irving move sprinkler heads for all kinds of reasons. Common ones include:

Installing a new patio, deck, or walkway
Adding garden beds or reshaping your lawn
Fixing poor coverage that leaves dry or soggy spots
Removing a head that sprays the house, fence, or driveway

Whatever your reason, the goal is the same: proper water coverage without waste.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Gather your tools first so you’re not running back and forth mid-project. You’ll want:

A shovel or garden trowel
Extra flexible tubing or PVC pipe
A pipe cutter or hacksaw
New fittings and connectors
Teflon tape
A replacement sprinkler head (if needed)

Take a moment to locate your system’s shutoff valve, too. You’ll need it in step one.

Step-by-Step: Relocating Your Sprinkler Head

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Always shut off the water supply to your irrigation system before you dig. This prevents flooding and lets you work on a dry line. Turn off the controller as well so no zones accidentally activate.

Step 2: Dig Around the Existing Head

Carefully dig around the sprinkler head you want to move. Keep the hole wide enough to reach the pipe and fitting beneath. Set the soil aside on a tarp so cleanup is easier later.

Step 3: Disconnect the Head

Once you expose the pipe, unscrew the sprinkler head from its riser or fitting. If the connection is glued PVC, you’ll need to cut the pipe cleanly with a pipe cutter.

Step 4: Dig a Trench to the New Location

Plan the shortest, most direct path from the existing line to the new spot. Dig a trench a few inches deep to run your new tubing or pipe. Keep the trench level so water flows evenly.

Step 5: Extend the Line

Connect new tubing or PVC pipe from the old fitting to the new location. Use proper connectors and wrap threaded joints with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Measure twice before you cut so your pipe reaches without stretching.

Step 6: Install the Head at the New Spot

Attach the sprinkler head to the end of your new line. Set it at the right height so it sits flush with the ground once you replace the soil. A head that’s too high can get clipped by the mower; too low, and it won’t spray properly.

Step 7: Cap the Old Location

If you no longer need water at the old spot, cap the fitting with a threaded plug. This seals the line and keeps your pressure steady across the zone.

Step 8: Test Before You Bury

Turn the water back on and run the zone. Watch for leaks, check the spray pattern, and confirm the head covers the area you intended. Adjust the spray direction and radius as needed. Only backfill the trench once everything works.

DIY vs. Calling a Professional

Relocating a sprinkler head is a doable weekend project for a handy homeowner. That said, there’s more going on beneath the surface than a simple pipe swap.

Every change you make affects water pressure and zone coverage. Add too much pipe or too many heads to one zone, and pressure drops. That leads to weak spray, dry patches, and wasted water. Professional calibration ensures your pressure stays balanced and every zone gets even coverage.

At Irving Sprinkler Repair, we handle head adjustments, zone inspections, pressure checks, and full system tune-ups. We also fix pipe leaks, faulty valves, and wiring issues that sometimes surface during a relocation. And if you hit a burst pipe or a major leak mid-project, our emergency team is available around the clock to prevent flooding.

Get It Done Right the First Time

A relocated sprinkler head should blend seamlessly into your new landscaping and keep your lawn thriving. If you’d rather skip the guesswork, or you want to be sure your pressure and coverage are dialed in perfectly, let our local experts handle it.

Call Irving Sprinkler Repair today at 469-369-1212 for professional sprinkler head relocation and reliable irrigation service across Irving. We’ll keep your system running strong, season after season.