Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to install a new sprinkler head after the old one gets snapped off (
figure A). On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.
Tools:
keyhole saw
trowel
hacksaw
brush
pencil
emery cloth
towel
rubber gloves
all-purpose cement
purple primer
telescopic coupling
3/4-inch to 1/2-inch adapter
3/4-inch T-joint
sprayer head
sprinkler shaft
Steps:
1. Use a small hand trowel to dig away enough to reveal the sprinkler pipe and make a repair (figure B). Cut away any roots or other plant growth while you're at it.
2. Take the hacksaw and cut the pipe on either side of the joint you're replacing (figure C).
3. Clean the ends of the pipe with a towel, and use the emery paper to smooth away any burrs along the inside of the pipe (figure D).
4. Hold the new telescopic coupling against the old pipe to determine where to cut (figure E). Make a straight cut on the old pipe with the hacksaw.
5. Put on rubber gloves and prime the coupling with the purple primer that's the first component in the two-part adhesive (figure F). The primer cleans the surface allowing the cement to make a strong plastic-to-plastic bond. Be sure to coat the outside of the pipes as well as the inside of the joints.
6. The cement sets within seconds so you'll need to work fast. Once the new joint's assembled, screw the sprinkler head arm into the joint, swab one end of the cut pipe and the inside of the joint with primer and squeeze the two together (figure G ).
7. Repeat the process at the end of the joint with the telescopic joint, then extend the joint to match up with the other end of the underground sprinkler pipe (figure H).
8. Give the cement plenty of time to set (follow manufacturer's directions), then turn on the water and test the patch before covering up (figure I).
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