How to clean garden sprinklers

Automatic garden irrigation systems are remarkably practical and convenient, as they guarantee the correct supply of water regardless of our presence or free time. So, it’s important to know how to clean garden sprinklers to keep your garden blooming!

There are normally 2 types of sprinklers:

1- Above ground or external. This type includes those that are simply resting against a special support system and can be moved at will, and those embedded in the ground more deeply. The dispensing part remains more or less above the grass.

2- Hidden in the ground (so-called pop-ups). This version normally remains with the dispensing head flush with the ground, while the body remains underground. The dispensing head rises automatically thanks to the water pressure when the system is operating. At the end of the irrigation cycle the water pressure is eliminated and the head is recalled by a spring, returning to its seat and disappearing completely.

Things you will need

  • WD-40® Multi-Use Product

  • Screwdriver

  • Microfibre Cloth

Step 1

Clean External Sprinklers

To clean garden sprinklers above ground, first, thoroughly wash and dry each component.  Next, treat with WD-40 Multi-Use Product, to clean and lubricate. Sprinklers with a head comprising a spray management mechanism (with movable rods, pre-set sector jet adjustments, pulse stop, etc.) can be further lubricated with WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant.  This will help to prevent the sprinklers jamming.  WD-40 Multi-Use Product can also be used to lubricate any tripods or adjustable-height rods on which the sprinklers must be installed.

Step 2

Pop-Up Sprinklers: clean the dispensing head

To clean garden sprinklers which are pop-ups, first, unscrew them from their seat and then empty any water. Turn off the water influx tap first. Make sure to cover the threaded seat they have been unscrewed from in order to prevent any soil from getting in. The body consists of an adjustable head from which the water jet starts, and the cylindrical container in which the return spring is inserted. The inner parts can be accessed by unscrewing the head. Check that there are no foreign bodies inside. Then, wash and dry the components. Finally, carry out a thorough cleaning and lubrication with WD-40 Multi-Use Product before putting the head back together.

 

Step 3

Pop-up sprinklers: clean the spring body

The telescopic element of the pop-up contains a steel spring that causes the dispenser to return at the end of the irrigation cycle.  After thoroughly cleaning the parts, spray with WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant.  This will ensure that the pop-up sprinkler moves freely and easily when irrigation water is returned to the underground circuit. The absence of lubrication can cause jams and missed pop-ups (or failure to lower afterwards).

Step 4

Clean the control unit

Finally, to clean garden sprinklers thoroughly, you should also clean the programmable control unit (if any). The control unit can be of various types. If it is located outside, firstly remove the batteries (if not powered directly by the mains with a transformer) and then treat the reachable circuits with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner. 

Step 5

Underground Lines

Unless they are punctured or damaged, these lines don’t require any special maintenance

Conclusion

With this guide, you now know how to clean garden sprinklers and maintain them, with the help of WD-40 Products. Make sure you keep your sprinklers in perfect working order to keep your garden in beautiful condition.