How to Adjust Rainbird Sprinklers

Co-authored by Gus Briones

Last Updated: October 11, 2023 Fact Checked

Rain Bird sprinklers are a common brand of outdoor sprinklers that you can use on your lawn or in your garden. These sprinklers can be adjusted in several different ways to control the distance and amount of water that is distributed. You can change the watering direction and distance on the sprinklers. You can also adjust the spray pattern to direct how the water sprinkles onto your lawn. Over time, you may also need to change the sprinkler nozzle so the sprinkler functions properly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing the Watering Direction and Distance

Download Article

1
Set the fixed left edge on the sprinkler head. Before you adjust the watering direction or distance, you will need to set the starting point for the water rotation. Find the center cap on the rotor case. Move it all the way to the right until it stops and you can no longer turn it. Then, move it to the left until it stops. Rotate the entire rotor case to line up the left edge in the correct position.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Do not rotate the rotor case past the left edge, as this can damage the case.
- The instructions to set the fix left edge will work for the Rain Bird 2SA, 42SA, 42SA+, 52SA Series.
2
Move the sprinkler head by hand to adjust the watering direction. Grip the spray head between two fingers. Then, rotate it by hand so it is aimed at the direction you want the water to spray.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you want the water to spray towards the right, rotate the head to the right. If you want the water to spray more to the left, rotate the head to the left.
Advertisement
3
Adjust the spray distance using a flat-bladed screwdriver. You can have the water on or off when you adjust the spray distance, though it may be easier with the water off. Take a flat-bladed screwdriver and place it on the center screw on the head. Then, turn the screw clockwise to decrease the spray distance up to 25 percent.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Be careful not to turn the screw so far that it goes into the head. It should sit just in front of the nozzle so the head is secure.
- The spray distance on Rain Bird models is 19 to 32 feet (5.8 to 9.8 m). If you want the distance to be any higher or shorter, you will need to change the rotor nozzles or adjust the water pressure.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adjusting the Spray Pattern

Download Article

1
Twist the collar to the left or right if you have an adjustable sprinkler head. If you have a Rain Bird sprinkler model that has an adjustable head (the 18/15/12 AP series), you can use your fingers to twist the collar. It can be adjusted from 0-360 degrees. To increase the spray pattern, move the threaded collar to the left. To decrease the spray pattern, move the threaded collar to the right.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Adjust the spray pattern while the sprinkler is on so you can determine how much of an increase or decrease you want.
- Adjusting the spray pattern is useful if you want to water a certain area of your lawn or spray only to a certain point in your yard.
2
Find the adjustable tab if you have the Rain Bird 2SA, 42SA, 42SA+, or 52SA Series. These models have an adjustable tab for the spray pattern on the top of the head. The tab will have a plus and minus symbol.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- There will also be a screw in the center of the plus and minus symbol.
Take a flat-headed screwdriver. Place it on the screw on the top of the head. Then, twist the screw towards the plus symbol, or clockwise, to increase the spray pattern. To decrease the spray pattern, twist the screw towards the minus symbol, or counterclockwise.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing the Sprinkler Nozzle

Download Article

1
Shut off the sprinkler. Make sure the sprinkler is not hooked up to running water. This will make changing the sprinkler nozzle easier.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You may want to change the sprinkler nozzle if it stops working properly.
- You can also remove the nozzle and check the filter screen if the water dribbles or does not spray properly. You can then clean it or change it.
Use pliers to grip the nozzle. Then, turn the nozzle to the left, or counterclockwise, to unscrew the nozzle from the sprinkler head.^{[8]
X
Research source}
Look into the sprinkler head. You should see a small filter screen in the head, below where the nozzle sits. Use your fingers or small pliers to carefully remove the filter screen.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Clean or replace the filter screen, depending on its condition. Look for any dirt, debris, or buildup on the filter screen. You may opt to rinse off the debris with water to clean the filter screen and reuse it if it is still in good condition.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If the filter screen is old or in rough shape, replace it with a new one.
- You can buy filter screens for the Rain Bird sprinkler at your local hardware store or online. You can use a standard sprinkler filter screen for all Rain Bird sprinkler models.
Once you have cleaned or replaced the filter screen, put it in the sprinkler head.^{[11]
X
Research source}
6
Put the new nozzle on. Use pliers to place the new nozzle on the sprinkler head. Then, turn it to the right, or clockwise, until it is secure.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- You can buy a new nozzle online or at your local hardware store. Look for the Rain Bird nozzle that matches the Rain Bird sprinkler model you own.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I fix a broken pipe in my water sprinkler system?

Gus Briones
Landscaping Specialist
Gus Briones is a Landscaping Specialist based in Lake Elsinore, California. Gus has over 25 years of industry experience working on renovations and new builds for clients. He specializes in landscaping, landscape maintenance, and landscape construction.

Gus Briones

Landscaping Specialist

Expert Answer

I assume that your irrigation system is broken and the PVC pipe is leaking. If it's underground, you need space to dig underground where the pipe is broken. You're going to want to get some sharp PVC cutters, and you're going to want to cut where the broken pipe is. And if you go to your home goods store or your local DIY store, what you could do is get yourself the right size couplings and maybe the right size pipe to build or fix that section. You're also going to want to get some PVC glue and some PVC primer. You cut out the section that's broken, and since you've already dug up along the pipe, you'll be able to lift your PVC pipe. Get your new pipe, add some PVC glue, and put the couplings on your pipe. Then just do the exact same thing to the opposite side, where you're going to be actually connecting your new water pipe to the old water pipe. Lastly, you just have to wait for around 30 minutes and allow the glue to cure. Open your water back on and check for leaks before covering up your dug trench. Then you should be good to go!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0