Relocating Sprinkler Heads

[JoeyGee]

I need to re-locate a few sprinkler heads in my sprinkler system. The system was in place when I bought the house, so I don't know that much about it, other than how to run it. I assume the pipes are PVC, likely 18" or so deep. If this is the case, can I cut the pipe on either side of the head and splice a piece of PVC in it's place? Then move the head, cut the pipe in it's new location and place the head? Also, if I move the head at the end of a line, can I cap it, or does a pipe have to terminate at a head?

Finally, do I turn off the water to the whole system (before cutting pipes) and run it to get the water from the pipes, or is there no water under pressure if the zone is not on?

[maxparot]

If it is PVC you are correct. If the zone is off the water in the pipe will be residual without press.
The system could also be black sprinkler tubing a semi flexible tubing put together with press on plastic fittings. As for depth it depends on the frost line in your area and the type of spinkler heads used.

[Tom Miller]

The first thing to do is see what you're dealing with. (If the head isn't currently spraying water, there's no pressure on the line.) Cut a 12" diameter semi-circle around one of the heads you intend to move, fold back the sod, then excavate the head.

The main lines are probably more likely 4" to 8" deep. Usually, the lines to the heads tee off a main line, and are smaller than the main line. Usually, both are made of flexible (pvc?) tubing. If you're going to shorten the run from the main to the head, just cut the line and reinstall the head. If you're going to lengthen a line, go buy some of the same size at your local home center, and either replace the entire piece from the main to the head, or couple in a new piece. Also, consider that you may be able to move the head without cutting or replacing the line.

Be careful removing the old line from the fittings so you don't ruin the fittings.

Regards,
Tom

[LCHIEN]

I donththink there's any special termoination for a line, you can place a T and cap the end or you can just use an Elbow to the last head.
Yes, you can dig it up and cut the line and place a Tee... the hard part will be to free enough line to get wiggle room to splice the Tee in. Since you have to twist and plunge the PVC pipe into the fittings its hard to splice into existing lines (DAMHIKT).

If you're not moving far off the original location, consider running two elbows to the side and placing the "T" in your new run.

Also, there should be no pressure in the line at the head if you have valves upstream from there. So you don't have to turn off the water unless there's a chance it may come on (not a bad thing to be safe).

In TX they're not buried any 18 inches. more like 6-8".

[JoeyGee]

Well, I did the excavation, and as noted, it is black flexible 1/2" tubing, which is great--nice and easy to work with.

EXCEPT...I trooped of to Lowes to get more tubing--I need to extend the head 8 feet. The only 1/2" they had comes in 100' lengths--fine, I need it, I paid the $11.53. I get home, and the inside diameter is too big. The walls are much thinner than the current stuff, so the coupler and fittings won't fit. Silly me, they carry all the Rain Bird heads and fittings, just not the tubing to fit it!

I found a local irrigation business that sells retail, but they are only open until 6. Hopefully after work tomorrow, I'll have my tubing and I can get the head moved.