3 Easy Ways to Cap Off ANY Sprinkler Head | SprinklerSupplyStore.com
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
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In this video Sprinkler Nerd Andy shows you three ways to cap off a sprinkler.
1. Find or purchase a sprinkler cap or plug that is compatible with your system
- These caps plug up the water and prevent it from being dispersed on your lawn or garden
2. Installing a Shut-Off Nozzle Cap.
- The shut-off nozzle allows for easy shut-off of a spray system while keeping the spray heads visible.
3. Installing a PVC Cap on the riser.
- Remove the Sprinkler and screw a PVC pipe cap directly onto the riser
00:00 Introduction
00:21 How do I Cap My Sprinkler
01:42 Find or Purchase a Sprinkler Cap
02:17 How to Install a Sprinkler Cap
03:47 Installing a Shut-Off Nozzle
06:08 How are Sprinklers Connected
06:38 How to Permanently Cap a Sprinkler
08:16 Outro
Available Here
Hunter Pro Spray Shut-Off Cap
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Rain Bird - 1800XC - Xerigation Solid Cap
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PVC Caps
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Very helpful video, wish I would have watched this before I dug up my sprinklers🤦🏽♂️. Now I know.
Ha! Thanks for sharing. The good news is that you did the the “right” way. It’ll be better in the long run.
@@Andy_Humphrey Why is digging up unused sprinklers better than a permanent cap? We're looking to disable some spray sprinklers and retain the ability to use that zone for drip lines in the future.
@@haleyderlinga9630 You might be correct. It just depends, and there is no right/wrong way, just different options based on the area and circumstances. Depending on what part of the country (Miami vs. Boston) you may have issues with freeze damage, and the plastic sprinklers are more susceptible (overall) to damage than if you dig it up, and cap off the service line. Totally up to you ;)
I thought that was what I might have to do, but everything on the internet these days.
Thanks Nerd.
My pleasure, Frank!!
This guy does not disappoint. He is in fact a sprinkler nerd. TY for the helpful info, which helped me get my water rebate.
@SpinterGlory Thanks! You sure know how to warm a Nerd’s heart.
Great news on the rebate, would love to know the details if you’d be willing to share.
Thank you so much! We can not waster water in Texas, and my xeric garden doesn't need the water that it is getting.
Thank you for the great instructional video and the various ways to cap off sprinklers. This will save a ton of money by doing it myself!
Thanks! Good luck with your project. -Andy
Easy to follow, and covers all ways to cap a sprinkler. Thanks!
Cool, thanks! Happy sprinkling
Outstanding video. Concise, professional, answers the question.
Thanks @carymccall !
Thank you for the very helpful video, went your link and it was cheaper than Amazon, thanks again, just ordered the caps I needed (Method 2).
Excellent!! Have fun out there, here to help anytime.
Perfect video! Glad I checked you first before the work is done!
Awesome! Thank you!
Perfect video! I'm glad I saw it before working on it!
Glad it was helpful!
very well produced video...very professional. thanks
Thanks, Rick! We're having fun over here trying to make sprinklers interesting 🤓 -ANDY
Very clear instruction. Thank you
Thank you, glad it was helpful! Happy Sprinkling
Great video. Thanks Andy!
Thank you!
Thank you, just what I needed.
Glad this helped!
Thank you - this was very helpful!
Thanks Bruce. Have fun capping!
I live in an HOA and they recently increased the pressure of the sprinklers without telling us. A sprinkler popped up that I didn’t know existed because the previous owner laid a bunch of bricks over it to stop it. For some reason it’s right next to the AC and bathroom window. I woke up to this sound of rushing water. I look out the window and see this river next to my window and AC. So the bricks did work for awhile but not with this new pressure. I have the rainbird 1800 my neighbor who has an identical house has the hunter and there seems to be just normal standard ones sprinkled around. Best $2.39 I ever spent
That is too bad, but very funny at the same time! Glad you had an 1800 with an available cap. Thank you for sharing!
Great Info. Saved me a lot of time.
Great!!
Thanks Andy. The wording is confusing but I get it : to cap a rotor, we use the method 3.
And in fact, you say it at the beginning of the video but we expect to have a little bit more emphasis on it when you do talk about method 3 later on.
Yeah, unfortunately, there are no caps for rotor sprinklers. It's a bit strange.
Thank you! Great information.
Thanks!
Great video! Thank you
@anthonynapolitano4974 - thank you! Which option are you going with?
Thanks for this video.
My pleasure
Helpful video here, good to know! 🏆🏆🏆
thank you. If i missed anything let me know, happy to help!
Great tips!
Thank you! Is there anything you'd like to see next?
These videos are great
Thank you! What would you like to learn about next?
Thank you!
My pleasure!
Great video, subbed
Thank you
Thank you.
My pleasure. Let us know if you have any questions.
Can I just place something heavy on the sprinkler head till I can get the flooding issue solved?
Yup. A 24”x24” think patio paver might do the trick 👍
Very helpful video.
Thank you! Do you have a suggestion for a future video?
@@Andy_Humphrey Finding broken wires in the ground. Side note: I’m am purchasing the sprinkler repair parts I need from your store because of this video. I wasn’t aware that the Hunter caps you mentioned existed.
@@trainingrevolution2031 hey thank you!
Nice video.
Thanks!
thanks for posting. glad I watched, I was preparing for the permanent solution, but that is not my preferred method after watching.
Glad to help. How did your project turn out?
Great video. Recently purchased some shut off nozzle but considering the shut off caps. Also realizing the installer used flex pipe instead of pvc. Would have been much easier to service if the sprayers were on swing joints
Thanks for the kudos. Yes, there are many different ways to connect sprinklers, flex pipe is one of them. If you are adventurous and looking for a permanent solution, I would dig all the way down to where the flex pipe connects to the lateral pipe, and put a plug in the service tee. Otherwise, yes, cap off the sprinkler. What type of sprinkler is it? -ANDY
@@Andy_Humphrey It’s a Hunter pro spray. It happens to be at the end of the line (also watched another one of your videos discussing this and why it “leaks” after I turn the irrigation off) so I am thinking of replacing it with a PR 30(40?) and check valve. I might end up using this sprayer location down the road which is why I am opting to leave the sprayer and capping it so I have rather than abandoning it all together.
I had my irrigation system installed by so called “professionals” when my house is built, but after a few years and some self education and trial and error I am thinking I could modify things to better suit my needs. This channel is exactly what I was looking for in terms of irrigation/sprayer basics tips and tricks. The local hardware stores are very limited in their selection of parts so I plan to be visiting your website storefront and making purchases in the near future.
@TheChef Absolutely. We usually recommend having a system professionally installed, and after that, you can maintain most everything yourself, as long as you're willing and able.
Is the sprinkler at a lower elevation? Typically, sprinklers at the end of the line that are at the lower elevation will leak after the zone shuts off due to gravity. Yes, adding a check valve will fix that. You do not need to replace the entire sprinkler with a PR model, you can just add the check valve - which ironically, isn't even a valve, it is just a rubber seal that goes into the bottom of the sprinkler. No idea why they are not simply called, Check Seals....
Here is a link to the item sprinklersupplystore.com/products/437400-pro-spray-check-valve
@@Andy_Humphrey Thanks for the reply once again! I might have asked a similar question on some other videos that I was watching but I just saw your reply - my apologies if I repeated myself. I might opt for the pressure regulated body with the check valve, since I am going through the trouble of replaying the whole thing might as well get it all in one package. But good to know I can get this separately, I will probably include a few in my order just to have extras.
Thanks. I was looking for a way to temporary cap a popup for testing.
1. Is there a way to test individual nozzles to see if working correctly without running a whole zone? maybe connect to garden hose?
2. Is there a video of which rainbird to use and when? When rotating v s fixed? When 3500 vs RVan vs mpr HEvan vs u series vs 32SE vs all other rain birds? Please make a video like this.
Yes, you could test the nozzle using a garden hose, you'll just need a couple adapters. The easiest way is to pick up a sprinkler (any sprinkler) at your local hardware store, and a test stand that connects to a garden hose. You could also make a test stand out of PVC, however, most stores carry one. You can then adapt it for 1/2" spray heads or 3/4" inlet rotors.
Thanks for your video suggestions. It is a bit ridiculous why there are so many different sprinklers and it can be confusing for sure, especially when Rain Bird puts a different part number on a sprinkler sold in retail stores, even when it is the same sprinkler sold through the professional trade. Example: 32SA is basically the 3500.
Excellent. Just needed a little more basic info ab what it looks like in the ground, that is what the head looks like, how to get it to rise so u can unscrew and then attach the cap.
Awesome. Let me know if you still need any help!
Fantastic Video. Thanks
Thank you, glad you liked it!
For people in really northern climates, do you have to worry about capping a head if it is the end of a line? In my mind this would affect winterizing. If so, would you have to cap the service line at the previous sprinkler head?
Hi Brad. Yes, good point, it can, particularly heads at the lowest point on a slope. Best option is to remove the caps from low sprinklers to allow drainage.
If I use method 1 to cap off sprinkler heads, do I have to do anything different when blowing out before winter
Great question. It is best to remove the cap when blowing out the system. This is 100% important if the sprinkler is the lowest on the zone, less important (but recommended) if the sprinkler is highest elevation on the zone.
I have a strip of grass between the sidewalk and the curb. We are slowly converting the lawn to rock/bark/pavers for decorative purposes and to conserve water. I am capping off the majority (there were 7 sprinklers) and then converting 3 to drip some decorative shrubs and a flower pot. Will this cause pressure and drainage issues?
Should be fine. Remember to consider that everything will operate at the same time, so give some thought to the precipitation or flow rate of the drip emitters, vs, any turf grass you have remaining in that zone. If that’s not an issue, hydraulically, you should be fine.
What’s the purpose of having an adjustable sprinkler head (screw to adjust distance/pressure) vs getting a smaller head? Ie: hunter, hydro rain, etc
If one has a 15’ head already and needs a 10’ should one just adjust the 15’ or get a 10’ head?
If the screw that holds the nozzle in place, is tightened down to diffuse the spray pattern, the distribution uniformity is now uneven (for Rotors). Typically for spray heads, you can only diffuse the distance 20% or so. It is best to pick the nozzle for the correct distance; if 10 feet is desired, choose 10 feet.
+/- 2 or 3ft is often acceptable, 5ft would be too much.
thanks for the info. for method #3, do I need to put some sort of washer to seal completely? I tried capping off with a PVC cap but water still leaks.
Hi @tom1stgen - no washer should needed. Perhaps the cap is accidentally cross-threaded?
@@Andy_Humphrey perhaps. I will check. Thanks.
Also add pipe seal tape to help seal it completely.
Very interesting and good explaination, except for one thing : it should clearer that it is for spray sprinkler, not any sprinkler. Il I understood correctly....
I don't think the third method will it work for Rain bird 3500 ou 5000 ? There is a sentence near the end where he says any spray sprinklers.
So I still ha e my problem : I need to close 1 rain bird 5000. I thought a cap like.that should exist for those sprinklers too ?
It looked like on mine that it unscrewed in two pieces if you want it to use that smaller cap
Correct, it is not possible to cap a rotors because there is no such cap available for any rotor type sprinkler.
To cap a rotor, you will need to use the other method, unscrew the sprinkler, and put a female threaded cap onto the service fitting.
Hi Andy, you only have one link in the description for the Rainbird sprinkler. I was hoping to buy a set for the sprayers and rotors.
Ah, maybe I have you confused. Only Spray (type) sprinklers have covers/caps.
For Rotors you’ll need to remove the sprinkler and cap the riser, or plug where it connects to the lateral line.
Hope that helps!
@@Andy_HumphreyBtw, your videos are great, thanks.
@@2xo2 many thanks!
Hello Sir. My yard has three kind of sprinklers which are Rain Bird, Hunter and Toro 750 Series. I want to shut off sprinkler heads for Toro 750 Series sprinklers by using caps. Unfortunately, I could not find the cap for it although I searched it from so many web sites and hardwares including CZcams. Would you please help me to find the web sites or name of hardware stores selling Toro 750 Series cap protector? I found the caps for Rain Bird and Hunter sprinklers. Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Tuan - great question. As far as I know, there is no cap for the Toro 570. Instead, you can unscrew the sprinkler and cap the fitting that feeds the sprinkler using this 1/2" Cap: sprinklersupplystore.com/products/448-005-cap-1-2-thrd?variant=44025144934709
For the permanent method, is it better to use taflon tape? Thanks.
Yes, use pipe seal tape (aka Teflon). If I did not mention that in the video, I should have. Thanks for your question!
What about locating them for future use etc?
Very true, probably best to take a picture with your phone, turns out to be a pretty darn good way to locate things in the future.
What would you do when it’s time to blow out the lines? I would assume place the head back in place and then revert it back come spring?
Could you not just turn the adjustment screw on the head all the way in so that it blocks the water flow (same result as option 2)
Ie: if you have some heads In the grass while others are in rocks (or something placed after the initial install)
Take the cap off when it’s time to blow it out. If the sprinkler is at the top of the hill, it’ll drain, so you really all need to focus on the sprinklers that are the lowest on the zone.
I made it to the 5s mark.
Good start, thanks for watching!
I have a section of grass that has sprinklers installed, that I would like to dig up the grass and pour a slab of concrete. Can I just cap off these sprinkler heads and poor concrete over it?
@bridgetdesind1749 - great question. I would not recommend doing that. It will come back to bite you in the future....and your future self will thank you for rerouting the pipes....if the pipe must go under the concrete, I would put them inside of another larger pipe (sleeve) so that you can replace it in the future if something breaks.
The last thing you want it a broken pipe under your concrete slab.
Hope that helps!
Silly question but if I cap off a head, can I expect a noticeable increase in water pressure to the sprinklers downstream of it?
Yes, a bit, may noticeable, maybe not, it depends…
How about areas where it freezes if cap off your rizers. Just a thought.
Yes, this is a great thought, and I should have spoke about it. It should certainly be taken into consideration, specifically, if the sprinkler is located at the bottom of the slope, or is the lowest sprinkler on the zone. It is likely that only the lowest sprinkler on the zone will retain water, but if the system is being winterized, the cap could be removed for blowout.
Thanks for pointing this out!
I am bummed that you say RainBird caps don't fit Hunter sprinkler tubes. How bad is the fit if you tried it with the parts in front of you? There doesn't appear to be a good way to replace the Hunter brand cap to convert a pop-up to a drip irrigation system, but there is a conversion kit for RainBird. Any recommendations?
It doesn’t fit, believe me, we tried it! In hindsight, I should’ve tried it on film.
It’s actually not much harder, but if it were me, I would convert it using the fitting that feeds the sprinkler. Instead of retrofitting the sprinkler, you can go directly from the fitting that feeds the sprinkler, it’s a 1/2” male pipe thread. It’s a bit more work, but ideally, actually a better way to do it.
@@Andy_Humphrey Thank you, you are right! What I ended up doing was buying the RainBird drip adapter head, cutting it in half, and gluing it back together through the Hunter cap and seal. All because everything is the same except for the thread pitch on the two brands. Works like a charm, but Hunter should make their own drip converter.
Is there a cap for the 5000 series RAIN BIRD SPRINKLER?
This is a very common question, and to the best of our knowledge, there is not a cap for this sprinkler (or other 'rotor' type sprinklers).
Alternatively, it is very easy to cap the service pipe that feeds the sprinkler by using a 3/4" female thread cap. You can find this fitting at any of your local hardware stores. This will require a small amount of digging, which you can likely do with a hand trowel, but is honestly the best way to cap the sprinkler.
Good luck!
Seems like the first two methods only apply to pop up spray heads, not to rotary gear drive drive sprayers. I have not been able to find a housing cap for the Orbit Saturn 3 or the Rain Bird 32SA rotary sprayers. Also, I have not found a way to disassemble the internal mechanism to separate the cap form the mechanism for the universal cap/plug. Did I miss something? I'd rather not dig out the outer housing to access and cap the 1/2 in-ground fitting.
You are correct. If capping rotor, or temporarily turning it off, you might look at switching to a rotor with a built-in shut off, like the Hunter I-20, or K-Rain SuperPro. You’d still need to dig it up to replace, but then you’d have the on/off control.
@@Andy_Humphrey Thank you for the quick response and for these alternative solutions. I see the the K-Rain K2 Pro also has on / off control.
@@JohnBraatz-gx1kc I believe the K2 is an older model (could be wrong). You might also look at the RPS75i (must be the 'i' model). This sprinkler also has a built-in shutoff. czcams.com/video/6cnlVdGMLdo/video.htmlsi=sh7A6zPoVkEzqYqQ - www.krain.com/rps75i-rotor-with-intelligent-flow-controltm
Is there a cap that fits a Rain Bird 5000 head? I've been told that the cap for the 1800 doesn't fit it, and I'd rather not dig up and completely cap off the line.
Unfortunately caps are not available for 3/4” rotors, like the Rain Bird 5000.
The best option is to remove the sprinkler and put a 3/4” cap on the fitting that feeds the sprinkler. It’s a bit of digging, but not terrible, and overall a better long term solution.
How do you cap off a rainbird fixed above ground shrub sprinkler?
The best way would be to unscrew the sprinkler from the riser, and put a female thread to cap onto the 1/2” pipe connecting. It’s possible that you have a rotor, so the threads may be three-quarter inch, but either way, unscrew the sprinkler, and put a cap on the pipe that feeds it.
I need to cap off a couple of sprinkler heads. Can the first method (Sprinkler cap) be a long-term solution? What can go wrong if that is done? I live in Texas. The winter temperatures rarely go below freezing. Thank you.
Not much can go wrong, unless you have very high pressure. The best long-term solution is to plug the service fee on the lateral line. Perhaps do option #1, then remove/plug it at a later date.
@@Andy_Humphrey Thank you
@@rpattanaik1 my pleasure
What size is the cap for a rainbird? 1/2”?
The Rain Bird cap is specific for the 1800 sprinkler and the thread/size is non standard. It’s more like 2”.
The inlet in the bottom of the sprinkler is 1/2”.
My sprikler system is 11 yrs old, the tops don't look anything like the Hunter. The top says "K-Rain" RFS (or is it KFS). Can I cap this with an easier method (other than the last one you demonstrated which requires I did way down to the base connection - your permanent solution) ?
You have the K-Rain RPS Rotors. Good sprinkler. Unfortunately, manufacturer caps are not available for this sprinkler or other rotor-style sprinklers. The service fitting under the sprinkler is 3/4", and the easiest option is to purchase a 3/4" female thread cap, unscrew the sprinkler, and cap the service fitting.
Thanks Andy
@@ofcbob6391 My pleasure. Here for you anytime.
How do you shut off a Rainbird 3500 though?
The only way is to remove the sprinkler and use a 1/2” threaded cap to cap-off the service fitting.
I have old 27 year old sprinklers and I want to turn off 2. The heads do not have screws. I have photos.
You can text us photos with the number below. The sprinkler should be connected with either a 1/2” or 3/4” male treaded connector. The best permanent option is to dig one up, look at the connection, and cap the fitting with either a 1/2” or 3/4” threaded Cap.
You can text us here: 833-343-4590
Can you just put a brick or a rock on top so that it doesn’t pop up?
Yup, poured concrete works even better 😅
How do you cap off a soaker house in a flower bed?
Interesting question/idea. Soaker hoses cannot be capped off, because, by the nature of the device, there are no emitters, just unregulated porous holes throughout the length of the pipe.. I would consider capping the pipe that feeds the hose and/or installing a manual ball valve (in a box) that you could use to temporarily isolate the tubing. Hope that helps.
Instead of buying a cap that threads on a riser, you can use a vari arc nozzle and turn it to 0 degrees
Wanted clarify this....we put a Hunter Pro 4A (4ft adjustable arc nozzle) on our test stand this morning to see if this would in fact shut the water off. It does not. When the adjustable nozzle is closed all the way, water will still spray out and leak. This would be a very temporary method to cap the sprinkler. We added this short video example: czcams.com/users/shortsWYkB7XSBF5A?feature=share
@@Andy_Humphrey we tried the same ans it didn't work...water dribbled and puddled .going to try the nosel blank caps.. if I can fi d a supply source!?!
Do you make a cap for a K-Rain pop up sprinkler?
I’m not familiar with a K-Rain cap. You might have to remove the sprinkler and cap off the service fitting. -Andy
@@Andy_Humphrey Thank you for the guidance!
Jsalderman, I have K-Rain RFS heads too, did you ever find an easy way to cap this? (I don't want to permanently cap it down below ground)
What about in freezing locations? leaving water in the pipe with no way to blow out will crack the pipe
Correct. It is best to remove the cap during the blowout process if possible.
Gad my system is old how do I know which sprinkler it is?
If you need help identifying a sprinkler, you can text a picture of it to us, and we will try and identify it for you. Text the picture from your phone to: 833-343-4590
How about toro 570 heads?
Unfortunately, Toro does not make a 570 cap that I’m aware of. You’ll need to unscrew the sprinkler and cap the pipe feeding the sprinkler with a 1/2” female threaded cap. A bit harder than just putting a cap on it, but really not that difficult.
5:10 if you really wanted a female thread solution you could get a 1/4 inch coupling if you really wanted to
Interesting thought. I believe the threads of pop-ups are different than a standard FIPT coupler. I’d just dig it up and cap it 👍
How do you cap off METAL sprinkler heads?
Hi Jeff. Which specific metal sprinkler? There may not be a cap. You will likely have to remove the sprinkler, and put a cap on the pipe feeding it.
What you don't mention I'd if the Sprinkler I'd on the end the line .or the end of a branch line..( connected to a 90 deg fitting) not a tee fitting.. and you live in an area that requires the system to be blown out for winter. There will be no way to get the water out of that particular line and it will freeze and break over the winter. IF the head is capped off the water in the line can not be blown out without digging the head back up and removing the cap every year in the fall..
💯. I should’ve mentioned this.
I just discovered that the person I bought my house from capped his sprinklers by filling the sprinkler heads with sand and screwing them on again. Sigh...
@utubewillyman - for real?!? That is nut balz.
That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever read. Also, genius ingenuity that I’m going to patent and copyright asap
Thank you!
My pleasure!