FAQ: Removing a Cap Off a Sprinkler

Q: How do I remove or cap off a sprinkler?

A: Capping or removing a sprinkler is done differently depending on whether or not you live in an area that freezes and requires the irrigation system to be winterized. Winterizing your irrigation system involves draining or blowing the water out of the system with compressed air to prevent freeze damage.

Use these instructions if you live in an area that does not require winterization.

1. To cap off a sprinkler, dig up the dirt around the head you want to remove so you expose the pipe and fittings below.
2. Unscrew the sprinkler and any piping connecting the sprinkler to the fitting below. Install a cap or plug of the appropriate size or thread to stop the water from flowing out of the fitting after the sprinkler is removed.
3. Turn on the irrigation to check for leaks before burying the pipe and fitting.

Use these instructions if you live in an area that does require winterization.

If the sprinkler you want to remove is the last one on the pipe, you will need to locate the sprinkler that is “upstream” (closer to the source of water from the sprinkler you want to remove) and cut and cap the pipe there. Capping the pipe at the upstream sprinkler prevents a “dead end” of pipe that would fill with water but not have any outlet. During winterization, the water would be trapped in the “dead end” and may potentially freeze and break the pipe.

1. Dig up the pipe and fitting under the upstream head. Cut the pipe just past the tee fitting leaving enough pipe sticking out of the tee to cap it.
2. Dig up the dirt around the sprinkler you want to remove and unscrew it from the fitting beneath it. The pipe can be abandoned, as it is no longer connected to the irrigation system.
3. Turn on the irrigation to check for leaks before burying the pipe and fitting.