FAQ: Rotary Sprinkler Not Rotating

Q: Why is my rotary sprinkler not rotating?

A: Hunter rotary sprinklers operate on a “gear drive” system. When in operation, water turns a small turbine in the base of the sprinkler, which drives a series of gears that cause the head to rotate. The Hunter gear drive mechanism is sealed from dirt and debris. Age, excessive pressure, or poor water quality may eventually allow particles of contamination to enter the gear drive.

If the sprinkler is no longer rotating and the water flow coming out of the sprinkler has decreased, you can first try cleaning out the filter by removing the pop-up assembly from the main body. The cap can simply be threaded off and the internal assembly removed. The filter on the bottom of the internal assembly can be easily removed using needle nose pliers.

Generally, if cleaning the filter does not solve non-rotation then the internal sprinkler assembly must be replaced.