How to Adjust your Orbit Impact Sprinkler

Impact sprinklers are a reliable choice for watering large areas and are known for their durability and ease of adjustment. When learning how to adjust an impact sprinkler, you'll find they maximize coverage and are beyond easy to adjust for distance and spray pattern, making them ideal for DIY homeowners who want straightforward maintenance.

For lower pressures, plastic impact heads work great, however, they lack the durability of stronger metal impact heads. Impact sprinklers are particularly effective for larger lawn areas where rotor-style coverage is needed.

PLEASE NOTE: For water pressure less than 15 PSI an impact head will not function properly. Other sprinkler types should be considered.

So how do you optimize your impact sprinkler's performance? Here are some easy ways to learn how to adjust an impact sprinkler for distance and spray pattern through proper techniques.

Adjusting the Distance:

Follow along using the diagram below for precise sprinkler head adjustment.

A. Adjust distance with deflector knob: Simply turn the deflector knob to adjust the shield into the stream to reduce water coverage. This is one of the quickest sprinkler head adjustment methods.

B. Adjust the distance with the Diffuser Screw: Use the diagram to locate the diffuser screw, then simply rotate it. Turning clockwise into the stream will reduce the distance. Turning counterclockwise will increase the distance.

If connected to a hose, adjust the distance with water flow:
The simplest solution is to turn your faucet up higher or lower. Just twist and shout!

Adjusting the Spray Pattern:

First, use the diagram below to locate the trip lever for effective sprinkler head adjustment.

• Adjust the spray pattern with the Trip Lever & Trip Stops:

1. Full Circle = Trip Lever Up! Simply flip-up the trip lever to create a full 360-degree pattern.
2. Partial Circle = Trip Lever Down! Push the trip lever to the down position.
3. Partial Circle Adjustment = Trip Stops! Slide the trip-stops to adjust to any portion of a 360-degree circle. (Pro tip -- make sure the trip lever is on the outside of the trip-stops). Happy watering!

Diagram of Impact Sprinkler with Deflector Knob

Below are some product Specific instructions that can be adjusted for most impact sprinklers.

Model # 91044 1/2” Plastic Orbit Jet with Weighted Head

Adjusting the Distance of Spray

The distance of spray can be adjusted with the following methods:

• Using Diffuser Pin – Screw the diffuser pin clockwise into stream of water to increase the width of coverage.  Turn diffuser screw counterclockwise to reduce the width of coverage.

• Using Deflector Shield – Turn distance control knob counter-clockwise to push deflector shield into stream of water to reduce distance.  Turn distance control knob clockwise to increase distance.

Adjusting the Pattern of Spray

The spray pattern can be adjusted with the following methods:

• Partial Circle Coverage –
  1. Push the trip pin to the down position.
     
  2. Slide the friction collars apart to adjust any portion of the 360 degrees.

• Full circle coverage – Move the trip pin to the up position.
  

Devices Covered: 55015 55032 55016 55024R