Raising Rain Jet Sprinkler Heads for Better Coverage

Can Raising Heads Improve Throw Distance?

Raising Rain Jet 360° heads alone rarely increases throw distance unless the current heads are obstructed by tall grass. The real solution is proper spacing and nozzle selection.

How to Raise a Head

1. Dig around the head to expose the riser (nipple) connecting it to the lateral pipe.
2. Unscrew the head from the nipple.
3. Replace the nipple with a longer one (same thread size, typically ½" or ¾" MIPT).
4. Reattach the head and backfill.

Better Approach: Replace with Rotors

For large areas with dead spots between heads, consider replacing fixed-spray heads with gear-driven rotors (e.g., Rain Bird 5000, Hunter PGP) that throw 25–50 ft. This reduces head count and improves uniformity.

DIY Feasibility

Raising or replacing heads is a straightforward DIY task. Ensure the system is off and pressure relieved before unscrewing any fittings.