Rain Bird 1804VAN 4 in. pop-up spray head (multi-pack)
Pop-up spray body with adjustable-arc nozzle.
Check price on Amazon ↗Sprinkler repair
Broken sprinkler head? How to fix or replace it
Most fixes are easy DIY: clean the nozzle, swap a worn seal, or replace the head. Rain Bird says a head swap takes about 20 minutes.
Quick take: Broken riser under the head? A riser extractor removes the broken piece from the fitting (Orbit), and Rain Bird says replacing a head takes about 20 minutes (Rain Bird).
Check this first
- Short spray: unscrew the nozzle, take out the filter and rinse both (Rain Bird).
- Leaking around the stem: hold the stem down for a minute, or cycle the water off and on, to flush debris (Rain Bird). Stem stays up or leaks while running? The wiper seal is likely worn (Hunter).
- Replace a broken head: turn off water to the zone, clear 3–4 inches of grass and dirt around it, and unscrew the old head (Rain Bird).
- Check the riser underneath. If it’s cracked or snapped, remove the broken piece with a riser extractor (insert, turn counter-clockwise) and fit a new riser of the right thread and length with Teflon tape (Orbit, Rain Bird).
- Flush, then finish: run water through the new head for 2–5 minutes, then install the nozzle and adjust the spray (Rain Bird). See how to adjust heads.
▶ Watch howHow To Replace A Sprinkler HeadOfficial Orbit video on YouTube ↗Parts you may need
Orbit 26076 riser extractor (1/2 in. and 3/4 in.)
Removes broken PVC risers from fittings. Specs
Check price on Amazon ↗Rain Bird R-VAN18 adjustable rotary nozzle, 10-pack
13–18 ft; fits Rain Bird 1804/1806/1812 spray bodies; arc and radius adjust by hand. Specs
Check price on Amazon ↗Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t change what we list.
When to call a pro
Not comfortable digging up valves or testing wiring? The EPA suggests hiring an irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program (EPA WaterSense).
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Steps summarized from the linked manufacturer and EPA pages (checked 2026-10-18). If your valve or head brand differs, follow its manual.