The Best Lawn Sprinkler Heads + Bonus Sprinklers Listed

Best Lawn Sprinkler Heads

As a lover of your lawn, you have certainly been struggling to keep it looking at its best. The lawn gives a healthy and fresh style to your property but, as you surely know, it takes a lot of hard work to maintain a thriving and healthy one.

Especially if your garden is very large, manually taking care of it can become extremely tiring: removing the weeds, mowing, and watering your lawn will take time and effort you can save by resorting to the right help.

This is where lawn sprinklers come into the picture: in addition to helping you save precious time and energy, you can make sure that your plants will get the right amount of water.

Current research shows in fact that homeowners can save up to 50-70% of their water bill by optimizing their irrigation system: you will not get any risk of paying for the waste of water.

If you’re starting to worry about how hard it could be to select the right ones for your needs, no panic: here we would be discussing the 10 Best Lawn Sprinkler Heads sold on the market, along with some detailed reviews that will help you choose the best irrigation system for your lawn.


1. Hunter PGP-adj Rotor Sprinkler Heads

Hunter PGP-adj Rotor Sprinkler Heads - 4 Pack - Includes Adjustment Tool

Since 1981,  Hunter has stood out for the care and quality of the products, characterized by a refined design and exceptional performances. Since then, continuous improvements and feature development have made the Hunter PGP-ADJ Rotor Series one of the best lawn sprinklers on the market.

The sprinkler provides high-performance thanks to the many years of experience of the manufacturer, who designed it to rotate silently and then disappear when the job is done.

It is easy to direct according to your needs, as you can adjust the full circle from 50 degrees up to 360 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to rotate it completely or slightly without causing any damage.

The improved performance has meant that it now features better dirty-water tolerance on the internal gear drive.

When in need to be replaced Hunter PGP-adj Rotor Sprinkler Heads is a very good deal: you don’t have to dig the whole sprinkler up, the adjustment kit included in the box allows you to leave the original housing untouched, and just screw in the “guts” from the new sprinkler head.


2. Orbit Full Pattern Mushroom Bubbler Sprinkler Head

20 Pack - Orbit Full Pattern Mushroom Bubbler Sprinkler Head

The Orbit Plastic Full-Pattern mushroom bubbler is ideal for watering small bushes and flowered areas, shrubs, and trees, thanks to the possibility of easy installing and adjusting by hand as needed: it can be regulated from full flow to a light thread.

This is a convenient and economical purchase, that will either make you evenly water all areas of your lawn or give a perfect and generous distribution of water directly to the plant, reducing at the same time water use and ensuring green and healthy grass.

What guarantees this product’s long life and reliability, therefore the title of best sprinkler, is the solid and durable plastic with which it is made.

This bubbler provides a full-circle spray pattern and offers coverage of areas up to 15 square feet. In order to prevent debris from clogging the nozzle, this type of sprinkler head has an inlet filter basket incorporated; moreover, it features a 1/2-inch FNPT input.


3. Rain Bird 42SA+/4PK Simple Adjust Gear Drive Rotor

Rain Bird 42SA+/4PK Simple Adjust Gear Drive Rotor, Adjustable 40° - 360° Pattern, 26' - 38' Spray Distance, 4-Pack

When it comes to the best sprinkler head reviews, the Rain Bird 42SA + / 4PK Simple Adjust Gear Drive Rotor definitely deserves one.

One of the best features of this sprinkler, in addition to the exceptional uniformity of irrigation that makes it ideal for large zones, is the ease of control of the rotation of the water flow. All it takes is a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the arc from 40 ° to 360 ° of rotation, completely reversing the full circle rotation to make sure you only water the necessary, and not the house, the sidewalk, or the driveway.

This can also happen while irrigation is running, making it the perfect choice for any home setting.

If you are not familiar with watering system installation, you can breathe a sigh of relief because it is very simple: the 42SA + mounts on a standard 3/4 inch upright, that will allow you to easily replace older rotors.


4. Rain-bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head

5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head - 5004 PC Model, Adjustable 40-360 Degree Part-Circle, 4 Inch Pop-Up Lawn Sprayer Irrigation System - 25 to 50 Feet Water Spray Distance (Y54007) (20 Pack Case)

Rain Bird is a well-known brand in the top sprinkler heads market. Performance, reliability, and value are in fact what sets the Rain-bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head apart. The pop-up type rotor features a partial circle pattern making it optimal for medium to large areas.

The distribution of water is made uniform by the development of the patented Rain Curtain Nozzle Technology, designed for medium and large lawns with a flow that covers from 25 to 50 feet.

This one plays a major role on the market as the best yard sprinkler, making the irrigation system customizable, as it has an adjustable radius that allows complete control of the range of action, delivering the right amount of water to the right place and watering your lawn according to your specific needs.

Moreover, bigger water droplets are produced to resist wind, prevent misting and airborne evaporation, and for intelligent use of water.


5. Rain Bird 35ADJTNTB Brass Impact Sprinkler

Rain Bird 35ADJTNTB Brass Impact Sprinkler, Adjustable 0° - 360° Pattern, 23' - 50' Spray Distance

Those who are looking for something delivering durable performances season after season should without any doubt choose Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler. Designed with sturdy and high-quality metal like brass, stainless steel, and bronze, it guarantees longer maintenance than zinc products.

If you are not sure about the quality of your water because you get it from impure sources with high-mineral content, its straight-through water flow will not rust or get clogged even with dirty water.

The stream length is customizable from 23 ‘to 50’ radius and the spray arm controls the flow preventing side splashes from ending up on buildings and walkways. The 3/4 ” male pipe thread outlet connection is made for easy installation to risers and, when required, adjustments are as quick and intuitive, making Rain Bird 35ADJTNTB Brass Impact Sprinkler the best yard sprinkler even for non-professional users.


6. GrowGreen Rotating Sprinkler

GrowGreen Sprinkler, Rotating Lawn Sprinkler, Large Area Coverage Water Sprinklers for Lawns and Gardens

Customize your sprinkler system thanks to GrowGreen’s Lawn Garden Sprinkler you can adjust the sprinkler nozzles to make them spray in any direction you need. Don’t be fooled by the material, this product is made with high quality ABS plastic and a rustproof polymer, impact-resistant, and capable of providing long-lasting performance, in fact, the well-stable sprinkler base is designed to keep the unit in place without letting it move.

Several outstanding features will make you efficiently water your garden with minimal effort: it gives your yard the best water coverage with 80 PSI water pressure, 360-degree rotation, and 32.8 feet spray distance.

The cherry on top of GrowGreen’s Lawn Garden Sprinkler is that you can make it a fun attraction for your kids and their friends, as they can have fun in the sun running around the splashing water on hot summer days. Isn’t it enough to call it the best water sprinkler?


7. Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler

Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler with Click-N-Go Hose Connect, Kit, Black

If you are interested in a sprinkler head that lifts when you need it and then retracts into the ground if not used, Rain Bird LG3HE In-Ground Impact Sprinkler head is the perfect choice to be included in the best irrigation system.

With a single purchase, you will solve the annoying problems of installing and removing the sprinkler every time you water the lawn, thanks to the reliability of the stainless-steel spring that allows smooth lifting and retraction movements.

The practical Click-N-Go hose connection offers all the benefits of a professional level underground sprinkler with the convenience of quick and easy installation. The ultimate design aids incorrect height adjustment, also preventing weeds from growing in the sprinkler head and thus obstructing it.

The model offers endless radius adjustment and customization options, such as full circle (360 °) or part circle (20 ° to 340 °)  coverage and is designed to be efficient and well-functioning with a wide range of pressures, from 25 to 50 psi. Spacing from 26 ‘to 41’ apart.


8. Melnor 65031-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

Melnor 65031-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler on Step Spike with QuickConnect Product Adapter Set, Black, Yellow

You can meet all your irrigation needs with the Melnor 65031-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler.  You will finally get the wonderful lawn or garden you have always wanted thanks to the resistance of the watering nozzles and wands of one of the best sprinkler systems.

High-quality Melnor timers prevent over and under watering to keep your garden healthy. The four adjustment options make it perfect for precision watering and it also features a zoom control mechanism to customize the overall irrigation area: zoom in or out to water a small portion of lawn or a large section of the yard with a single and complete tool. A Quick Connect Product Adapter comes included for easy connecting and disconnecting.

The product is sold complete with adapters, which make it easy to attach to the hose end whenever you need it. This quick connection system allows you to easily connect the threaded end of the sprinkler even to a generic standard garden hose when the sprinkler is not in use.


9. Rainbird R-VAN1318 Rotary Nozzle

Rain Bird 5 Pack R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzle R-VAN1318 RVAN18 13-18

Rotary nozzles have evolved to the next generation of nozzle design, which makes Rainbird R-VAN1318 one of the best sprinkler heads on the market. The adjustable rotary nozzle allows you to easily use it and set the nozzle spray pattern and distance without the need of any tool.

The VAN1318 is engineered to maintain the best performances even at high pressures without misting or fogging and compared to other rotating nozzles, its thicker streams and larger water droplets prevent the wind from interfering with the irrigation process.

Installation and maintenance are fast and easy: this rotary nozzle is, of course, compatible with all models of Rain Bird spray bodies, risers, and adapters and the low precipitation rate reduces run-off and erosion which makes maintenance interventions less frequent and necessary.


10. Hunter MP800SR Short Radius Sprinkler

Hunter MP800SR 90° - 210° Short Radius Rotator 6' to 12' (1.8m to 3.6m) Female MP800SR90 5 Pack

If you are the type of person who hates waste, you can achieve excellent water-conserving results with the revolutionary MP Rotator, because it is equipped with an efficient multi-trajectory rotating stream delivery system.

MP Rotator technology dispenses multiple streams of water at a constant rate instead of simply spraying water onto landscapes. This allows less water consumption and more regular and uniform irrigation over the entire area because the slower speed of application ensures that the water penetrates more delicately into the soil and is completely absorbed by the lawn. Water consumption is 30% lower than traditional irrigation systems. 

MP Rotator is adaptable to any conventional spray head body or shrub adapter, transforming them into low precipitation rate sprinklers with matched precipitation at any arc and any radius.


What are the different types of sprinkler heads?

The key to choosing among the various top sprinkler heads is to understand the differences between the main types and select the one that suits you the best:

  • Rotary. These sprinkler heads emit a spray of water in the form of rotation and are ideal for medium to large areas.
  • Pop-up. These types of sprinkler heads are hidden below ground when not in use and pop up above grass when activated. They provide even water distribution in any size area.
  • Fixed Spray. These types are designed to stay stationary and produce a tight constant fan-shaped spray; they can provide full or half-circle spray patterns.
  • Gear-Driven. Typically, these heads can be set to different patterns and run quietly and smoothly; they are best suited for medium to large areas.
  • Multiple Stream. This will produce thin streams of water that will slowly rotate, and it’s designed for uneven ground and medium-sized areas.
  • Shrub. This type of sprinkler head is ideal for mounting above the foliage; thanks to its special pattern nozzles it provides maximum flexibility with spray patterns.

Are rotary sprinklers better?

Your decision will depend on the coverage area and the water supply.

In general, rotor heads are better for larger areas of turf because they will even cover more areas over a longer period than a spray head. In addition, the coverage could be three or four times the square footage because the head itself will be larger.

However, once you set them you might have to recheck their position as the final placement of the rotor is not immediately evident: this implies that rotor installation takes more time than the spray heads. Rotors in general can also be a little more expensive to install because, being more spaced apart, the cost of the material is higher, but this also allows for less maintenance.


How do I choose a sprinkler head?

There are many factors you need to keep in mind when you are about to choose the best sprinkler for the lawn. Among many, what you must take into consideration when choosing the type of head that best suits your needs is the size of the area you wish to water and the water pressure per square inch (PSI) available for each head in your irrigation system.

The irrigation area determines whether a short- or long-range irrigation head is required. The water pressure determines the type of sprinkler head that best matches your irrigation system.

In case the water pressure is below 30 PSI in your area then you will need to refer to a different sprinkler head, if not actually reduce the water precipitation rate.

Here is a tip: recognize, before the installation, which is the irregularly shaped areas and edges in your lawn, and above all, identify the areas that need less water than others to avoid wasting water.


How many sprinkler heads should be on a zone?

Once again, to determine the number of heads you can use per zone, you need to know the water pressure and flow rate of your home’s water supply. Thanks to these two data you will be able to determine the number of heads that will adapt to your area. 

The first important measure to know about your irrigation system’s capabilities is the flow rate, which is measured in gallons per minute. Measuring your water pressure requires some specialized equipment so you may need to call your water company.

Create a map of your garden to calculate, based on their spray distance and direction, where you will need the sprinkler heads. Then identify the number of the best sprinklers to place in each zone, making sure that each zone includes plants with the same watering needs. It is important to take into consideration that combining and using different brands of sprinkler heads at the same time could affect the effectiveness of your irrigation system, even if you have considered their specifications. To guarantee an optimal result, stick to one brand.


How long should I water my rotary sprinkler?

We often make the mistake of watering our lawns more than necessary. Perhaps not everyone knows that too much water can cause as much damage as a lack of irrigation because it can choke roots, wash away nutrients, and encourage insects, weeds, and disease. Watering your lawn efficiently can reduce your water use and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful yard.

Speaking about rotors, although its spray is more uniform than that of a spray head, the rotors can take much longer to water. In general, the rotor heads dispense ½ inch of water per hour. For ¼ inch of water, flush for 20 to 30 minutes.

Rotors are ideal for watering lawn areas wider than 15 feet. It is advisable to save water by regulating the controller at regular intervals according to the weather and the season.

If you are wondering how often to water your lawn, two days a week is enough during most of the summer. Just add a third day during periods of intense heat and drought.


How long do sprinkler heads last?

What is the most important thing that you would expect from the best sprinkler system? You are probably thinking about a long-life expectancy.

On average, a good quality sprinkler will last about 20 years. Regarding the duration of the individual components, high quality heads usually have an average life of 10-15 years, unlike economic ones which will show signs of wear after the second/third year of use. As for the nozzles, they normally need to be replaced after two years, depending on the water quality and climate.

What will last the longest are the tubes: this component is in fact protected from direct sun damage and the action of other external factors, so you can expect them to last up to 40 years before having to replace them. Instead, expect to have to regularly replace cables, due to corrosion, wear, or improper installation. The valves will give you 10 to 15 years of service, while the controllers will give you 5 to 10 years. 


Can you use a 1/2-inch sprinkler pipe?

When it comes to installing the best irrigation system, PVC or polyethylene pipes can be used to deliver water to the sprinkler heads.

However, even the choice of the pipe size could compromise the efficiency of your watering system because this depends on the specific overall capacity of the system.

To define the right size pipe that suits your needs, you must first calculate the flow rate of the receptacle from which the water will flow. To do this, the simplest choice is to calculate how long it takes to fill a gallon bucket when the water flow is at full capacity.

Then divide the number of gallons of your bucket by the time it took to fill it, then multiply that number by 60 seconds. That number is the flow rate in terms of gallons per minute or GPM. In general, when using PVC, the typical diameter of the pipes is between 1/2 inch and 2 inches. 1/2-inch pipes are used for a 4 GPM system.


How many PSI do I need to run my sprinklers?

Different types of sprinklers need different pressure to operate properly:

  • Spray heads and rotators are designed to work their best at about 30 psi. When the pressure is above about 40, it could cause the head to mist; lower pressure will reduce the watering radius instead. You can use pressure regulators to avoid having problems.
  • Rotors work their best at pressures exceeding 30 psi. Rotors are the best choice for you if your water pressure is already high. If not, but you need one for your irrigation system, you can increase pressure by using a boost pump.
  • Drip heads are designed to work best at about 20 psi; be aware that pressures exceeding 40 psi or 45 psi can cause emitters to break apart.

We recommend that you use the lowest pressure reading when calculating your sprinkler needs, so you can make the most of the functionality of your entire water system.


What is the best water pressure for a sprinkler system?

Properly regulating the water pressure is crucial for the entire irrigation system to work as it should.

The measure of water pressure is defined as pounds per square inch, also called PSI. For most common homes, the optimum operating pressure for the best lawn sprinkler is between 30 psi and 50 psi; not surprisingly, most irrigation systems are designed to operate at pressures around 30 psi.

(If you are wondering how to measure the pressure of your system, you should use a flow meter or a pressure gauge connected to an external tap).

Ensuring correct water pressure will allow each head to function at its best, achieving uniform distribution and optimal use of water. Too high pressure can cause you to wastewater and incur higher costs because sprinklers will produce fog.

Low pressures will not allow your sprinkler to properly irrigate the area it is designed to cover, causing some areas of your lawn to dehydrate and die.


Should I flush the sprinkler head if it’s dirty?

If despite being fairly new, you have problems with the heads clogging up, chances are there is dirt trapped within the sprinkler lines, that could be caused by grime that may have accumulated while you were fixing a breakdown or there could simply be dirt deposits in the water.

Yes, you may want and need to flush out your irrigation system. You can do it by running water through the system after installing the wash caps, which are sold along with the best sprinkler heads when you first buy them.

If you don’t have any, you can also unscrew the inside of each head from the casing and rinse the sprinkler heads with a faucet to clean them. After flushing and rinsing both the system and the heads, run the irrigation for about 10 minutes and make sure no head is still stuck. If some are still not perfectly working, they may be beyond fixing.

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