Regular care helps keep your Aqua Joe sprinkler clean, operating smoothly, and protected during storage. Follow this guide after use, whenever water flow becomes weak or uneven, and before freezing weather.
Why Proper Sprinkler Care Matters
Keeping the inlet and spray openings free of dirt and debris helps support consistent sprinkler performance.
Clean nozzles and freely moving controls help the sprinkler distribute water across the selected area.
Draining the sprinkler and hose before freezing conditions prevents water from remaining inside the equipment.
A dry, protected storage location helps shield the sprinkler from prolonged weather exposure and accidental damage.
After Every Use
- Turn off the water supply. Shut off the faucet before handling or disconnecting the sprinkler.
- Disconnect the garden hose. Carefully remove the hose from the sprinkler’s hose-end connector.
- Drain the sprinkler. Remove excess water and do not allow water to remain inside the sprinkler during storage.
- Drain and store the hose. Walk the water out of the hose, then coil it loosely in large loops.
- Store the sprinkler in a dry location. Keep it indoors or in a protected shed where it will not be exposed to weather or accidental impact.
Important: Do not allow water to freeze inside the sprinkler or garden hose. Completely drain both before temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C).
Maintenance, Care & Storage
Clean the Water Inlet Filter
If your sprinkler is equipped with a removable inlet filter, clean it when dirt or debris reduces water flow.
- Turn off the water. Disconnect the sprinkler from the garden hose.
- Remove the inlet filter. Take the filter out of the sprinkler’s hose-end connection.
- Rinse the filter. Run it under clean water to remove dirt and debris.
- Reinstall the filter. Fit it securely back into place before reconnecting the sprinkler.
Model note: Inlet filter design and location may vary. Check your sprinkler’s manual before removing any component.
Clear Clogged Spray Nozzles
For models equipped with a sprinkler cleaning pin, use only the provided pin to clear clogged spray nozzles.
- Turn off and disconnect the water supply.
- Remove the cleaning pin. On compatible oscillating sprinklers, it may be stored at the opposite end of the oscillator tube from the hose connection.
- Clear the affected nozzle. Carefully insert the cleaning pin into the clogged spray opening.
- Return the cleaning pin to its storage position. Fit it firmly back in place before using the sprinkler.
Important: Not every Aqua Joe sprinkler includes a cleaning pin. Do not force an unsuitable object into the spray nozzles.
Flush a Compatible Oscillating Sprinkler
If an oscillating sprinkler stops working properly or has poor water flow because of dirt or debris buildup:
- Remove the inlet filter. Rinse it under clean running water.
- Connect the sprinkler to the spigot.
- Turn on the water. While water continues to run, gently move the oscillator tube back and forth for a few minutes.
- Turn off the water. Reinstall the inlet filter firmly before normal use.
Inspect the Controls and Moving Parts
- Check range controls, sliding tabs, flow controls, rotation controls, spray adjusters, and height-adjustment features, when equipped.
- Make sure adjustable parts move smoothly.
- Do not force a control that resists movement. Check for visible dirt, debris, or an obstruction first.
- For telescoping tripod models, make sure the locking knob holds the pole securely.
- Collapse tripod legs before storage when instructed for your model.
Inspect the Hose Connection
- Check that the garden hose is attached securely to the hose-end connector.
- Confirm that a rubber hose washer is properly seated inside the connection when required by the model.
- Inspect the washer if water leaks from the connection.
Handle and Store the Sprinkler Carefully
- Do not drop, throw, or step on the sprinkler.
- Keep vehicles, lawn equipment, heavy tools, and other heavy objects away from it.
- Do not leave the sprinkler or attached hose exposed to direct sunlight or lying on the lawn for extended periods.
- Store the sprinkler fully drained in a dry, protected location.
Water Efficiently
- Water only when necessary, preferably in the morning to minimize water loss through evaporation.
- Water deeply but as infrequently as possible to promote deep root growth.
- Watch the application of water and adjust the sprinkler to help avoid runoff.
Winterize Before Freezing Weather
- Turn off the water supply.
- Disconnect the sprinkler and hose.
- Drain both completely. Make sure no water remains inside either item.
- Store them in a protected location. Keep the sprinkler and hose indoors or in another dry area protected from freezing temperatures.
Troubleshooting
Water Flow Is Weak or Uneven
Possible Causes
- The inlet filter is blocked by dirt, sand, or debris.
- One or more spray nozzles are clogged.
- The garden hose is not connected securely.
Solutions
- Turn off the water and clean the removable inlet filter, if equipped.
- Use the supplied cleaning pin to clear clogged nozzles on compatible models.
- Flush a compatible oscillating sprinkler with clean water.
- Reconnect the garden hose securely.
The Oscillator Tube Does Not Move Properly
Possible Causes
- Dirt or debris has accumulated inside the sprinkler.
- The range controls or sliding tabs are not positioned correctly.
Solutions
- Clean the inlet filter and flush the sprinkler according to the model instructions.
- Check the position of the range controls or sliding tabs.
- With the water running during the flushing procedure, gently move the oscillator tube back and forth for a few minutes.
The Sprinkler Leaks at the Hose Connection
Possible Causes
- The garden hose connection is loose.
- The rubber hose washer is missing, worn, or not seated correctly.
Solutions
- Turn off the water and reconnect the hose securely.
- Check that the rubber washer is seated inside the hose-end connection.
- Replace the washer if needed.
The Spray Does Not Reach the Desired Area
Possible Causes
- The range, width, distance, rotation, or flow control is set too low.
- A spray nozzle or inlet filter is clogged.
Solutions
- Adjust the available coverage controls according to the sprinkler’s manual.
- Clean the inlet filter and spray nozzles when equipped.
- Watch the watering area and readjust the sprinkler to prevent runoff.
Replacement Hose Washers
Aqua Joe AJHW-20PK Universal Rubber Hose Washers
This 20-count pack contains heavy-duty universal rubber hose washers for use with Aqua Joe garden hose series products and most other brands.
Availability note: Some Aqua Joe sprinklers and garden hoses may not have available replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drain my sprinkler after every use?
Yes. Remove excess water before storing the sprinkler, and never allow water to freeze inside it.
Where should I store my Aqua Joe sprinkler?
Store it fully drained in a dry, protected indoor location or shed where it will not be exposed to prolonged weather, freezing temperatures, or accidental impact.
Does every Aqua Joe sprinkler have a removable inlet filter?
No. Sprinkler designs vary. Check your model’s manual before attempting to remove or clean an inlet filter.
Can I use any pin to clean the spray nozzles?
Use the supplied sprinkler cleaning pin only when your model includes one. Do not force an unsuitable object into the spray nozzles.
When should I winterize my sprinkler?
Drain and store the sprinkler and hose in a protected location before temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C).
What products can AJHW-20PK hose washers be used with?
The heavy-duty universal rubber washers are intended for Aqua Joe garden hose series products and fit most other brands.