A clogged sprinkler head can leave dry patches and cause water to spray unevenly. Cleaning starts with shutting off the system and removing debris without damaging the nozzle.
Turn off irrigation
Stop the zone and release pressure before touching the head. Clear grass and soil from around the cap so dirt does not fall into the body.
Inspect the nozzle and screen
Remove the nozzle as designed and rinse the screen. Use a soft brush rather than a sharp pin that could enlarge the orifice.
Flush the riser
With the nozzle removed, briefly flush the riser to move grit out. Keep the opening protected from surrounding soil.
Test coverage
Reinstall the parts, run the zone, and observe the pattern. Replace a cracked body or damaged nozzle instead of compensating with longer watering.