Fix for Hozelock Rectangular Garden Sprinkler not oscillating

If your Hozelock Rectangular Garden Sprinkler has stopped oscillating/rotating and remains stuck in one position don't chuck it out just yet. It's relatively simple to get it going again so save yourself 20 quid and cut down on landfill waste. Give this simple fix a go to remedy a fairly common but easily resolved problem.
Any questions drop me a message in the comments.
Cheers, Matt

[@violetlake2748]

June 2023. Vinegar and water!!! Did as instructed and it has freed it up and now oscillates. Saved me buying a new one. Thank you.

[@mattg5607]

Wonderful! You are most welcome.

[@leonardbrookes2834]

Simply stellar, Matt - video & tutorial both - sprinkler now works perfectly - thank you very much. Not only has it enabled me to fix it, but it's also been a stress reliever, so, quite therapeutic in that regard. If I might make one v minor contribution, it would be that, instead of using vinegar/water, use a v dilute solution of citric acid - just sufficient to cover the unit discussed when placed in a wide-mouthed pickle/jam/ jar. Worked great for me & cheaper in the long run too. (We have very hard water so I buy citric acid in bulk [1, 2kg] online for numerous applications: descaling kettles; getting rid of deposits around taps/sinks/plug holes, etc.; and sprinkling it in the shower after use to achieve the same effect).

[@mattg5607]

Wonderful to hear that Leonard. It seems you are quite right, citric acid is an ideal alternative, thanks for the suggestion. Recently I have been buying vinegar in bulk online as I use it for all sorts of things but I may investigate citric acid especially if it is kinder on my wallet. All the best.

[@marissakeynes2532]

I was about to go out and buy a new sprinkler but now I'll try and fix the one I've already got. Thank u so much. 🥰

[@mattg5607]

Good stuff Aida! I hope you had success.

[@worthamandburgatetwinning7012]

Appears to have worked. Well done Matt.

[@mattg5607]

Very pleased to hear that. Happy gardening.

[@kithughesx]

Thanks Matt, that looks like the solution. I'll try it. BTW very clear video.

[@mattg5607]

Thank Kit, I hope you had success.

[@jonathanbillington1688]

That worked perfectly thank you for the great video

[@mattg5607]

Great to hear that Jonathan, you are most welcome. Cheers.

[@aleb5195]

I just bought 4 orbit sprinklers. 2 of 4 work. I had a more expensive one that didn't work after the first year. I need one that actually works.

[@geebassan5391]

What type of vinegar do you use?

[@mattg5607]

I just use the cheapest white vinegar I can find in the supermarket. A 40p bottle from Asda in this case.

[@DMSJagXK]

Mine didn’t oscillate from new and my 2 other hose lock sprinklers do not oscillate.

[@mattg5607]

Well I would be taking the new one back for a replacement or a refund if I were in your shoes. Perhaps give this a go on the older 2.

[@bsimpson6204]

Ours only worked one month and stopped oscillating, we’re taking it back today

[@matt2matt2002]

Followed these instructions but still gets stuck and keeps clicking when it should flip back. Whats the problem?

[@mattg5607]

Difficult to say Matt, I would be inclined to give it another go. It's possible there is still limescale fouling up the inner workings. Of course there is also the possibility that a moving part inside has been damaged. My assumption is that as long as the protruding rod moves freely and makes a nice healthy clicking sound then you should be good to go once any limescale buildup has been fully removed.

[@derf9465]

Doing this now, ill leave it to soak for 24hrs

[@mattg5607]

That's the spirit! That limescale won't stand a chance. I hope you had success.