The Rain Bird 1806SAMPRS is Rain Bird's most feature-complete 6" pop-up spray head — combining two powerful water-saving technologies in a single body. The patented PRS (Pressure Regulating Stem) maintains a constant outlet pressure of 30 PSI regardless of fluctuating inlet pressure, while the built-in Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM) check valve prevents low-head drainage in elevation changes of up to 14 feet. Together, these features eliminate misting, fogging, flooding, and runoff — common problems in systems with variable pressure or sloped terrain.
Designed for residential and commercial lawn irrigation, this spray head is WaterSense certified and meets EPA water efficiency criteria, making it a smart choice for water-conscious installers and homeowners across the country. Its 1/2" FPT (Female Pipe Thread) inlet connects to standard lateral pipe, and all internal components are removable without special tools for fast, easy maintenance in the field. Nozzles are sold separately — the body is compatible with all Rain Bird female-threaded spray and rotary nozzles, including MPR, VAN, U-Series, and R-VAN rotary nozzles available at DripWorks.
If your zone doesn't require the SAM check valve, the Rain Bird 1806PRS offers the same 30 PSI pressure regulation in a spray-only body. For compatible nozzles to complete your installation, browse DripWorks' full selection of spray and rotary nozzles.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| SKU | PRB1806PRSM |
| MPN | A43715 |
| Pop-Up Height | 6" |
| Body Height (Retracted) | 9 3/8" (23.8 cm) |
| Exposed Surface Diameter | 2 1/4" (5.7 cm) |
| Inlet Size | 1/2" FPT (Female Pipe Thread) — Bottom Inlet Only |
| Regulated Outlet Pressure (PRS) | Constant 30 PSI (2.1 bar) |
| Operating Pressure Range | 15 to 70 PSI (1.0 to 4.8 bar) |
| SAM Check Valve | Yes — holds up to 14 ft (4.2 m) of head; 6 PSI (0.4 bar) |
| SAM Flow-By | 0 at 8 PSI or greater; 0.50 GPM otherwise |
| Nozzle Compatibility | All Rain Bird female-threaded spray & rotary nozzles (sold separately) |
| Spacing (Standard Nozzles) | 3 to 18 ft (0.9 to 5.5 m) |
| Spacing (Rotary Nozzles) | 13 to 24 ft (4.0 to 7.3 m) |
| Cap Marking | "SAM-PRS" stamped on cap for easy field identification |
| Body Material | UV-resistant plastic; corrosion-resistant stainless steel spring |
| Certifications | WaterSense Certified (meets EPA criteria) |
| Brand | Rain Bird |
| Nozzle Included | No — nozzle sold separately |
What does "SAM-PRS" mean, and why does it matter?
SAM stands for Seal-A-Matic™ — a built-in check valve that traps water in the lateral pipe and prevents low-head drainage in elevation changes of up to 14 feet. PRS stands for Pressure Regulating Stem — a patented in-stem pressure regulator that maintains a constant 30 PSI at the nozzle regardless of how high or how variable the inlet pressure is. Together, they prevent the two most common causes of water waste in spray systems: low-head drainage on slopes and misting/fogging from high pressure.
Does a nozzle come included?
No — this product is a spray head body only. You will need to purchase a nozzle separately. The 1806SAMPRS is compatible with all Rain Bird female-threaded spray nozzles (MPR, VAN, U-Series) and rotary nozzles (R-VAN series). Browse DripWorks' full selection of compatible nozzles here.
What is the difference between the 1806SAMPRS and the 1806PRS?
Both bodies include the PRS pressure regulator set to 30 PSI. The key difference is that the 1806SAMPRS also includes the Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM) check valve, which prevents low-head drainage on sloped terrain. If your system is on flat ground with no significant grade changes, the 1806PRS is sufficient. If you have elevation changes or sloped lawns, the 1806SAMPRS is the better choice.
What inlet size does this spray head use?
The 1806SAMPRS uses a 1/2" FPT (Female Pipe Thread) bottom inlet only. Note that the 1806 and 1812 SAM and SAM-PRS models do not include a side inlet option. Verify your lateral pipe or swing joint is sized for 1/2" before ordering.
Is this spray head required in California?
Yes. California law requires that all spray bodies installed in the state include built-in pressure regulation. The 1806SAMPRS meets this requirement with its patented PRS stem, making it compliant for use throughout California and ideal for water districts with mandatory conservation requirements.
What pressure range does this spray head operate in?
The 1806SAMPRS operates between 15 and 70 PSI inlet pressure. The PRS stem automatically regulates the output to a consistent 30 PSI — the optimal operating pressure for Rain Bird spray nozzles and rotary nozzles. If your system pressure exceeds 70 PSI, a pressure regulator upstream is recommended.
How do I adjust or change the nozzle?
All components on the 1806SAMPRS are removable without special tools. To swap a nozzle, simply unscrew the cap and lift out the existing nozzle, then insert the new one. For arc and radius adjustments, refer to the nozzle-specific instructions or see Rain Bird's nozzle adjustment guide available in the Downloads section below.
Can I use rotary nozzles (R-VAN) with this body?
Yes. The 1806SAMPRS is compatible with Rain Bird R-VAN rotary nozzles. When paired with R-VAN nozzles, spacing extends from 13 to 24 feet — significantly greater than standard spray nozzles. Rotary nozzles also apply water more slowly, which reduces runoff and is ideal for slopes and compacted soils.
Before you install, verify the following:
Pair your 1806SAMPRS spray bodies with these essential components for a fully functional system:
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