Flush cap with shut-off for sprinker head

A method of preparing an irrigation system for use, the system including a plurality of sprinkler heads, the method comprising the steps of:

• fitting each of the sprinkler heads with a removable flush cap assembly, each flush cap assembly including:
• a body portion adapted to be removably attached to the sprinkler head;
• an opening in the body portion communicating with a fluid flow path in the sprinkler head through which water can exit the sprinkler head;
• and
• a movable member manually operable to cover and uncover the opening in the body portion;
• installing a network of piping and connecting it to a source of water;
• attaching the sprinkler heads to the network of piping with the flush cap assemblies attached thereto;
• opening the flow passages for all the flush cap assemblies;
• turning on the source of water to flush dirt and debris from the piping and the sprinkler heads;
• selectively closing individual flush caps for portions of the system which have been sufficiently flushed, thereby directing additional water to portions of the system still requiring flushing;
• thereafter shutting down the water supply;
• and
• replacing the flush caps with spray nozzles.