SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

I am down to two options on raising my rotary heads. I need to raise them because I have an older system and the turf has built up over the years so I am looking at raising them about 1/2" to 1". The system was already installed when I bought my house so I don't have a map of the entire system, however I do know that each rotary head is connected to a 3/4" riser elbow similar to this one: http://www.starnursery.com/show_details.php?root=4&sub1=54&product=841&PHPSESSID=fb12865627fe71864c42af3c25c423f5 only it is not funny pipe; it is the rigid poly pipe. The easy answer would be to connect a 3/4" riser extender to the riser elbow and then attach the head to the extender, but I cannot find a 3/4" riser extender anywhere. I am left with replacing the riser elbow with a reducing elbow like this one: http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/detail.aspx?ID=563 and using a 3/4" cut off riser, or using flex pipe with the proper fittings to move the head where I need it. Which would be the easiest solution? I am liking the idea more of replacing the elbow, however I don't know what I am getting myself into.

I think I will replace the elbow because that will also make it easier for me if I need to perform maintenance in the future. With that said, what is the easiest way to remove an elbow? I realize I should not heat the pipe because it would weaken it, but I understand these fitting are very tight, and for good reason. Will I need to cut off the existing elbow, or is there a method to removing them? I read in another message that one method of installing an elbow is to smear a little dish soap on the fitting which would make it easier to insert into the pipe. Is this a good method? Sorry for the 20 questions, but I want to make sure I get it right the first time. I already dug up one entire zone to replace the heads and I will have to dig them up again to replace the elbow. I don't particularly want to have to go in there a third time. [B)] Thanks for all the help!