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how to repair damaged sprinkler line

by Jammie Lubowitz Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Turn on the sprinkler to locate the leak. Once you find it, turn the water off.
  • Dig up the area above the leak to expose the damaged sprinkler line. Clean off the exposed section with a wet cloth.
  • Saw off a 4 in (10 cm) section of pipe to remove the leak. Clamp the pipe ends and insert a slip coupling between them to repair the line.

First, find the leak by looking for escaping water or sprinkler heads with little to no flow. Then, dig up and expose the damaged pipe so you can remove it. Use a slip coupling to replace the damaged section of pipe, fill in the dirt around it, and you're done!

Full Answer

How to tell if your sprinkler system needs repair?

To Winterize:

  • See if your system has auto-drain valves. ...
  • If you have manual drains, you'll need to use an air compressor with pressure between 50 and 100 PSI. ...
  • Open the valve manifolds to allow any remaining water to drain.
  • Hook up the air compressor and run air through each zone in your system until you've cleared all zones of water.

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How to get air out of a sprinkler system line?

Steps How To Drain Your Sprinkler / Irrigation System:

  • Turn off your water at the dedicated Sprinkler Line Shutoff (A) in your basement / crawlspace.
  • Open the 2 Petcock’s (F) with a flat head screwdriver so that the screw head runs a 45 degree angle
  • Open the Inside Drain (B) to drain your system. ...
  • Open 2 Ball Valves (C & D) on backflow preventer (outside) to a 45 degree angle. ...

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How do I repair a clogged irrigation line?

Repair Drip Irrigation Guide: How To Fix It Yourself Without Your Gardener

  • Drip Irrigation Parts to Keep on Hand. In case of emergency, it’s always best to keep a stash of these inexpensive parts in the garage. ...
  • Things to Know About Drip Tubing. ...
  • Fixing Drip Irrigation. ...
  • Installing Microspray Drip Irrigation. ...
  • The Importance of a Pressure Regulator and Filter. ...
  • Your Turn…. ...

How to cap off a sprinkler line?

Use these instructions if you live in an area that does not require winterization.

  • To cap off a sprinkler, dig up the dirt around the head you want to remove exposing the pipe and fittings below.
  • Unscrew the sprinkler and any piping connecting the sprinkler to the fitting below.
  • Install a cap or plug of the appropriate size/thread to stop water from flowing out of the fitting after the sprinkler is removed.

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How do you fix a ripped sprinkler line?

1:225:32How to Fix A Broken Lawn Sprinkler line - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you could use regular hose clamps if you didn't have these on hand the one downfall of these isMoreBut you could use regular hose clamps if you didn't have these on hand the one downfall of these is that you need this special tool that helps you pinch those clamps together.

Can you patch a punctured sprinkler line?

2:024:32Howto: fix a puncture in your sprinkler system - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut basically I just use this this tool here you can use whatever you can use a razor blade you cutMoreBut basically I just use this this tool here you can use whatever you can use a razor blade you cut it cut it right at the the crack.

How do you fix a broken PVC pipe outside?

1:162:33How to Fix Broken PVC Pipe Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the outside of that pipe with something like this which is the Christie's purple primer. AndMoreAnd the outside of that pipe with something like this which is the Christie's purple primer. And then we'll apply a wet and dry glue. So the glue I've got here is a quick repair or a quick set glue.

How do you fix a broken sprinkler pipe under concrete?

Swab one end of the pipe with PVC glue and then press a PVC coupler onto the end of the pipe. Swab the end of the exposed section of pipe that you cut from with PVC glue and press the other end of the coupler onto the pipe. This will seal the connection on one end of the concrete.

How to stop water from pouring out of pipe?

Clean the pipe. Some water will come pouring out at first, you could try to catch it, but it is easier to bail it out. Once the water stops coming out, clean both ends with a rag. ...

How long should a PVC pipe be?

Or you can buy a PVC fitting from most home improvement stores that has one pipe sliding inside an outer barrel with an O-ring inside. It will extend almost 3" in length. You may see in stores 1/2" to 2 1/2" in diameter sizes.

Why does my sprinkler system leak?

DO make sure to check valves. Sprinkler leaks are most often caused by faulty valves. These plastic parts help direct the water from its main source to the rest of the yard through what’s known as a valve assembly or manifold.

What happens if your sprinkler heads are clogged?

Clogged sprinkler heads impact the distribution of water across the lawn, potentially leading to patches that are drier and browner than others. Making sure sprinkler heads are clean and clear will keep the whole system running properly.

Why do sprinklers need waterproof connectors?

To do so, add waterproof connectors to protect the sprinkler system wiring from the elements.

How many volts does a sprinkler system use?

Standard sprinkler systems operate on 24 volts, or “24 VAC” on a multimeter, although a range of 22 to 28 is acceptable. Multimeter tests are not difficult to perform, although electric repair work of any kind may be best left to an electrician, or in this specific case, to an irrigation specialist. Photo: istockphoto.com.

What happens if you damage a controller wire?

DO repair damaged wires. Damaged wires will prohibit the controller from “talking” to the valves and making them open or close on schedule. Sometimes, normal wear and tear will deteriorate wiring, or there might be other more immediate causes, such as tampering critters or the elements.

What is a good sprinkler system?

Quality sprinkler systems are easy, water-efficient means to keep your yard green and lush. Their programmable and scheduled irrigation, combined with strategic sprinkler head placement ensure evenly distributed watering across the lawn. Depending on the season and need, the system can be altered to provide optimal watering in the new conditions. But they require their own maintenance in order to, in turn, continue to care for the lawn.

What happens when a pipe leaks?

Pipes are subject to normal wear and tear as well as other unfortunate accidents, such as a burst of water pressure or a confrontation with a garden spade or shovel. As with a leak, you’ll want to pay attention to water flow throughout the lawn and watch for any inconsistencies in certain areas.

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