Repairing Guides

how to repair underground sprinkler line

by Adeline Braun Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Things You Should Know

  • 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.

Part of a video titled How to Fix A Broken Lawn Sprinkler line - YouTube
1:02
5:32
But 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.

Full Answer

How to tell if your sprinkler system needs repair?

The water sprinkler controller stops working

  • * Problem: The controller isn’t turning off. Check that the wires aren’t pushing against the relay or switch and that those leading to the switch are attached.
  • * Another problem: The controller is not keeping proper time. ...
  • * Mixing heads with different pressure ratings and precipitation rates. ...

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. ...

More items...

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.

More items...

image

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 sprinkler pipe?

0:253:543 Ways to Repair PVC Irrigation Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the washers go over each end of the pipe nuts go on first and then the washers. Then you slip theMoreSo the washers go over each end of the pipe nuts go on first and then the washers. Then you slip the coupling over one section of the pipe. And then over the other tighten. The nuts.

How do you seal a leaking sprinkler pipe?

2:5318:51How To Fix Sprinkler Pipe Leaking, Gushing Underground DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're going to do is take one end of our one inch pipe and we will cement it right into hereMoreSo what we're going to do is take one end of our one inch pipe and we will cement it right into here. So this will be permanent. Then we can screw. The body on to it here like this.

How do you repair an underground poly pipe?

0:134:45How Do I Fix A Hole In Poly Pipe? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to cut the pipe on either side of the damaged part. And remove that damaged bit. NowMoreSo we're going to cut the pipe on either side of the damaged part. And remove that damaged bit. Now if you remove too much obviously you're gonna keep in mind this pipes been in the ground.

How do you replace a broken section of PVC pipe?

1:204:03How To Repair PVC Pipe Using a Slip Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut out the damaged section of the pipe. Making the cuts as straight as possible remove any burrsMoreCut out the damaged section of the pipe. Making the cuts as straight as possible remove any burrs and clean both ends of the pipe as. Needed. Now go ahead and install the coupling on to the slip fix.

How do you fix a cracked PVC pipe without cutting it?

0:172:21How to Repair Cracked or Leaking Pipes Without Cutting or ThreadingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the putty into the repair area pushing it into any cracks and tapering it on to theMoreApply the putty into the repair area pushing it into any cracks and tapering it on to the surrounding surfaces. Body should be held in place until it hardens and adheres usually around 2 minutes.

How deep are sprinkler lines buried?

In most areas, burying the pipes 8 to 12 inches below the surface is adequate. This measurement is from the top of the pipe to the surface of the soil, which means your trenches must be slightly deeper to accommodate the pipes.

How do you fix a sprinkler line under concrete?

0:101:25How to Replace Irrigation Pipe Under Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo slow go easy. If you feel a hesitation. Or you feel it not wanted to pull through easily stopMoreGo slow go easy. If you feel a hesitation. Or you feel it not wanted to pull through easily stop immediately don't force it because your coupler you can pull your coupler. Right off of the pipe.

How do you replace an irrigation pipe under a driveway?

0:433:43Running Sprinkler Pipe Under A Sidewalk or Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing PVC cement attach the PVC mell adapters to the ends of your PVC pipe screw on the brass hoseMoreUsing PVC cement attach the PVC mell adapters to the ends of your PVC pipe screw on the brass hose swivel fitting on one end and the adapter and nozzle to the other end connect.

How do you glue PVC sprinkler pipes?

2:013:05How to glue PVC pipe & fittings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext I will go ahead and glue PVC fitting in this case a 3/4 inch tee onto. The pipe. And it's theMoreNext I will go ahead and glue PVC fitting in this case a 3/4 inch tee onto. The pipe. And it's the same process primer back about an inch primer.

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 repair a tree line that has roots?

If the line was damaged by tree roots, reroute the line by digging a new trench away from the tree.

What is the phone number to access underground water lines?

Caution: Before you start digging to access the underground water lines, electrical wires or spray heads, dial 811 to have your underground utility lines identified and marked.

How to tighten a pipe clamp?

Place a clamp on one of the line ends, insert a slip coupling, then tighten the clamp. Place a clamp on the second pipe end, expand the coupling while inserting the nipple into the pipe, then tighten the clamp. Step 5.

What happens if your watering system is not turning on?

Your watering system is divided into a series of zones. Generally, if you have a zone that's not turning on, you have an electrical problem. Make sure the zone wires are firmly attached to the terminals in the controller, the transformer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker at the main panel is on.

How to clean a syringe head?

Remove the screen basket from the bottom of the head, then clean it with water.

Which way to turn a valve?

Turn the valve on the horizontal pipe first, then the vertical pipe valve.

How to fix a defective solenoid?

Disconnect the wires and unscrew the defective solenoid from the control valve. Insert a new one and turn it until it's finger-tight.

What to do if water leaks out of sprinkler head?

If you notice any water leaking out, you may need to readjust or change the leaking sprinkler head.

How to fix a broken irrigation pipe?

Cut off the length of the broken pipe from the irrigation system about 4–10 inches long depending on the extent of the leak. Put in a new length of PVC pipe and attach it using couplers on either side. Use pipe cement and PVC primer to keep the joint in place. Leave it to dry for 24 hours to dry completely.

Why do sprinkler heads get dry patches?

Plus, you can get dry patches on one side because the water can’t get through to all the sprinkler heads. The most horrifying part of it all is that water leaks will make your water bill obscenely high. The only solution is to find the broken sprinkler pipe and plug the water leak before the bills get out of hand.

How deep are sprinkler pipes buried?

The sprinkler pipes are buried about 8–12 inches into the ground. Because you won’t find the pipes buried too deep in the ground, there’s no reason to keep digging in one spot if you don’t see anything within the 12 inch range.

How long does it take for a sprinkler system to shut off?

If your system is connected to a sprinkler controller, you can set it to rain mode or shut it off for a few days. Turning off the irrigation controllers stops the electrical clock so be sure to reset the timer once you’re done. Wait for a few days until the ground is completely dry.

Where to find a PVC pipe for irrigation?

To locate the first pipe, dig near the valve boxes and areas close to the sprinkler heads. Once you unearth the first pipe, keep mapping your system.

What to do if you don't have an irrigation system plan?

If you don’t have the irrigation system plan, you will have to do a bit of digging to figure out how the system is laid out.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9