Make a splice that will last longer than the wire
- Assess the damage. If you’re digging holes in your backyard, you should always call 811 a few days beforehand to mark all the underground utilities.
- Heat-shrinkable tubing repair. Use a splice block to fix a severed cable. Insert the wires into the splice block connectors, making sure the colors match up, then tighten the screws.
- Gel-filled splice kit repair. Grab each of the side conductors with pliers. Then twist your hands in opposite directions to start the tear.
- Required Tools for this Project. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Required Materials for this Project. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
How to replace a sprinkler system control wire?
How to Replace a Sprinkler System's Control Wires 1. Turn off the power to the sprinkler system's control panel by shutting off its circuit breaker. Do not attempt to... 2. Locate the control wires exiting the control panel on your wall. Follow the wires until they enter the ground. 3. Dig a narrow ...
How do you fix a broken sprinkler system?
Use a hand trowel to dig up the area above the sprinkler line. A shovel can break the sprinkler system even further. Use a smaller hand trowel when you dig around the damaged section of the line and make your repairs without damaging more of it. A larger break in the system could mean a costly repair.
Can a detached wire cause a sprinkler system to fail?
Almost as bad as damaged wires, detached wires can also interrupt a sprinkler system by causing a failure in communication between the controller and the valve. Assess the wire to try and determine the cause for detachment, such as extreme weather or faulty parts.
How do you fix an underground electrical wire that is loose?
First and most importantly, make sure you turn main electrical supply off before digging or attempting any repair to, or addition to, the electrical wire underground. Use a non-contact voltage tester afterward to confirm that the cable is no longer live. Then, dig along the sight path between the electric cables exit and entry points.
How do you splice sprinkler wire underground?
0:482:18How to Splice Underground Sprinkler Control Wiring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold both ends of the wires in one hand next to each other with the tips at the same point twist theMoreHold both ends of the wires in one hand next to each other with the tips at the same point twist the wire together tightly with the other hand until the wires are joined.
How do I replace sprinkler wires?
1:112:34Solving Broken Wire Problems or Adding New Irrigation Zones with ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst connect the yellow wire 1 to the station output on the terminal. Strip. Next connect the redMoreFirst connect the yellow wire 1 to the station output on the terminal. Strip. Next connect the red wire to the zone wire coming from the field.
How do you waterproof sprinkler wires?
0:151:25Rain Bird WC Series Wire Connectors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe prefilled dielectric silicone sealant surrounds the wire splice holding.MoreThe prefilled dielectric silicone sealant surrounds the wire splice holding.
How do I find a broken sprinkler wire?
0:232:43Using a Pulser to Troubleshoot a Sprinkler System Wire BreakYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe receiver goes parallel with the wire path. And when you turn it on there's an analog meter thatMoreThe receiver goes parallel with the wire path. And when you turn it on there's an analog meter that you'll watch when the needle bounces to the right that's the direction of the fault.
Can sprinkler wire be spliced?
1:454:36How to Make Waterproof Wire Splices for Irrigation Systems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the stripped wires side by side and then twist on the wire connector with a clockwise motion.MorePlace the stripped wires side by side and then twist on the wire connector with a clockwise motion. This will draw the wires together and into the spring mechanism. Inside the body of the connector.
What kind of wire is used for sprinkler systems?
Most manufacturers include recommendations about what wire size to use with their valves, but typically, you can use 18-gauge wire if the length of the wire (not the distance) from the controller to the valve is less than 200 feet, and it's being installed as a residential system, says Sprinkler Warehouse.
How do you protect underground wires?
The best way to protect underground electrical wires is to put them in conduit. This can be either plastic PVC conduit or rigid metal conduit. These two offer the greatest protection, but are often cost prohibitive. Another alternative is to purchase and use a direct burial wire for your project.
Can you run sprinkler wire above ground?
Running the wire above or under ground is not the issue. The most important concern is to make sure the wire won't get cut or damaged by any means. Burying the wire is recommended, since it is hidden and not subject to damage from garden shears, nylon string trimmers, vehicle tires, foot traffic, etc.
How do you use a wire locator?
0:513:29How to Find Wires | Using a Wire Tracer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI turn it on using the on button and the receiver also has an on button it's a momentary button soMoreI turn it on using the on button and the receiver also has an on button it's a momentary button so you have to hold it down I keep my sensitivity turned all the way to the max.
Does sprinkler wire need conduit?
Sprinkler wire can generally be buried directly in the ground without conduit and you don't necessarily need to dig it below grade. A shallow burial is fine.
How do you replace a sprinkler control box?
0:504:06How to Replace A Sprinkler System Controller - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe power disconnected remove the wires connecting the power supply to the controller's transformerMoreThe power disconnected remove the wires connecting the power supply to the controller's transformer depending on the controller. You may need to remove a panel to access these connections.
Step 1 - Purchase Electronic Monitoring Equipment
If you don’t know the location of the break, you can purchase electronic locating equipment at most electrical supply houses or big box stores. The...
Step 2 - Call The Phone and Utility Companies
Another alternative is to phone your local electric company and use their locating service. Most provide this service for free when locating the ma...
Step 3 - Dig Up The Affected Wire
First and most importantly, make sure you turn main electrical supply off before digging or attempting any repair to, or addition to, the electrica...
Step 4 - Purchase Junction Boxes and Cable Connectors
If you are going to add additional circuitry to your existing wire underground, purchase waterproof junction boxes where connections can be made in...
Step 5 - Use A Splice Kit
A splice kit containing an inline connector will join the two ends of a break securely in a polyolefin sleeve, which will shrink when heat is appli...
How to repair an underground electrical wire?
Accidentally cut an underground electrical wire? The easiest way to repair it is with an underground splice kit, which uses a rustproof connector to repair and seal the break.
What to do if you have a broken underground cable?
If you have a broken underground line and no clue where the break is, hire an electrician with an underground open/short locator. The electrician will be able to locate and mark the underground cable, determine how deep the cable is buried and pinpoint within a few inches where the problem exists.
How to fix a splice in a lawn?
Tie bright-colored surveyor’s tape around the splice and fill the hole with soil. Replace the grass and trim the tape at soil level so you can find it again.
How to connect black wire to brass barrel?
Slide the black wires into opposite ends of the brass barrel and tighten the screws. Then do the same for the white and bare copper wires.
What is underground AC splice?
Underground AC splice kits come in two varieties: heat-shrinkable tubing and gel-filled shield. Both use a brass splicing block to connect the wires. But they differ in how they protect the splice.
How to use a low voltage wire nut?
For low-voltage stranded cable, like you might find on lighting, use the wire nut/gel-filled tube style. Twist on the wire nut, plunge the connector into the tube until the gel oozes out the top, then snap the lid. For solid irrigation and telephone wire, shove the wires in an insulation piercing gel-filled connector and snap it closed.
What to use to fix a severed cable?
Use a splice block to fix a severed cable.
How to find a leak in a sprinkler system?
After you turn on the sprinkler system, walk through the area where the sprinkler system is installed. Listen for running water and walk towards where you hear the sound to locate the leak in your sprinkler line .
How to tell if a sprinkler line is leaking?
Once you’ve identified where the leak is, mark the location so you can find it when the water is turned off.
Where is the break in the water line located?
The break or leak in the water line will be located between the last working sprinkler head and the first nonworking one.
How to stop water from leaking in a water line?
If you’ve found the signs of a leak and located the region where the line is leaking or broken, turn off the water so you can repair the line. Use the shut off valve in the control box to stop the flow of water through the system. Wait 1-2 minutes to allow the water to finish flowing through the system.
How to extend a plastic pipe?
Insert a slip coupling into the pipe. A slip coupling is a plastic pipe that is flexible and allows you to extend it to the length that you need it to be. Slide the end of the coupling into 1 end of the exposed pipe. Then, extend the coupling so it fits into the other end of the pipe.
How wide should a pipe be?
Make the whole wide enough so the pipe is exposed for 6 inches (15 cm) on each side.
Where to get a slip coupling for a pipe?
Bring the damaged section of pipe to the hardware store so you can get a slip coupling with a diameter that fits into it.
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 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.
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.
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 repair a wire underground?
Use a non-contact voltage tester afterward to confirm that the cable is no longer live. Then, dig along the sight path between the electric cables exit and entry points.
How to splice a wire?
Before you use the splice kit, you will need to cut the damaged wiring on either side of the break, and strip the outer sheathing back about three inches. Then, insert each conductor into the connector and match the colors. Tighten the screws in the connector, and heat the shrink tube with a heat gun to complete the seal.
What is a splice kit?
A splice kit containing an inline connector will join the two ends of a break securely in a polyolefin sleeve, which will shrink when heat is applied , to maintain a water-resistant connection. Inside the heat shrinkable tubing is an adhesive liner that will melt when heated. This will coat the connection and cover the wire with adhesive, oozing out the ends of the tubing as it shrinks. This method can be used if wiring is deep in the ground and no possible damage from gardening tools hitting it.
Why do you need waterproof junction boxes?
If you are going to add additional circuitry to your existing wire underground, purchase waterproof junction boxes where connections can be made inside the box. This will protect the connections from corroding due to moisture and chemical elements from the surrounding ground.
What to do when you have buried wires?
When it turns out that something has cut one or your underground wires, you can use a splice kit to fix it. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and use a few key pieces of equipment for a proper solution.
What is a special sealing box connector?
Special sealing box cable connectors provide the waterproof seal for the electrical wiring that enters the box as well. These are a must when joining wires together in the watertight box. They have silicone inside the connector which will seal out the moisture after you have inserted the wiring.
Assess The Damage
Heat-Shrinkable Tubing Repair
- Replace the whole section of cable that you dug up with the same gauge UF (underground feeder) cable. Cut the cable about 12 in. on either side of the break. Then strip back the sheathing 2 in. and the wire insulation 5/8 in. Use two special underground splice kits (sold at home centers) to connect the new cable section. Slide the heat shrink tube ...
Gel-Filled Splice Kit Repair
- Start by cutting out the damaged sections. Then cut, separate and strip the ends of the buried cable (Photo 1). Do the same for the additional section of cable (if needed). Next, secure the wires in the brass holder (Photo 2). Locate the splice block in the protective shield (Photo 3). Wrap the shield around the splice and secure it (Photo 4). Then repower the circuit to make sure the splic…
Required Tools For This Project
- Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. 1. 4-in-1 screwdriver 2. Lineman's pliers 3. Non-contact voltage tester 4. Spade 5. Utility knife 6. Wire stripper/cutter
Required Materials For This Project
- Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list. 1. Heat-shrinkable underground splice kit or Gel-filled wrap-around splice kit 2. Surveyor’s tape 3. UF cable