How to Repair an Irrigation Line

How do you Repair a Sprinkler Lateral Line?

Fixing a sprinkler lateral line involves several steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:

Materials you will need:

• PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Shovel
• PVC pipe and fittings
• PVC primer and cement
• Towel or rag
• Teflon tape
• Replacement sprinkler head (if needed)

Steps to Fix a Sprinkler Lateral Line:

1. Locate the Leak:
   • Turn on the sprinkler system to identify the location of the leak. Look for areas where water is pooling or where there is an obvious spray of water.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply:
   • Shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system to prevent further water loss and to make repairs safely.
3. Dig Around the Pipe:
   • Use a shovel to carefully dig around the leaking section of the pipe. Be cautious not to damage the pipe further or any other nearby sprinkler lines.
4. Clean the Area:
   • Once you’ve exposed the leaking section, clean the area around the leak with a towel or rag to ensure there is no dirt or debris.
5. Cut Out the Damaged Section:
   • Use a PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw to remove the damaged section of the pipe. Cut a bit beyond the damaged area to ensure you’re removing the entire compromised section.
6. Prepare the New Pipe:
   • Measure and cut a new piece of PVC pipe to fit the section you removed. Make sure the new piece fits snugly between the existing pipe ends.
7. Install the New Section:
   • Dry-fit the new section with the appropriate PVC fittings (couplings, elbows, etc.) to ensure a good fit.
   • Apply PVC primer to the ends of the existing pipe and the inside of the fittings.
   • Apply PVC cement to the primed areas and quickly fit the pieces together, ensuring they are aligned correctly. Hold them together for a few seconds to allow the cement to set.
8. Seal and Secure:
   • Reattach any sprinkler heads if they were removed during the repair process.
9. Test the Repair:
   • Turn the water supply back on and test the system to check for leaks. Observe the repaired area for a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks.
10. Backfill the Hole:
    • Once you’re confident the repair is secure and there are no leaks, backfill the hole with the soil you removed earlier. Press it down gently to avoid damaging the pipe.

Tips:

• If the leak is near a fitting, consider replacing the fitting as well.
• Work carefully to avoid causing additional damage to the sprinkler system.
• If you’re unsure about the repair or if it’s a large leak, consider consulting a professional.

Following these steps should help you effectively repair a leaking sprinkler lateral line.