How to Repair Sprinkler System

A lawn sprinkler system is an investment that you need to keep in good shape. Unfortunately, these systems sometimes need repairs. Whether someone damages a head by stepping on it or the main line has leaks, you need to give the problem area your prompt attention. If you have some plumbing skills, you can usually repair your lawn sprinkler system yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hacksaw
• Expansion repair coupling kit (2)
• PVC pipe the same size as the sprinkler system
• PVC "Blue" glue

1. Find the leak. Make sure it's the only leak. Try to determine the cause. If someone broke off the sprinkler head, that's an easy fix. But if the sprinkler system is leaking around the pipes, you may have some more serious problems to resolve.

2. Replace a broken sprinkler head or nipple pipe by unscrewing the defective head. Put a new one in its place. If that's not the problem, continue with the next step.

3. Turn off the water and the timer if the system is on one. Dig into the ground near the water leak. Take as much mud and water away from the sprinkler system pipes as possible so you can repair the broken pipe. Let the area dry.

4. Cut off the pipe above the leak and below the leak. Cut the pipe straight across to get a better seal. Remove any rough edges.

5. Dry fit the sprinkler pipe with the expansion repair coupler. Put blue glue around the outside of the sprinkler pipe and the inside of the coupler. Put another coat of blue glue around the sprinkler pipe. Put the two units together with a slight twisting motion.

6. Repeat Step 5 for the other end of the replacement section of PVC pipe. Let the glue set before putting water in the line again. If there are no leaks, fill the hole. The repair is complete.