Things You'll Need:
- Hacksaw
- Expansion coupling
- PVC blue glue
-
Step 1
Locate where the line is broken. Look for a puddle of water or other wet spots on the lawn, particularly in low-lying areas. Holes might eventually erode the soil near where the pipeline is broken. Even a small leak can wash away the soil. If the main line is broken, water will continue to flow even when the sprinkler system is not operating.
-
Step 2
Shut off the sprinkler system at the main valve, usually located beneath an outside faucet or somewhere near the front door. This will turn off the water to the sprinkler system without turning off the water to the house. The valve might resemble a T-shaped lever or a faucet handle.
-
Step 3
Dig around the area where the pipeline is broken. Call your local power company so you know where any underground utility lines are located before you start to dig. You need to tunnel deep enough so you can get under the pipe to work, usually about 4 inches. Expose about 1 foot of pipe in either direction so you can see where you are working.
-
Step 4
Cut out a small section of the broken pipe using a hacksaw. Cut only enough to fit an expansion coupling on the sprinkler line. Make a smooth, straight cut so your connections fit tightly once you repair the line.
-
Step 5
Clean dirt and water from the outside of the line after you cut out the damaged section of pipe.
-
Step 6
Coat the outside of both ends of the cut pipeline and the inside of the expansion coupling with PVC blue glue, which contains a primer. Use the PVC glue to join the cut ends of the pipeline.
-
Step 7
Set the coupling in place while the glue is still wet and expand it to fit over each end of the cut pipe to form a watertight connection. Once in place, turn it slightly, then hold for several seconds before letting go.
-
Step 8
Wait 10 or 15 minutes for the glue to dry before turning the water back on. Make sure the pipe is no longer leaking before refilling soil around the pipeline.
