Lawn Sprinkler Repair: Main Line Break
-
2-4 hours
•
-
Intermediate
•
- 25-50
Lawn sprinkler repair is something that can be tricky if you are unaware of what exactly is wrong with your sprinkler system. However, if it is a main line break, then there are a few things that you will need to do before you can actually fix the problem. Once you have figured out if the line break is in a lateral zone line or a constant pressure line, then you will be able to move on to the next steps to finish the job.
Step 1 – Constant Pressure vs. Zone Line
If there is a break that it is in the main line, there will be water pooling and leaking in large amounts. This will happen even when your system is not turned on. However, if there is a break in the lateral line, then the water will leak and pool up to the surface only whenever the system is on.
Step 2 – Find Broken Pipe
If you happen to have a main line break, then you will need to make sure that you shut the water off completely. From there, you will need to get a hole dug into the ground with a shovel. Make sure to remove all of the soil and the sod that is in the area where the water was pooling up. You will then need to figure out what kind of pipe is broken.
Step 3 – Expose Pipe
You will need to get the pipe completely exposed by removing all of the soil surrounding it. If the line break happens to be on a poly pipe, you will need to get about 2 feet of the length exposed. About 3 inches of soil will also need to be removed on either side of the exposed section. If it is a PVC pipe, then you will expose 2 feet in length and 6 inches on either side.
Step 3 – Inspect Damage
Once you have the pipe exposed, you will need to look over it to figure out what made the line break in the first place. A lot of the time the causes include extremely cold weather, freezing or frost can easily bust a pipe. It could also be holes or cracks caused by aerators or other types of equipment. Deep growing roots or digging animals could also be a problem as well as poor installation or defective fittings or pipes.
Step 4 – New Pipe
Once you are aware of the type of pipe it is and how much length you will need, you are ready to get your new poly pipe or PVC. Remember to get at least 2 new fittings as well as anything else that needs to be replaced like maybe a sprinkler head. Make sure that you get the correct size and fittings for the system that you already have.
Step 5 – Replace
You will need to measure the area that is busted and mark it. Then use pipe cutters to cut the area that needs to be replaced. Use a pipe clamp on either side of the new fitting.
