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How do you fix a leaking sprinkler system?

Mike Garcia
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Mike Garcia is a Licensed Landscape Contractor and the Founder of Enviroscape LA, a full-service landscape design and construction firm in Los Angeles, California. With over 30 years of experience, Mike specializes in sustainable landscape practices. Mike holds an Ornamental Horticulture degree, C-27 Landscape Contractor and D-49 Tree Service Contractor licenses, and Permaculture Design, California Naturalist, International Certified Professional Pond Contractor, and Pond Building certifications. He is one of eight Internationally Certified Pond Builders in the world. Enviroscape LA has won landscape and water feature awards from the International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA), National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP), and the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). Mike is a past president of the CLCA and currently serves on their local Board of Directors. Enviroscape LA has been featured in PONDS USA Magazine, Pond and Garden Lifestyles Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times. Mike has appeared on Extreme Home Makeover, HGTV's Landscapers Challenge, and A & E's series Fix That Yard.

Mike Garcia

Licensed Landscape Contractor

Expert Answer

If you're dealing with an overhead spray irrigation system, first determine where the leak is coming from. If it's coming from the top part called the nozzle, unscrew the broken nozzle and then screw a new one on. In the case of drip irrigation, determine where the leak is coming from first. Next, locate the pressure coupling. Cut the broken drip if it's not severed all the way through and put the pressure coupling on both ends. Push on it, and it'll be good as new.

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Question

How do I fix the control valves?

TC Williams

Community Answer

Check and make sure the Solenoid is working correctly when sent a charge from Controller. If not check wire splices for good contact and waterproof screw cap at valve, then Controller. Most all of the valves can be taken apart by loosening screws or Ring around top Bonnet. Do not lose screws. Carefully pry the top of the valve (Bonnet) off of valve the Body to check the Diaphragm for tears or holes. Replace the Diaphragm if needed after flushing out the Valve Body of any debris. Replace the Valve Top (Bonnet) and do not over tighten screws.

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Question

How do I fix my popups that aren't in the ground straight?

Community Answer

Dig the dirt out from around the popups, and backfill by hand at first, holding the popup where you want it to be with the other hand. Pack the dirt down as you go.

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Question

Will pouring concrete on top of a PVC sprinkler line cause it to break?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. However, it is generally a bad idea if there are any glue joints in the pipe. Over time, glue joints weaken and eventually fracture. Concrete over pipes makes it difficult to fix. The concrete will either have to be broken, or the pipe will have to be cut and diverted if possible.

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Question

How do I add a soaker system to an existing sprinkler system?

ConnorFisher

Community Answer

A soaker system depends mainly on the types of heads you're using in the sprinkler system. They're more commonly used in irrigation systems that in sprinkler systems. However, you can purchase small soaker-type heads to attach in your sprinkler system for the same overall effect. These soaker-type heads are somewhat similar to bubbler-type heads, except they're install beneath the soil.

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