Q&A for How to Repair a Broken Sprinkler Line

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  • Question
    How do you fix a broken overhead spray irrigation line?
    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.
    Licensed Landscape Contractor
    Expert Answer
    Focus on figuring out where the leak is. If the nozzle is broken, simply unscrew it and attach a new one. If the main body that the nozzle screws into is damaged, remove the entire head and install a replacement.
  • Question
    How do you fix a broken drip irrigation line?
    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.
    Licensed Landscape Contractor
    Expert Answer
    Cut through the broken section of drip irrigation line if isn't severed all the way through. Then, install a pressure coupling on both ends.
  • Question
    How do I replace a damaged corner of a PVC sprinkler line?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You may have to replace two pipes instead of one, as well as a corner coupling. Repair couplings (as shown above) can make the procedure relatively easy.
  • Question
    Can a lawn mower cause a broken pipe?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes, if the pipe is sticking up from the ground.
  • Question
    How can I turn off my sprinkler system?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The system itself may have a shutoff valve. If not, trace the supply line back to the nearest shutoff, and use that.
  • Question
    What can I do if the water will not drain around the leak?
    Community Answer
    Wait longer. It will eventually drain. Or take advantage of the water while the hole is full of water. Assuming you found the leak, you have to clear some room around it to deal with it. If the water is taking longer than you like to drain, dig around and under the problem area with a hand trowel and scoop out mud, sand, whatever the consistency of your soil is. If you're working in an area you want kept free of dirt, like a sidewalk by a home entrance, you might want to scoop the removed material into something else to save it for refilling the hole after the repair. A beach bucket or old towel works.
  • Question
    How do I repair a cracked riser?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Use the same procedure shown above for a horizontal line. Note the use of a repair coupling. That makes the procedure quick and easy.
  • Question
    Are there different sizes of PVC for a sprinkler line?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    PVC comes in many sizes. The right size to use depends on the size of the sprinkler system. A typical size would be ¾" or 1" in diameter. Ask for advice from a plumbing-supply, hardware, or home-improvement store.
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