How to Fix Sprinkler System Pipe Bursts

A sprinkler system pipe burst is a nightmare for most homeowners because it can transform an otherwise perfect lawn into a muddy mess. If not dealt with immediately, it can lead to massive damage to your property. You can’t simply expect lawn sprinkler repair specialists to appear out of thin air and fix the problem. Things can get even messier if a pipe bursts during the peak season. This is why it is important for you to identify the issue and try to fix it yourself.

Causes of Sprinkler System Pipe Bursts

Knowing why pipes burst can help you address the problem early and prevent it from occurring in the first place. Pipe bursts usually happen during the winter months. As water freezes, it expands, putting extra pressure on the pipe. This extra pressure can cause the sprinkler pipe to develop cracks or, in extreme cases, burst.

However, a simple lawn maintenance activity can also lead to this issue. For instance, hitting the underground pipes with heavy equipment like lawn mowers can immediately cause the pipe to crack open. Sometimes, tree roots can lead to pipe bursts as well. Roots can form around the pipes and start exerting pressure on them, eventually causing the pipes to rupture.

Pipes made from polyethylene or PVC are prone to exposure to chemicals, water, and UV rays from the sun. Over time, they tend to get brittle due to wear and tear, which can eventually lead to pipe bursts.

Identifying a Burst Pipe

A sudden drop in water pressure is a telltale sign of a pipe burst. Often, you will notice that the sprinkler heads are not spraying water as forcefully as they used to, which is another indication of a burst pipe. Water pooling is another major sign. When a pipe is damaged, water cannot reach the sprinkler heads, leading to pooling in certain areas of the lawn. If you spot muddy or wet patches in your lawn, it clearly means the underlying pipes are not working as they should and could be a sign of a potential burst pipe.

An unusually high water bill could also indicate a burst pipe. If your lawn’s water usage spikes without any apparent reason, it means the sprinkler piping system is under stress and is probably leaking water.

Shutting Off the Water Supply

The very first thing that you need to do to deal with pipe burst is to shut off the water supply immediately. You need to locate the main water valve which happens to be typically situated near the water meter. Once you have located it, your next move is to shut off the water by turning the valve clockwise. Now, it is the time to inspect the burst section.

Digging up the Line

Don’t even think of using a shovel to dig up the lawn because you may end up damaging the sprinkler system even further. Instead, use a hand trowel. This nifty little tool can be a lifesaver in such situations. Cut a square patch over the damaged area with a shovel to have direct access to the damaged underground pipe. Be particular when cutting the patch, ensuring there are no uneven points, as you will have a hard time replacing the patch once you are done fixing the broken pipe.

While lifting the patch, make sure at least 2–3 inches of soil is attached to the roots; otherwise, they will not regenerate effectively later on. You need to dig deep while removing and replacing the patch. Use both hands to grab the grass and then pull the patch off the ground slowly but firmly.

Now, it is time to expose the sprinkler line so you can work on it. Once the patch is removed, carefully remove the dirt until the sprinkler line is fully visible. Next, clear some space around the damaged section of the pipe (about 6 square inches) so you can work on it. Dig 3 inches more to make removing the pipe easier and effortless.

Next, clean the damaged part of the pipe with a clean, wet cloth. Start by washing off the damaged part of the sprinkler pipe with clean water so that dirt or debris can’t get into the sprinkler system while you work. Use a cotton cloth to scrub the area thoroughly so that no trace of any dirt remains.

Fixing the Broken Line

Now, you need to cut off and remove the damaged section of the pipe. Use a saw to remove at least a 10 cm section from the pipe. The slip coupling will not fit into the pipe if you remove less than 10 cm, as it needs enough space to secure both ends of the pipe firmly. Make sure the edges are even; otherwise, you will have a hard time fitting the slip coupling to the pipe.

Band clamps should be fitted to both ends of the pipe. In case you are not aware, band clamps help secure the coupling. They are usually made of metal and loop around pipes, allowing you to tighten them as needed. However, don’t tighten them yet.

A slip coupling should be inserted into the pipe. A slip coupling is a flexible plastic pipe that can be extended to the length you need. Slide one end of the slip coupling into the exposed pipe, then extend the slip coupling to connect it to the other end of the exposed pipe.

Now is the time to tighten the clamps to completely seal the line. To ensure that the slip coupling is tightly in place, tighten the screws of the band clamps firmly. Next, activate the sprinkler system and carefully check for any signs of leakage. Finally, fill the gap with mud and dirt, and place the patch of grass back to make it blend seamlessly with the surrounding area.