How to Address Underground Sprinkler Pipe Leaks?

by | Mar 7, 2023 | Sprinkler Systems, Maintenance, Specialized Sprinkler Systems, Sprinkler San Antonio

Your sprinkler system plays a critical role in maintaining the health and greenery of your lawn. These irrigation systems are often marred by underground pipe leaks that can create muddy pools and other issues that affect the beauty of your landscape. The problem can also create dry patches in certain areas of the lawn, as water cannot reach all the sprinkler heads. And then there is the problem of rising water bills. 

At DN Sprinklers, we provide you with some insights into how professionals can help address underground sprinkler pipe leaks.

How to Locate Underground Broken Pipes?

It will be required to trace the leak to find the broken pipe. Professionals use the following techniques to locate the leak and damaged pipes:

  • Tracing the Path of the Sprinkler Lines: This can usually be done with the help of a map of the system. Else, a little bit of digging will be required. 
  • Isolating the Leak’s Source: Once the pipes’ layout has been learnt, the specific area of the leak needs to be identified.  The different techniques used for the process include digging and using noise detection systems or acoustic testing kits.

Repairing a Broken Undergoing Pipe

Once the leak has been found, it must be fixed immediately. Undergoing sprinkler pipe leaks can cause a wide range of water-based damages to your property. For example:

  • The water can seep into your home’s foundation and weaken the patio, decks, and other structures.
  • If the leak is consistent, it can damage utility lines.
  • Excess leakage can also increase the risk of underground sinkholes.

A professional repair job can involve the following steps to fix underground sprinkler pipe leaks:

  • The technician will dig at least 1 foot by 1 foot deep and wide area to expose the damaged area of the pipe. This is required to prevent any dirt from getting into the system once the work commences. 
  • The broken pipe is measured and a new length of piping of the same length is cut out for replacement. 
  • The broken pipe is cut off by a length based on the area of the leak.
  • A new length of pipe is placed in and fixed using couplers on both sides. Appropriate pipe cement and primer are used to hold the joint in place. 

The new joint is left in place to dry for up to 24 hours. The water is then turned on at low pressure. The pressure is gradually increased to check whether the joints hold on or not. Once the leak is fully fixed, the hole is then covered. This should fix your damaged underground sprinkler pipe leak problem. 

It is recommended to cut out the lawn on the areas that need to be repaired into small square patches. It is recommended not to disturb the roots in the area. The grass patches should be carefully lifted along with the soil and roots intact. After this, the patch of grass can be replaced and it will grow back.

For more professional help and guidance, it is recommended to contact DN Sprinklers at (210) 765-8667. You may also write to us and we will get back to you at the earliest.