How to Fix Leaking Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Lawn sprinklers are an essential for anyone who takes pride in their luscious green lawn. Although sprinklers systems are generally very effective, from time-to-time they may spring a leak and require repairing. Whilst major leaks will require a professional to fix them, minor leaks can be easily fixed.

A broken sprinkler system can be problematic for a number of reasons: it can be harder to maintain your lawn as you may end up with dry patches where the sprinkler has failed to reach; or flooded patches where pipe has leaked. Either way, you're going to end up with some rather unsightly turf! Also, leaking sprinklers can waste a great deal of water, which isn't very environmentally or pocket friendly.

Step 1: Source the leak

If the leak's over ground the leak is rather easy to source; if the problem runs deeper then you may have to have a shovel at the ready to proceed with some digging.

Keep the water on whilst sourcing the leak, it may help you to identify the source of the leak quicker. If you see water gathering around the head, it could be that the seal has eroded or the head is loose. Simply replacing the head or seal should solve this problem. If the head isn't leaking, then look for pools of water on the soil which could indicate a broken pipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Once you have sourced the leak turn the water off to prevent any more damage or flooding in the area around the cracked pipe. Dig around the area of the pipe which you suspect is broken; this needs to be done with the utmost care and precision to prevent further damage to the pipe. Once you've found your damaged pipe, carefully cut it out and clean both broken ends which remain to prevent dirt and mud from clogging up the system.

Step 3: Repairing

To repair a breakage in the pipe you'll need repair coupling. This consists of one coupling body, two coupling nuts and two rubber gaskets. Slide the coupling nuts on to both remaining cut ends of pipe and then do the same with the rubber gaskets. You then need to place the coupling body over one of the cut ends and then slide the remaining end into the body. Ensure that the pipe's completely free of dirt before slipping the nuts and gaskets onto each end of the coupling body and tightening the nuts until secure.

Step 4: Testing

Before burying the pipe back underground make sure to test the system to confirm you have in fact addressed and resolved the problem. If it hasn't eliminated the issue it may be best to call in a professional to take a look at it as it may be a more major problem.

Now is actually a good time to prepare your sprinklers and check for any maintenance issues in preparation for the spring and summer ahead. To avoid any further problems take care when using garden equipment to prevent damage to the sprinkler head and perform regular maintenance checks the ensure the system is running smoothly!