Tools Needed

  • PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
  • Shovel or trenching spade
  • Tape measure
  • Clean rag
  • Safety glasses

Supplies from Lowe's

Safety First

Turn off water to the irrigation system. PVC primer and cement fumes are strong - work in ventilated areas and wear eye protection.

Broken sprinkler pipe

1 Locate and Expose the Break

Signs of a broken pipe include:

  • Soggy spots in the lawn when system is off
  • Water bubbling up when zone runs
  • One zone has low pressure
  • Muddy water coming from heads

Dig carefully around the suspected area until you find the break. Expose enough pipe to work comfortably - at least 6 inches on each side of the damage.

Cutting damaged PVC pipe

2 Cut Out the Damaged Section

  1. Mark cut lines at least 1 inch beyond the crack on each side
  2. Use a PVC cutter or hacksaw to make clean, square cuts
  3. Remove the damaged section
  4. Clean dirt from the inside of the remaining pipe ends

Pro Tip

Let the pipe dry before gluing. Wipe inside and outside with a clean rag. Wet pipes won't bond properly.

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Slip-fix repair coupling

3 Choose Your Repair Method

Option A: Slip-Fix Coupling (Easiest)

A compression or telescoping coupling that slides over the existing pipe - no glue required for some types. Perfect for tight spaces.

Option B: Standard Coupling + Pipe Section

Cut a new piece of pipe to fit the gap, then glue couplings on each end. More permanent but requires precise measurements.

Measuring for Standard Repair

Measure the gap, then subtract the depth of both coupling sockets (usually about 1" each). Add back half the socket depth on each side. Example: 8" gap with 1" sockets = 8" - 2" + 1" = 7" replacement pipe.

Applying PVC primer

4 Glue the Repair (Standard Method)

  1. Apply primer to the outside of the pipe ends AND inside of the couplings. Let dry 10 seconds.
  2. Apply cement generously to primed surfaces - work quickly!
  3. Push fitting onto pipe with a quarter-turn twist to spread the cement
  4. Hold for 30 seconds - the cement sets fast
  5. Repeat for all connections

Cure Time

Wait at least 2 hours before turning water back on. For best results, wait overnight. Pressure testing too soon can blow apart uncured joints.

5 Test and Backfill

  1. Turn water on slowly and run the zone
  2. Check all connections for leaks
  3. If leaking, turn off water and redo the joint
  4. Once dry, backfill with soil - no rocks directly against pipe
  5. Compact soil lightly and water to settle

Troubleshooting

Joint keeps leaking: Cut it out and redo. Make sure surfaces were clean and dry, and use enough cement.

Can't get pipe to fit: PVC has no flex. Use a slip-fix coupling or dig more space to move the pipe.

Pipe size unknown: Measure the outside diameter. 3/4" Schedule 40 PVC has ~1.05" OD. 1" has ~1.32" OD.

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