Repairing a Leaky Sprinkler Irrigation System

Abnormally high water bills are a classic sign of a water leak somewhere in your system.  The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average home wastes over 10,000 gallons of water every year due to water leaks.  Finding and fixing those leaks can save you money on your water bills.

If you suspect a leak in your irrigation system, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.  Not only do irrigation system water leaks waste water, but an underground water leak can cause expensive erosion damage, attract termites and other insects, and can even damage your home’s foundation.

A leaky or broken irrigation system can be caused by many different reasons including frozen pipes, frost heave, shifting ground, or driving a car or other heavy vehicle across the lawn.  The good news is that a broken irrigation line is usually easier to find and repair than a broken water service line.

To locate a leak in your irrigation system, look for standing water or a soggy spot in the lawn that never seems to dry out.  Signs of a slower leak include a small area of grass that is greener and thicker than the rest of the lawn.

Once you have found the leak, irrigation system repairs are a matter of digging up the pipe and splicing in a new section.  To repair PVC pipe, the damaged section is cut out with a hacksaw or pipe cutter and a new section is glued into place using two connectors.  Your landscaping professional can help you find irrigation system leaks  and handle your irrigation system repairs.