The reason why you use an automatic sprinkler system is to ensure water reaches your lawn and plants. Without a sufficient amount of water, roots cannot grow deep and plants will become weak and unhealthy. Here’s the thing, though: there’s a big difference between overwatering your entire yard and too much water pooling in certain places. If you notice the latter problem occurring in new or unexpected areas, you might have a leak in a buried water pipe. The good news is that most irrigation systems are made out of PVC, so performing irrigation repair in Fort Lauderdale, FL to fix the leak is a relatively simple process.
How to prepare for repairs
Before doing anything, make sure your sprinkler system is turned off. You’ll become disgruntled if the water comes on while you’re trying to repair a leak.
- First and foremost, be careful. Dig out the dirt around the leaky pipe a little at a time to not only preserve your back, but to avoid hitting the pipe with the shovel and causing a brand-new break.
- Another thing to remember is to dig a few inches deeper on each side beyond the damaged area. This extra depth is to allow the water inside the pipe to drain out below the pipe—water will spill out from the crack when the surrounding dirt is removed. And no matter the type of patching option you choose to use, you’ll need clear access to the bottom of the pipe, as well as a little extra room around the pipe so there’s room to make the repair.
Product options
Is the problem with your sprinklers a leaky PVC pipe? Let’s take a look at a few products you can use for this type of irrigation repair in Fort Lauderdale, FL:
- Compression fittings: This product can be used on either PVC or galvanized pipe. It relies on pressure on a rubber seal to stop the leak. The advantage here is that the compression collar and O-ring easily slip over both ends of the pipe. They are quick to install, and because cement is not needed, you don’t have to wait for things to dry.
- Leak stopper rings: As long as the pipe and fitting are not cracked, a small leak at the point where the pipe meets a fitting could indicate that the area was not completely glued. Instead of cutting out the entire fitting, you can use a leak stopper ring, primer and glue.
- Snapper repair couplings: This product is like duct tape for PVC, but looks like a piece of PVC pipe cut into two halves lengthwise. No actual cutting is required—simply wrap it around the leak, prime and glue the outside of the damaged area and watch it hold.
- Pipe Fix: Using Pipe Fix is another repair option. Basically, this is a section of replacement pipe with the fittings already in place. The whole thing is one piece, so it’s ready to go.
If you think you might need irrigation repair in Fort Lauderdale, FL, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Spillers Sprinklers Inc. today to schedule an appointment.