Easily Fix Your Home Sprinkler System’s Broken PVC Pipe

If you are a homeowner who needs to fix a broken sprinkler system pipe for the first time, then you have come to the right place! 

While it may seem like a daunting task, you can easily fix the broken PVC pipe using these simple steps:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Before working on any pipe, you need to turn off the main water source. For your sprinklers, the shut-off valve is likely located next to the controls for your sprinkler's timer.

Step 2: Gather the Required Plumbing Supplies

To complete this repair you will need:

  • replacement section of pipe
  • 2 PVC slip joints
  • hacksaw or PVC cutting tool
  • sandpaper
  • PVC primer
  • PVC glue

To determine the size of pipe, look at the printing on the side of your existing pipe. All PVC pipe is marked in permanent ink with its diameter.

Step 3: Cut the Broken Pipe

Cut the broken pipe with the hacksaw or pipe cutter and remove it. You should cut each end back at least an inch into the good pipe to ensure that the remaining pipes do not have any cracks that can leak after your fix is completed.

Step 4: Cut the Replacement Pipe

Cut the replacement pipe with the hacksaw to the necessary length. Remember to cut the pipe about 1/4-inch shorter than the existing pipe due to the slip joint's inner spacing requirement.

Step 5: Rough and Prime Each Piece

Each piece of PVC pipe that you will glue first needs to be roughed up using sandpaper and painted with PVC primer solution. This includes the inside of the slip joints and the outside of the pipe in the ground. Rub each piece for about a minute with the sandpaper, clean it off with a dry rag, and then apply primer.

Step 6: Glue the New Pipe Section in Place

Paint each end of the pipe to be glued with PVC glue. Place the slip joints onto the replacement pipe and then glue the whole section to the existing pipe.

Step 7: Allow the Pipe to Dry then Turn the Water Back On

Allow your pipe repair to cure for about ten minutes and then you can safely turn the water back on. Check for any leaks in the slip joints before you place dirt and lawn back over the area.

If you need additional assistance fixing a PVC pipe leak, then you should contact a licensed plumber in your city. For more tips, contact a company like Clark's Plumbing & Heating Corp.


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