How to Repair a Broken Sprinkler Line

A broken sprinkler line can seem like a difficult and expensive repair, but it’s actually pretty simple to do. To repair the damaged sprinkler, identify where the leak is and dig up the damaged pipe. Remove a small, 4 in (10 cm) section of pipe, clamp the pipe, and then use a slip coupling to replace the damaged section.

Things You Should Know

Turn on the sprinkler to locate the leak. Once you find it, turn the water off.
Dig up the area above the leak to expose the damaged sprinkler line. Clean off the exposed section with a wet cloth.
Saw off a 4 in (10 cm) section of pipe to remove the leak. Clamp the pipe ends and insert a slip coupling between them to repair the line.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding the Leak

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1
Turn on the sprinkler system. In order to locate the break or leak in the sprinkler system, you need to run water through it. Turn on the sprinkler system to activate the flow of water.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Allow the water to run for about 2 minutes before you check the lines.
- Do this in the daytime, when you'll have an easier time spotting the leak.
Tip: If your sprinkler system is separated into zones, activate the zones one at a time so you can identify the break or leak more easily.
2
Listen for the sound of running water. After you turn on the sprinkler system, walk through the area where the sprinkler system is installed. Listen for running water and walk towards where you hear the sound to locate the leak in your sprinkler line.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You may not be able to find the leak just by listening, but it can help you narrow down your search.
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3
See if there’s water spouting out of a section of the line. If you see water spraying out of the line instead of the sprinkler head, then there’s a crack or leak in the line. Once you’ve identified where the leak is, mark the location so you can find it when the water is turned off.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If the sprinkler line is exposed enough for you to see water spraying out of a break or crack, check the line for a visible crack, and use a marker to mark the location of the leak.
4
Check for water bubbling up from the soil. If you see a pool of water or water coming from the soil, then there’s a leak in the sprinkler line buried underneath. Mark the general location of the leak or break so you can identify it when the water is turned off.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Place an item like a shovel or a rock on the ground near the leak.
5
Look for a series of sprinkler heads that aren’t working properly. If you’re having trouble finding water leaking out into the ground, check the sprinkler heads. If you notice a row of them aren’t spraying water or are spraying much less water than other sprinkler heads, then the line is broken and the water isn’t reaching them.^{[5]XResearch source}
- The break or leak in the water line will be located between the last working sprinkler head and the first non-working one.
6
Turn off the sprinkler system after you’ve found the leak. If you’ve found the signs of a leak and located the region where the line is leaking or broken, turn off the water so you can repair the line. Use the shut-off valve in the control box to stop the flow of water through the system.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Wait 1-2 minutes to allow the water to finish flowing through the system.
- Be sure to shut the valve completely so there isn’t water flowing through the line when you make your repairs.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Digging up the Line

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1
Use a hand trowel to dig up the area above the sprinkler line. A shovel can break the sprinkler system even further. Use a smaller hand trowel when you dig around the damaged section of the line and make your repairs without damaging more of it.^{[7]XResearch source}
- A larger break in the system could mean a costly repair.
2
Cut a square patch with a shovel over the break if the line is buried. Use your hand trowel to cut the outline of a large square in the grass above the area of the line that is leaking or broken. Make sure the cuts are consistent so you can replace the patch when you’re done repairing the line.
- Cut a square or rectangular shape so it’s easier to fit back into place when you’re finished.
3
Remove the patch with 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of dirt on the roots. If you’ve cut a square outline of grass, dig down enough to remove the roots with enough dirt to keep them intact so they can regenerate when you replace the patch. Use 2 hands to grip the grass and pull the patch off of the ground.
- Cut the roots with the hand trowel if they cling to the ground, but be sure to leave enough so they can regrow.
Tip: It can help to have another person slice longer roots while you pull the patch of grass off.
4
Dig carefully around the sprinkler line to expose it. Once you’ve removed the patch of grass, you will be left with a clean square of earth above the break or crack in the sprinkler line. Take your time and dig down and around the line to expose it.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Make the whole wide enough so the pipe is exposed for 6 inches (15 cm) on each side.
- Dig about 3 inches (7.6 cm) below the line so it’s easier to remove.
- Pile the dirt you remove next to the hole so you can replace it when you’re finished.
To avoid getting dirt and debris in the sprinkler line when you make your repairs, wash off the section of exposed pipe. Use a clean cloth and water to scrub the dirt from it.^{[9]XResearch source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Fixing the Broken Line

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1
Saw off a 4 in (10 cm) section of pipe at the leak. You need to remove a large enough section to fit your slip coupling into the pipe. Once you’ve exposed the pipe where the leak or break is, use a hacksaw to remove the section that contains the leak or break. Use smooth, consistent sawing motions to cut the pipe so the edge is even.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Remove the damaged piece of pipe after you cut it.
2
Place a band clamp on each end of the pipe. A band clamp is a strap of metal that forms a loop that you can tighten. After you’ve removed the damage section of pipe, slide a band clamp onto each end of the pipe. Don’t tighten the clamps yet so you can fit your slip coupling into the gap.^{[11]XResearch source}
- You can find band clamps at your local hardware store, department stores, or online.
3
Insert a slip coupling into the pipe. A slip coupling is a plastic pipe that is flexible and allows you to extend it to the length that you need it to be. Slide the end of the coupling into 1 end of the exposed pipe. Then, extend the coupling so it fits into the other end of the pipe.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Bring the damaged section of pipe to the hardware store so you can get a slip coupling with a diameter that fits into it.
- Use a slip coupling with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) slip.
- You can find a slip coupling at a hardware store or online.
- Extend the coupling as far as it will go into the pipe.
4
Tighten both clamps to seal the line. Use the mechanism on the band clamps to screw them tight so the slip coupling is held firmly in place. The clamps must be secure in order to prevent any leaks.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the band clamps.
5
Turn on the sprinkler system and check for a leak. After you’ve made your repairs, you need to test it before you cover the line back up. Turn on the system and inspect the slip coupling that you installed to make sure there isn’t any water leaking out.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Allow the system to run for 5 minutes so you can be sure the coupling and clamps won’t come loose.
Once you’ve repaired the broken sprinkler line, you can use your hand trowel to replace the dirt that you removed. Then place the patch back into place and water it so the roots start to grow back into the ground.
Tip: Make sure you fill the area beneath the repaired pipe so the dirt on top doesn’t bend or break the pipe over time.

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Question
How do you fix a broken overhead spray irrigation line?
Mike Garcia
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Mike Garcia is a Licensed Landscape Contractor and the Founder of Enviroscape LA, a full-service landscape design and construction firm in Los Angeles, California. With over 30 years of experience, Mike specializes in sustainable landscape practices. Mike holds an Ornamental Horticulture degree, C-27 Landscape Contractor and D-49 Tree Service Contractor licenses, and Permaculture Design, California Naturalist, International Certified Professional Pond Contractor, and Pond Building certifications. He is one of eight Internationally Certified Pond Builders in the world. Enviroscape LA has won landscape and water feature awards from the International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA), National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP), and the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). Mike is a past president of the CLCA and currently serves on their local Board of Directors. Enviroscape LA has been featured in PONDS USA Magazine, Pond and Garden Lifestyles Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times. Mike has appeared on Extreme Home Makeover, HGTV's Landscapers Challenge, and A & E's series Fix That Yard.
Mike Garcia
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Expert Answer
Focus on figuring out where the leak is. If the nozzle is broken, simply unscrew it and attach a new one. If the main body that the nozzle screws into is damaged, remove the entire head and install a replacement.
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Question
How do you fix a broken drip irrigation line?
Mike Garcia
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Mike Garcia is a Licensed Landscape Contractor and the Founder of Enviroscape LA, a full-service landscape design and construction firm in Los Angeles, California. With over 30 years of experience, Mike specializes in sustainable landscape practices. Mike holds an Ornamental Horticulture degree, C-27 Landscape Contractor and D-49 Tree Service Contractor licenses, and Permaculture Design, California Naturalist, International Certified Professional Pond Contractor, and Pond Building certifications. He is one of eight Internationally Certified Pond Builders in the world. Enviroscape LA has won landscape and water feature awards from the International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA), National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP), and the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). Mike is a past president of the CLCA and currently serves on their local Board of Directors. Enviroscape LA has been featured in PONDS USA Magazine, Pond and Garden Lifestyles Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times. Mike has appeared on Extreme Home Makeover, HGTV's Landscapers Challenge, and A & E's series Fix That Yard.
Mike Garcia
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Expert Answer
Cut through the broken section of drip irrigation line if isn't severed all the way through. Then, install a pressure coupling on both ends.
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Question
How do I replace a damaged corner of a PVC sprinkler line?
Donagan
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You may have to replace two pipes instead of one, as well as a corner coupling. Repair couplings (as shown above) can make the procedure relatively easy.
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