Content

• Steps
• Tips
• What do you need

Loss of pressure, fountains of water from under the ground, non-flooded and flooded areas, all this may indicate a malfunction of the automatic irrigation water supply system. It's time to get up the courage and pick up the shovel. Self repair will delight your wallet.

Steps

1. 1 Locate the leak. You may need to dig a little to do this, since the place where water comes to the surface is not always the source of the leak. As soon as you locate the leak, shut off the water access in this area. Purchase the correct size pipe and fittings for the repair. Information on diameter and load capacity can often be found printed on the pipe itself.
2. 2 Dig up a workable space around and under the leak, for a good repair you will need space to move the pipe. Clean the space, remove water and dirt as much as possible. Cut off the problem section of the pipe, measuring 10-15 cm on each side of the leak, with a PVC pipe cutter, clean the pipes from dirt (both inside and outside). To prevent contamination of the remaining ends, paper towels can be used. If the pipe cracks at the cut, apply the cleaner for a few seconds. This will soften the pipe and help cut it without cracking. Set aside but do not discard the broken pipe.
3. 3 Treat the ends of the pipes to be connected with a cleaner 3-5 cm, starting from the edge. In the same way, machine the ends inside the two couplings. Put the couplings on the pipes, having previously lubricated the joints outside the pipe and inside the coupling with glue. Proceed quickly, push the coupling firmly with a twisting motion onto the pipe until it stops. Fix the pipe for 15-20 seconds in the sleeve. Speed ​​is very important because some glue brands dry in 10 seconds. Repeat with the second pipe.
4. 4 Cut the pipe to be repaired instead of the broken one, measure it about 2.5 centimeters shorter (each sleeve lengthens the pipe by about 125 millimeters). To more accurately determine how long the pipe will be needed, measure the distance between the pipes from the middle of the couplings with a tape measure. If you do not have a tape measure, lay the pipe in place and measure by eye, making marks with a pen or pencil.
5. 5 Try on the cut pipe by inserting it into the couplings, make sure that there is enough length and that the pipe does not bend.
6. 6 Remove the pipe, trim if necessary, the pipe should fit perfectly.
7. 7 Clean both ends of the repair pipe with a cleaner, wait 5 seconds, then apply a thin layer of glue to one end on the outside of the pipe and inside the sleeve. While screwing in, firmly insert the pipe into the coupling until it stops. Not earlier than a minute later (the glue should dry well), repeat the same on the other side. The other end is more difficult to insert, you may have to bend the coupled pipe up or to the side to connect the ends. Don't worry, PVC is a sturdy material. It should take 3-5 minutes to dry completely before water can be supplied.
8. 8 There are special repair fittings, without a projection in the middle. This fitting is installed and glued to one pipe, and then pulled out and glued to the other.
9. 9 You can also patch the leak from a half pipe. If it is a regular coupler, grind off the protrusion on the inside. Then, clean the surfaces, apply glue, and press down on the patch. This method is faster and can help if there is poor access to the leak, for example, earth or another pipe interferes.
10. 10 Watch the pipe for a few minutes before burying it back.

Tips

• Wear protective gloves when handling cleaner and adhesives.
• The drying time of the adhesive depends on humidity and temperature, it may take longer.
• Instead of bending pipes to connect them, you can buy a telescopic connector. When installed without bending, cracks do not appear on the pipes, the repair is better. You can read the instructions on the packaging.
• PVC pipes will deteriorate and degrade in the sun, store them in a shaded place.
• A PVC solvent can be used instead of a cleaner. The cleaner weakens the pipes.
• Do not be lazy to dig out a larger area for repair so that there is room for maneuver and the pipes do not get dirty.
• Clean the inside of the pipes well from dirt so that later you do not have to repair the spray heads.
• Some valves leak even when closed. To keep the pipe dry during the repair, put a piece of bread inside. Then it will dissolve and will not clog the pipe.

What do you need

• PVC pipe cutter
• PVC pipe cleaner
• PVC pipe adhesive
• 2 couplings
• 30-60 cm pipe