How to Cap Leaking Sprinkler Pipe

Capping a Sprinkler Riser

• 1

  Identify the sprinkler that appears to have the leak. Water will likely pool above the area of the leak, providing an indication of which sprinkler to cap.

• 2

  Remove any dirt from around the base of the sprinkler, using a hand shovel. Expose enough area so your hand can grab the body of the sprinkler.

• 3

  Grab the sprinkler and turn counterclockwise to release it from the supply pipe.

• 4

  Grab the riser pipe located directly beneath the sprinkler and turn it counterclockwise until it pulls out of the supply line.

• 5

  Insert the male end of a 3/4-inch PVC plug into the hole for the supply line and screw it clockwise until tight. This will cap off the line for maintenance or if the sprinkler is no longer needed.

Capping an Underground Pipe

• 6

  Dig up the area around the suspected leak. Water that pools on the surface is a good indicator of where to begin digging. Dig until you expose the leaking pipe.

• 7

  Place a PVC barbed plug into the end of the pipe if the pipe is made out of flexible plastic. Use a threaded metal cap for galvanized steel supply lines, and a PVC plug for PVC supply lines. In both cases, wrap the end of the plug with Teflon plumber's tape to help lubricate and seal the connection.

• 8

  Turn the plug clockwise into the end of the pipe to cap the line. The plug can be removed at any time.