How Do I Fix Freeze Damage to My Sprinkler System?

Repairing Pipe Damage

• 1

  Turn on the sprinklers by setting the timer to the "test" function. Allow the sprinklers to run through the test, and then look over the ground for signs of pooling water. Pooled water indicates a leak in an underground pipe.

• 2

  Turn the valve on the sprinkler water line counterclockwise to the "Off" position. Dig up the area around the pooled water until you reach the underground pipe. Remove dirt in both directions along the pipe until you've exposed the cracked section of pipe.

• 3

  Wipe the pipe clean with a cotton rag, removing as much dirt and debris as possible from around the damaged area.

• 4

  Place a pipe repair clamp over the crack, making sure to put the rubberized gasket against the crack. Tighten the clamp with a screwdriver until it's tight against the pipe. This will seal the leak.

• 5

  Re-cover the pipe with dirt until it's level with the rest of the surface.

Repairing Blown Sprinkler Heads

• 6

  Set the sprinkler timer to the "Test" mode to run all the zones. As the sprinklers are running, check each zone for sprinkler heads that are malfunctioning or spraying water erratically. Turn the timer to the "Off" position.

• 7

  Turn the valve on the sprinkler water line counterclockwise to the "Off" position.

• 8

  Remove approximately 5 inches of dirt from around the base of any sprinkler heads that appear to be damaged.

• 9

  Unscrew the sprinkler heads by grabbing the bases and turning them counterclockwise until they pull away from the sprinkler riser underground.

• 10

  Place new sprinkler heads of the same type on the sprinkler risers and turn them clockwise until they're tight. Replace the dirt around the bases.

• 11

  Turn the sprinkler water valve back to the "On" position, and run the test function on the sprinkler timer to check the function of the new sprinkler heads.

Repairing Damaged Valves

• 12

  Open the irrigation control box, which is usually green and located along the side of the house.

• 13

  Look for dripping water on the bottom of each valve inside the box. A dripping valve indicates damage from freezing.

• 14

  Turn the sprinkler water valve counterclockwise to the "Off" position.

• 15

  Loosen the locking nuts on both sides of a valve that is leaking, using an adjustable wrench. Pull out the damaged valve and unclip the wiring harness at the top of the valve, using your fingers.

• 16

  Place a replacement valve of the same design in the manifold and tighten the locking nuts on both sides with a wrench until they're tight. Clip together the wiring harness on the new valve to the main wiring that you removed from the old valve, and turn on the water valve to test the new valve.