How to Repair a Blown Out Sprinkler System

Repair Blown Sprinkler Heads

• 1

  Inspect each sprinkler head for signs of damage, including broken or cracked plastic, crushed nozzles or bent sprinkler heads.

• 2

  Put on protective work gloves, as damaged sprinkler heads may have sharp edges.

• 3

  Remove the dirt around the sprinkler head so your hand can grab the body of the sprinkler.

• 4

  Turn the sprinkler head counterclockwise several times until it pulls free from the supply line riser underground.

• 5

  Place a new sprinkler on top of the riser and turn it clockwise until tight. There's no need to apply plumber's tape to the riser threads as many sprinklers are designed to seal the connection automatically.

Repairing a Broken Pipe

• 6

  Run the sprinklers for at least 10 minutes to allow water to pool in areas above a broken supply pipe.

• 7

  Shut off the water to the sprinklers by turning the ball valve on the main water line 90 degrees counterclockwise.

• 8

  Dig up the area where water has pooled. This is the area most likely to have a leak in a supply pipe. Remove dirt until you expose the supply pipe and carefully remove dirt in both directions of the pipe until you expose the area of the leak.

• 9

  Place a repair clamp over the area of the break, making sure to place the rubber seal against the crack or hole in the pipe.

• 10

  Tighten the screws on the repair clamp with a screwdriver until the clamp is tight against the pipe. Replace the dirt around the pipe.

Repairing Manifolds

• 11

  Remove the lid on the irrigation control box. The box is near the perimeter of the house and contains the valves in an assembly called a manifold.

• 12

  Inspect the manifold for signs of cracks or holes.

• 13

  Place a pipe repair wrap around the area of the crack or hole on the manifold. Repair wraps contain an adhesive that bonds to the manifold as it dries, sealing the damage. Press the wrap firmly into the crack or hole to ensure a watertight connection.