The Best Ways to Fix a Broken Sprinkler Pipe That Is Buried in the Ground

Repair Clamps

• In some situations, using a repair clamp is the best solution to a burst underground sprinkler pipe. These clamps contain a rubber gasket on one side of a bracket that presses against the area of the leak. The pressure from the clamp keeps water inside the pipe and prevents leaking. These clamps are typically only useful for small cracks or holes in pipes. Any breaks longer than about 5 inches should be repaired using a different method.

Repair Wrap

• Pipe wrap is an advanced method of repairing a broken underground pipe. These wraps contain a special adhesive that dries quickly and remains waterproof once cured. Applying a wrap usually requires you to clean the area of the leak before applying the adhesive around the entire area of the break. Pressing firmly against the area of the crack will seal the leak permanently. Since the wrap is buried underground with the pipe, aesthetics is not a concern with this type of repair.

Replace Pipe

• Some major cracks and blown-out pipes need to be replaced with a new section of pipe. Cutting out the damaged area requires the use of a saw. When the section is removed, couplers are cemented into place using a PVC adhesive. A new section of pipe is glued into place between the two couplers. This is one of the most reliable methods for permanently repairing an underground pipe as the connection is close to the original installation specifications.

Repair Coupler

• Repair couplers are useful for repairing a damaged section of pipe that is too large for a repair clamp but smaller than requiring an entirely new section of pipe to be installed. Repair couplers have extendable bodies that adjust to a custom length to bridge small gaps between cut sections of pipe. Repair clamps also require the use of PVC cement to seal the connections, but the couplers do not have to be cut to a specific length to work properly.