How to Repair a Coupling for a Sprinkler Pipe

Sprinkler lines are usually made out of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, an injection-molded plastic. This material is held together by couplers that are chemically cemented on either end. Occasionally, the cement around the connection points can become corroded and fail, leading to leaks underground. If this happens, remove the old coupler and install a repair coupler to avoid wasting water or damaging your lawn.

Shovel
Pipe cutters
Rag
PVC repair coupler (extended repair couplers are different than regular pipe couplers)
PVC cement

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the two ball valves on the sprinkler vacuum breaker clockwise 90 degrees to shut off the flow of water to the system.
- 2
  Dig up the area around the suspected break. You can identify a possible leak by looking for pooling of water on the surface. Carefully remove dirt using a shovel until the sprinkler line and coupler are exposed.
- 3
  Cut out the damaged coupler by using the pipe cutters to cut just above either end of the damaged coupler.
- 4
  Wipe the exposed ends of the sprinklers pipe clean with a rag.
- 5
  Apply a thin layer of PVC cement to the inside of both ends of the PVC repair coupler. Cover at least 1 inch of space inside both ends of the coupler with cement.
- 6
  Press one end of the repair coupler onto one end of the exposed pipe underground. Press the coupler firmly onto the pipe and hold it for 20 seconds.
- 7
  Gently pull the other end of the repair coupler onto the other end of the exposed pipe, pressing the coupler firmly onto the exposed pipe. Hold that end in place for 20 seconds.
- 8
  Allow the coupler to dry for at least 2 hours.
- 9
  Turn the ball valves on the vacuum breaker 90 degrees counterclockwise to turn on the water. Turn on the sprinklers to test the connection before replacing the dirt.

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