How to Repair a Sprinkler System Freeze

Broken Pipes

• 1

  Dig up the area around the suspected break, clearing away at least 8 inches of dirt from around the broken pipe. If you don't know where the break is, run the sprinklers for two minutes. Water will pool above the area of the leak; be prepared for a muddy mess as you work.

• 2

  Wipe away dirt or mud from around the broken pipe, getting the surface as clean as possible.

• 3

  Place a pipe clamp around the area of the break, making sure the rubber gasket inside the clamp sits on the crack or break.

• 4

  Tighten the screws on both ends of the pipe clamp. This will cause the gasket to press against the crack, sealing it and making it watertight.

• 5

  Run the sprinklers to test the repair before refilling the hole with dirt.

Broken Sprinkler Heads

• 6

  Dig up the area around the broken sprinkler, clearing away at least 8 inches of dirt from around it.

• 7

  Unscrew the sprinkler body by turning it counterclockwise.

• 8

  Wrap the exposed pope threads on the riser below the sprinkler with a single layer of Teflon tape to lubricate the connection.

• 9

  Place a new sprinkler on the risers and turn it clockwise until tight.

• 10

  Run the sprinklers to test the connection before refilling the hole with dirt.