How to Repair Broken Residential Irrigation Pipes

It is not uncommon for residential irrigation pipes or become cracked or broken. The easiest way to repair broken irrigation pipes it by removing the broken or cracked piece and installing an expanding coupling in it's place. The process is fairly easy and requires tools and materials that can be purchased from you local home improvement store.

Items needed:

• Pen, colored pencil or chalk


• Pipe cutter


• PVC primer


• Utility knife


• PVC straight coupling


• PVC expanding coupling


• PVC cement

Step 1: Turn off the water that flows into the irrigation pipes. You may need to just turn of your faucets or water hose, or turn off the main water supply to your home.

Step 2: Use the tape measure to measure the length of the expanded coupling. Make sure the coupling is not expanded when you are measuring it.

Step 3: Locate the pipe break. Use a pen to mark on each side of the break. If your pipes are dark you may need to use a light colored pencil or piece of chalk. The length between the two marks should be the same as the length of the coupling.

Step 3: Use a pipe cutter to cut through the pipe at the locations you marked. Once you have removed the pipe, use a utility knife to trim the ends of the pipe and remove any rough edges or plastic shreds.

Step 4: Apply PVC primer to the edges of the cut irrigation pipe. Apply PVC primer to the straight coupling, the male end of the expanding coupling and the inside of the female end of the expanding coupling. Allow the primer to dry.

Step 5: Apply PVC cement to both ends of the irrigation pipe and the male end of the expanding coupling. Place the straight coupling onto the irrigation pipe. Place the male end of the expanding coupling into the other end of the straight coupling. Hold the pipes in place for 15 to 20 seconds. Place the bolt onto the expanding coupling and tighten it. Turn the water back on and make sure the pipe is working properly