On some mornings, proud homeowners like to stroll outside and witness the clockwork operation of their irrigation system. It could be the start of a bad day when that person steps outside only to see a large geyser or bubbling pond forming somewhere in the yard where it doesn’t belong. A quick excavation reveals a small section of cracked or punctured pipe. Here is where the good news starts: you don’t have to replace the entire length of pipe to fix the break! This sprinkler repair is easy with a slip-fix.
What is a Slip-Fix?
Slip-Fixes (also known as expansion couplers or repair couplers) are specialized PVC fittings that can telescope outwards and therefore have a variable length. Slip-Fixes come in several sizes to fit the different PVC pipe sizes most commonly used in irrigation systems. Slip-Fixes are slightly more expensive than the typical $1 PVC fitting, but they are often found for less than $10 at home improvement stores depending on the size required. Fortunately, this coupling will save plenty of money, as well as time, on many sprinkler repair jobs.
How to install a Slip-Fix, step-by-step.
- If you have not already done so, locate the exact location of the broken pipe and dig around it (and under it) until there is serviceable pipe visible on both ends of the break. Set aside any sod that you remove so that you can place it back after completing the repair.
- Hold the slip-fix over the pipe that needs replacement and fully extend it to see if it will be long enough to replace the broken section. If the slip-fix is not already long enough, extend it further by pre-gluing a short section of pipe into the large end of the slip-fix and gluing a direct PVC coupler onto the opposite end of the pipe. Note: the fully extended slip-fix must be slightly longer (usually 2″) than the section of pipe to be removed.
- Cut the existing pipe on either end of the break with a hacksaw or with PVC pipe cutters and remove the broken section.
- Glue a direct PVC coupler onto the small end of the slip-fix.
- Apply glue to both ends of the slip-fix, lower it into the excavated area, and extend it outwards making the connections on both sides of the repair.
Voila! Your broken pipe section is now repaired! Fill the hole back in with dirt, replace the sod, and enjoy your once-again fully functional irrigation system.
Tips on gluing PVC fittings:
- Always use PVC primer (the purple stuff) on both parts of a connection. This ensures the long-term integrity of your glue joint.
- When making glued connections, give the sections about 1/4 turn after the connection to ensure equal distribution of glue and to help avoid air bubbles.
Need a sprinkler repair? Contact American Irrigation today!