Customer Support Now - Repairing Broken Pipe

IRRIGATION PARTNERS

Home Products and Services Systems Management Customer Support Now Contact Us Contents Search

First Aid for broken pipes here!

Repairing Broken Pipe

Dug a hole and hit a pipe? If it is PVC, here are some suggestions on how repair the problem.

Before you can begin to repair the break you must dig a hole large enough to work on it. A simple rule is about 12" either side of the break per 1/2" diameter of pipe. This will vary according to the parts you use to make the repair.

There are various parts that can be used to repair a broken pipe. Regardless of the parts, there are two more steps in the process that you must complete in order to begin.

Step 1: Cut the ends of the pipe at the	Step 2: After the cuts, remove the burs and
break squarely.	clean the pipe. Drain any excess water out
	and wipe the pipe surface dry.

Use a hack saw or other tool made for cutting PVC pipe.

Now you have to determine which parts to use to repair the break.

Method 1 Use a coupling. Use Sch.40 fittings for most PVC pipe repairs in a sprinkler system.

This is the least expensive method of repair in terms of materials, but when repairing larger pipes, the labor required for the larger hole may offset any savings in materials.

Step 3: You will need a length of pipe that will fit between the two ends of the pipe in the hole. You will also require two couplings, PVC cement and cleaner/primer. You may need to adjust your cuts for the pipe and couplings to fit. Follow the PVC cement manufacturer's suggestions regarding the application and use of the cement and primer/cleaner. Typically, you apply the cement on the inside of the fitting and on the outside surface of the pipe. Push the fitting onto the pipe. Repeat the process for the other side. Remove the excess cement.

There is an adage that applies here: measure twice, cut once.

Step 4: Measure the distance between the ends of the pipe in the hole, allowing for the inside shoulders of the couplings; and cut the pipe you plan to use for the repair to fit. Remove any burs and clean the pipe ends. Apply the cement and working with one end at a time, insert the short piece of pipe into the couplings in the hole. You will have to lift the pipe, and with some force, bend it into the last end to make it fit. The benefits of a large hole will become evident at this point.

A bigger hole is always a better hole to work in.

Method 2: Use a Compression Coupling.

Use these to repair galvanized(IPS) and copper(CTS) pipe systems too!

See Steps 1 and 2 above.

M21.jpg (149541 bytes)

Method 3: Use a Slip Fix and a Coupling.

M30.jpg (6422 bytes)

This device can be a labor saver. It is essentially a telescoping coupling. One end slides out, eliminating the need to struggle with the tubing as you do with an ordinary coupling. This feature also greatly reduces the size of the hole required.

See Steps 1 and 2 above.

Step 3: Carefully measure your cuts, to take advantage of the full stroke of the slip fix. This will reduce movement along the piping after it is buried.

M31.jpg (23154 bytes)

Step 4: Install the coupling and the "Slip Fix" using PVC cement and cleaner/primer as described above.

M32.jpg (22018 bytes)

Step 5: Properly apply PVC cement and cleaner/primer on the appropriate surfaces of the fittings. Slide the telescoping end of the "Slip Fix" into the coupling.

M33.jpg (22248 bytes)

That's it! Test it before you cover it.

Additional information may be available at one of the manufacturer's web sites located on our Irrigation Industry Links page.

Contact Irrigation Partners for Expert Service today!

Web Site comments or questions: webmaster@irrigationpartners.com
Last modified: March 19, 2000

Home Products and Services Systems Management Customer Support Now Contact Us Contents Search