PVC IRRIGATION REPAIR

[GCroyle]

TDR,

Cracked sprinkler system fitting.

A single mom neighbor needs a bit of help and this one either needs a "pro" or some really good ideas for repairing this cracked T fitting. I've only excavated enough to see the scope of the damage. It sure looks like a tree root running diagonal under the T pushed it up and cracked the T.

My challenge is making the connections. This is fed by a well pump that keep pressure on the system, it is not turned on by the sprinkler controller so constant pressure.

Looks like cutting the pipe at the red cut lines and replacing both T's is required but looking for suggestions from a been there did that for a living kinda ideas.

Gary

 

[GCroyle]

Guys,

I stopped at our ACE hdwe and chatted with a retired plumber that I know. He had the missing link that puts this together, hopefully and the START here advice etc.

The missing link is an extension repair coupling like this https://www.lowes.com/pd/Homewerks-...ia-x-8-1-2-in-L-Coupling-PVC-Fitting/50160519

But I do have more excavating to do to get pipe movement for glue up.

 

[endoscott]

So you can turn off the well pump, right? Might not be a bad idea to have a ball check valve prior to the Tee. Those extension repair couplings work great. The problem I see is that the Tees are too close together. That's gonna be a problem. You might have to replace both Tees. Not sure. Take pics as you go.

 

[GCroyle]

The well is only for the irrigation. Yes both T’s are coming out. Way too nasty outside to work on it until cooler am hours. Don at Ace really helped me see path. I have done several pvc cpvc repairs but this one backed me up at first.

 

[bigceltic]

The well is only for the irrigation. Yes both T’s are coming out. Way too nasty outside to work on it until cooler am hours. Don at Ace really helped me see path. I have done several pvc cpvc repairs but this one backed me up at first.

You may want to look at Home Depot for the Orbit Blu-Lock - it is basically sharkbite for in ground irrigation. I have been using it for a year or so and seems to work well - just push on and you are good to go.

 

[p-Bar]

I would cut out both T's and start over. your stuck with the space between the two T's. Be sure to break the edge around the cut ends. Use primer. The clear glue is actually stronger, just takes longer to dry.

 

[Tuesdak]

The valves leak water when on - part of their design. The water attracts roots of course. I would put a irrigation box around the valves to make it easier to work on in the future. Can't tell if they had a box and buried themselves over time or were just buried from the word go.

 

[p-Bar]

would be smart to get those valves above ground.

 

[Crunch]

The missing link is an extension repair coupling like this https://www.lowes.com/pd/Homewerks-...ia-x-8-1-2-in-L-Coupling-PVC-Fitting/50160519

I've used the compression fittings for charged lines, but only reluctantly. They work, but the chances of them leaking is higher than with glued fittings. You also have to have enough pipe excavated in both directions to spread apart to get the fitting on. They also work better when the two ends of the cut pipe are as close as possible because the compression fitting can move around when there is a larger gap between the cut pipe ends. You don't mention the diameter of the pipe, but the link you provided to the compression fitting is for a 1" pipe. You have to excavate a fair amount of soil to be able to bend 1" PVC enough to get either a compression fitting or glued fitting in place. 1" and above PVC doesn't bend well when there is a lot of soil around it or fittings that keep it from bending. That picture you posted is a designer's dream, but a repairman's nightmare--5 valves and several T-fittings all jammed into a small space. It almost might be easier to cut out a larger section, redo all the T's and use PVC unions to connect it all back together. That would allow you to replace all the T's in the section and then drop the new setup in place, and just screw the unions back together. But no matter how you slice it, you have a lot of work an not much fun ahead of you. One thing to also keep in mind is that you are working around a lot of wires with all those valves there. Make sure you don't nick any of them while you are excavating!

 

[GCroyle]

Quick update. Excavation and root removal completed. All of that root and a bit more small stuff was under the pipes. Next trip is back to Ace hdwe. I'm pooped, it's hot and muggy out.

 

[GCroyle]

I just wanted to try finishing this neighborhood hero project. New T's, fitting and that oh wow sliding extension repair connection. Powered it up and no leaks in the repairs found. Knock on wood etc.

Did you guys really think this was over, nothing else to go wrong?

While testing individual circuits a new ol' faithful appeared.

Looks like a freeway over/under pass gone amuck.

2 irrigation lines, county water behind, control cable in between and a dat gum tree root underneath this conglomeration cracked another T fitting, yellow arrow.

Homeowner decided to turn off this circuit and look at this repair when its much cooler. That works for me. This will be a even nastier repair.

Couple of follow ups. Running the valves up above ground. We do have to protect against freezing and that would be a lot more than this project was for me. Yes, this did have two irrigation boxes one gets reused one gets replaced it was excessively cut to sloppily fit the job. I'll custom fit a new one.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Gary

 

[endoscott]

You definitely get the good neighbor award! Maybe mark that area after it's all fixed so no one drives anything over that area.

 

[p-Bar]

Sorry Gary , We in SoCal are used to valves above ground . I get it

 

[Crunch]

Sorry Gary , We in SoCal are used to valves above ground . I get it

Valves above ground? That just sounds really bizarre to me. I don't think I have ever seen that here in Texas. I've seen buried naked, like in the pictures @GCroyle posted. But most are below ground and covered with a round, plastic valve box that can be accessed without digging. Do you have to mow around the valves when they are above ground? Pretty sure that woldn't fly here at all.

 

[p-Bar]

In Cali we don't put valves in the middle of our lawn. Usually in inconspicuous spots.

 

[GCroyle]

Is that all there is?

I left a little "housekeeping" for the owner. Next rain will likely modify this.

Gary

 

[GCroyle]

And my pay check arrived. Good stuff. Just gotta ration them out to the grandkids.