How to Prevent and Fix a Sprinkler Leak

There's no faster way to get yourself on 'world's funniest home videos' than attempting home improvement or repair with little idea of what you're doing. For those of you with a sprinkler system, it can be almost terrifying to learn you have a problem. Whether you have an above ground or below ground sprinkler system, your greatest nightmare is a leak. Fortunately there are a number of ways to prevent the formation of a leak and a few ways to repair one yourself.

For those of you with above ground systems, your most effective method for protecting it is to carefully store it away as soon as you're finished. For those that prefer to always keep it set up and ready on your lawn- this is a problem. When your eyes are not on it, there's relatively little keeping someone or something from damaging it.

One possible compromise you can make with this situation is to keep it setup in the backyard. While the front lawn sees considerably traffic from visitors and potential passerby, the backyard receives minimal attention in comparison. Anytime that your AGS (above ground sprinkler) is operational, make sure you don't stray too far from it- or if you do, don't for too long. An accident can happen at anytime and it is better that you be nearby in order to neutralize the problem.

For those of you with an UGS (underground sprinkler), your job is a bit more difficult. While you would think that layer of soil is enough to protect the system from impact or precision- this is not necessarily the case. In order to prevent a stray shovel from piercing your system, make sure you mark the path from the sprinkler head to the water source. It is also wise to refrain from parking in your lawn if you have a UGS to prevent any accidental damage to an underground pipe or the head itself.

Now should you discover your AGS or UGS is leaking- you should act quickly to resolve the issue. For those with an AGS, your potential solution is much easier to conclude. Whereas you cannot easily examine the afflicted area with the UGS, the above-ground pipe or hose is in plain view. If the offending leak is of minor affliction and meager in size, you can easily mend the system by applying a waterproof, putty sealant to the region.

For those of you with a UGS or more serious leakage issue, the solution becomes less simple. Should you not desire contacting a repairman, you could seek out the UGS leak yourself. Look for a spot in the yard that is muddied or showing other signs of collecting water. Carefully remove the soil from that region and examine the sprinkler's pipe/hose.

If the leak is minor, follow through with the putty sealant- though apply more generously in this case and allow it to harden before returning the fixture to the soil. If the leak is major, the sealant can be used as a temporary means of halting the water- though a repairman should be contacted in this case.