How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires With Silicone Sealant

Let's say you dug a hole in a corner of your lawn so you can transplant a plant. Let's say as you dug, you thought you hit tree roots so you really slammed the shovel in to break up the roots. And let's say when you took a second look, you saw you had not only dug up a bundle of electrical wires, but broke the black cover off those electrical wires, probably to your lawn sprinkler system. Okay, let's say it was me that did that. I admit it. And I now know how to repair sprinkler system electrical wires with silicone sealant.

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant: Step 1

Check the wires. Are they bare or broken? Don't touch them, just look. If they are broken, call someone. It's no longer a DIY project because you might have a hot wire and your electrical wires probably need soldering. If they aren't broken, follow my steps which includes using silicone sealant

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant: Step 2

Turn off the power. I figured my bundle was the sprinkler system so I didn't turn it off. I made sure I didn't touch anything with my fingers though.

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant: Step 3

Dig and clean out the hole so your damaged wires are exposed. Place a rag underneath the electrical wires when finished to keep things clean when you apply silicone sealant.

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant: Step 4

Clean the electrical wires with a toothbrush, toothpicks and/or plastic knife so there are no dirt clods.

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant: Step 5

Cut diagonally across the tip of your silicone sealant. Squeeze the tube as sealant comes out onto electrical wires. Cover all exposed wires with silicone sealant. The sealant sets up within an hour and changes into a waterproof seal.

After the silicone sealant dries, if the black outer coating is intact, you can tape it. You can also leave as is and fill the hole.

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant

Now you know how to repair sprinkler system electrical wires with silicone sealant. Just try not to dig your lawn sprinkler system up in the first place and save yourself a lot of problems. Click here and save to read a product review of GE Silicone Sealant ii.

Source:
Author's own experience

How to Repair Sprinkler System Electrical Wires with Silicone Sealant copyright 2009.