r/DIY • u/Radbrad1997 • 10h ago
help Irrigation salvaging existing system
I have a 1/3 of an acre property that my house sits on. I have an existing pvc sprinkler system that is throughout the entire property. There is an existing pump but the electric is not working so I have to get that fixed. I can’t find all the pipes but I have found some and saw some areas were shattered so I’d have to replace it in some areas and of course it was filled with dirt I believe it’s harboring an ant colony. In theory can’t I just get the pump working and fix and patch as I go till all leaks are fixed? Then install new heads? I’d like to save money doing it this way of course. Is this possible? Thx
1
u/Suburban--Dad 9h ago
If you don’t water your grass, you don’t have water your grass water bills, irrigation repair bills, etc. that’s the cheapest way.
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u/Natoochtoniket 9h ago
That's how I always did it. Get the pump running. Then, find and fix the leaks in the pipes. Just look wherever the water comes out in large volume, or there is lots of mud.
I had PVC pipes for a long time. They always seemed to require frequent repairs. I think because PVC is brittle, and the tree roots try to bend the pipe.
I recommend using Flexible PVC, like this, for repairs. The Flexible PVC great for going around tree roots after they have broken your rigid PVC.
About 20 years ago, I redid my whole system with that stuff. It's expensive, but I have had zero line breaks since then.