Sprinkler repair guide

Sprinkler Leak Repair

White PVC pipe with blue fittings in a muddy, water-filled trench
On this page 9 sections
  1. Signs You May Need This Repair
  2. Common Causes
  3. How a Technician Handles It
  4. Repair or Replace?
  5. DIY or Call a Pro?
  6. Typical Cost
  7. Related Problems
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Bottom Line

Sprinkler leak repair starts with finding where the water is coming from: a head, fitting, lateral pipe, valve, mainline or backflow preventer.

Once the source is found, the damaged part is repaired or replaced.

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Signs You May Need This Repair

  • Soggy areas
  • Water bubbling up
  • Water in the valve box
  • Low pressure
  • A higher water bill

Common Causes

  • Broken heads
  • Cracked fittings
  • Pipe damage
  • Valve leaks
  • Backflow preventer leaks
Lawn with sod cut back around a muddy hole over a buried pipe, with a blue-handled shovel standing in the grass

How a Technician Handles It

  1. Determine whether the leak happens during watering or all the time
  2. Isolate zones and lines
  3. Locate the leak
  4. Repair the head, fitting, pipe or valve
  5. Test for leaks and pressure

Repair or Replace?

Most leaks are repaired by replacing a single part or section. Recurring leaks may call for an inspection.

DIY or Call a Pro?

Noting when leaks happen and closing the irrigation shutoff are safe. Locating and repairing buried or pressurized leaks is usually a job for a technician.

Stay safe: stick to settings, visual checks and closing the irrigation shutoff. Don’t open valves or fittings under pressure, and leave electrical testing to a professional.

Typical Cost

See our Sprinkler Leak Repair Cost Guide for typical ranges. Prices vary by location, parts, access and how much diagnosis is needed.

Related Repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do sprinkler leaks usually come from?

Heads, fittings, pipes, valves and backflow preventers.

Why does my sprinkler leak with the system off?

The mainline, valves and backflow preventer stay pressurized.

Will a leak raise my water bill?

It can, especially a continuous leak.

Bottom Line

Sprinkler leak repair is about finding the source first. A technician can locate the leak and repair only what’s damaged.

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Sprinkler problem? Let's figure out what's wrong. Answer a few quick questions to narrow down the likely cause, what the repair usually involves, and whether it's a DIY fix or a job for a pro. Diagnose My Sprinkler Problem

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