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How to fix an irrigation leak

We'll locate the leak, repair broken lines or fittings, and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Shovel
  • Pipe cutter
  • Coupling or slip coupling
  • Replacement fitting or head (if needed)

At a glance

  • Shut off the irrigation system at the controller and main valve.
  • Locate the leak—wet spots, pooling, or eroding soil often show the area.
  • Repair a broken line with a coupling or replace the damaged section.
  • Replace cracked fittings or heads.
  • Call a plumber if the leak is at the main line or valve box.
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Steps

Goal: Shut off the system, locate the leak, repair the line or fitting, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Shut off the irrigation system at the controller and main valve.
  • Good: System is off. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Cannot shut off—call a plumber.

Locate the leak

Goal: Find where the water is escaping.

  • Look for wet spots, pooling, or eroding soil. Run one zone at a time and watch where water surfaces.
  • Good: You have identified the leak area. Proceed to Repair line or fitting.
  • Bad: Cannot locate or leak is at main—call a plumber.

Repair line or fitting

Goal: Fix the broken lateral line or cracked fitting.

  • Cut out the damaged section. Install a coupling and new pipe, or replace the fitting. Secure the connection.
  • Good: No leak when you run the zone.
  • Bad: Leak persists or is at the main—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber or irrigation specialist if:

  • The leak is at the main line.
  • The leak is at the valve box.
  • You cannot locate the leak.

Do not dig near the main without knowing where it is.

Verification

  • No water surfaces when the zone runs.
  • Soil stays dry when the system is off.
  • Zone runs normally.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my irrigation system leak?
Common causes: a broken or cracked irrigation line, a loose or cracked fitting, a damaged head, or a stuck zone valve. Line breaks often happen from digging, freezing, or age.
Can I fix an irrigation leak myself?
Yes, for leaks at lateral lines, fittings, or heads. Shut off the system first. If the leak is at the main line or valve box, call a plumber or irrigation specialist.
When should I call a plumber for an irrigation leak?
Call a plumber or irrigation specialist if the leak is at the main line, the valve box, or you cannot locate the leak. Large wet areas or constant flow when the system is off may indicate a main-line issue.

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