Leaks

jimj_2006

17 years ago

We opened our irrigation system this spring (Minnesota) & there were leaks in several places in one zone. So far about 10 feet worth of PVC pipe has been replaced (PVC was used for the main lines & POLY used for lateral lines). The pipes were sheared so it appears water is the culprit. There are two opposing views. The original installer of the system feels that the contractor who winterized the system did not remove all the water from the system and he should fix it. The contractor who winterized the system felt that POLY should have been used throughout instead of PVC. Any thoughts on who is right? Also, is there any way water could have gotten into the system after a correct winterization? A newbie appreciates any thoughts/comments. Thanks in advance.

Comments (5)

gw:garden-guy
17 years ago
Is there a water shut off (not the zone valve) to the irrigation system and was it shut off prior to winterization? If the water was shut off, the contactor who winterized the system should have removed all the water (did he blow out the system or use a different method?). If the contractor who winterized the system felt that poly should have been used throughout the system he should has this as a disclaimer in his contract (or at least verbally given this advise prior to the service). Both materials are used in irrigation system.
jimj_2006
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the reply. There is a main water shut off & I believe he turned it off prior to winterization (it was turned off in the spring when we checked). He did blow it out with a compressor. We're not sure once the first zone is fixed (now it appears there is about 25 feet of pipe sheared in zone 1) if we'll discover other leaks. Does it make sense that the damage would be limited to zone 1? Thanks in advance,
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gw:garden-guy
17 years ago
Yes it makes sense to have damage in one zone. They blow out one zone at a time. If there is water left in the zone it could collect at a low spot. Generally they connect the compressor at the main water supply line (shut off of course). They then open one valve (electrically or manually) and blow air through the system until the water doesn't come out at the furtherest sprinkler. Repeat for each zone. If one zone isn't blown completely out and the water pools you could see damage from freezing.

Are there elevation changes to the irrigation system? Was the damage in the low spot?
mrpike
17 years ago
He who winterizes it, fixes it.

Type of pipe is no excuse for water left in the zones.

Lawyers might need to get involved.
jimj_2006
Original Author
17 years ago
Are there elevation change to the irrigation system?

Yes - we located the leak on the top of a hill & fixed the pipe there. There is a downslope so we assume the remaining pipe to the valve box at the bottom of the hill is also damaged.

Was the damage in the low spot?

We have only located the damage in the high spot at this point but we still aren't able to turn the system on so we assume more damage below. Thanks again for your help!