Quck answer
Repairing a broken underground water line requires a few steps. First, locate the leak by looking for soggy or muddy areas in your yard. Once you’ve found the leak, dig a trench around the damaged section. Cut out the broken pipe and replace it with a new one. Use couplings and fittings to connect the new pipe to the existing ones. Make sure to secure the connections properly. Finally, backfill the trench and test the repaired line for any additional leaks. It’s important to follow safety precautions and consider hiring a professional if you’re unsure about the process.
If you suspect that there is a leak in your underground water pipes because your water bill has significantly increased, there is a wet or muddy area on your lawn while the rest of the yard remains dry, or you can actually see water spraying up from the ground, you can follow these steps to repair the damage. Repairing a broken underground water line is not an easy task, but it can be done.
Step 1
Locate the source of the leak. This is straightforward if you have water gushing out of the ground in your front yard. However, if your only clue is a high water bill, you will need to do a bit of investigation. In dry weather, you can easily locate two things – the septic tank and the broken underground water line. Look for areas where the grass is greener. In wet and stormy weather, check for puddles or softer soil.
Step 2
Once you have identified the leak, turn off the main water shut off. If you live in a city, you will need to contact the city waterworks to do this for you. The main valve is located in the yard and requires a special tool. If you live in a rural area without access to city water, you will need to turn off or unplug the pump.
Step 3
Begin by digging a trench along the area where the water is leaking. Dig deep enough until you uncover the pipe. Clear the pipe several feet in front of and behind the leak. Dig down 1 foot below the pipe. When repairing an underground water line, it is important to expose more than just the leak itself.
Step 4
Inspect the entire line for any signs of wear or damage, not just the area where the leak is located. Root systems are often the cause of damage to specific sections of a pipeline. Consider replacing the entire pipe from the street to your house if necessary.
Step 5
Cut out the section of pipe that is leaking, making sure to include at least 6 inches on each side of the leak. Use rigid copper pipe for the replacement section. If you need to purchase longer lengths of pipe, such as 5-foot lengths, it is advisable to use the entire length. Cut the pipe to the exact measurement, leaving a slight margin of 1/16 to 1/8 inch. This allows for some flexibility. Remove the weatherproofing on the old pipe and sand all ends, including the ends of the new pipe and the existing pipe that will be connected.
Step 6
Prepare the inside of two slip couplings by using a wire brush specifically designed for this purpose. Slide the couplings onto the new pipe, positioning them towards the center. Fit the new underground water line pipe into place and slide the slip couplings so that one half of each coupling is on the old pipe and the other half is on the new pipe.
Step 7
Heat the center of each coupling from underneath using a propane torch. As you do this, place a piece of lead-free solder wire on top of the edge of the coupling that connects to the old pipe. Once you see the solder drip from the bottom of that joint, apply solder to the other edge of the coupling on the new pipe side. Repeat this process for both couplings. Lastly, weatherproof the new section with a tar-based insulator.
