Tring To Find A Break In The Line!

[milsaps118]

I have a commercial property that has been having a problem with an island that is irrigated. A section of it gets totally saturated an lifts about 1"-2". More than likely the line is broke or cracked. Part of the line runs underneath a small rock bed along the curb line. Should I run that zone and have at it with my shovel to try to find the leak? Is there a better way?????

[Dirty Water]

If its real obvious where the sod is lifting, flip it over and dig away.

Sometimes leaks can be real hard to find. Today I chased one 15' before finally finding the break.

[PurpHaze]

Originally Posted by milsaps118

Should I run that zone and have at it with my shovel to try to find the leak? Is there a better way?????

Instead of "follow the money"... follow the water. If the area is a quadmire then it might be better to turn the zone off for a couple of days to allow some drying. Then turn the zone on manually and start searching at the first place the water shows up.

Depending on soil you should also be on the lookout for washed white sand which is indicative of where the leak is occurring.

[Green Sweep]

Originally Posted by Dirty Water

If its real obvious where the sod is lifting, flip it over and dig away.

Sometimes leaks can be real hard to find. Today I chased one 15' before finally finding the break.

Funny you should say that. Spent 2 hours yesterday finding & repairing 2 breaks. Customer installed a pool. All laterals 2' deep in heavy clay that was compact because of the equipment running it over. Water following the bullet hole & showing up 10 to 15' away from the actual break. Hand dug & lifted lots of heavy, saturated clay out of the ground. Shoulders & back feeling it this morning.

Rob

[Mdirrigation]

if the area is soaked , bring along the air compressor , turn off the water supply , and start pushing air and look for the bubbles .

[Hank Reardon]

Originally Posted by Mdirrigation

if the area is soaked , bring along the air compressor , turn off the water supply , and start pushing air and look for the bubbles .

Quick and easy.

[PurpHaze]

Originally Posted by Mdirrigation

if the area is soaked , bring along the air compressor , turn off the water supply , and start pushing air and look for the bubbles .

The T&M guys are squirming in their chairs. "No, no... too easy. More billable T!"