How To Fix A Leaking Water Pipe Underground In 6 Easy Steps

Do you have a leaking water pipe underground? If so, then you may maybe be wondering How To Fix A Leaking Water Pipe Underground. It’s not as difficult as it may seem, and you can take care of the problem quickly and easily. In this blog post, we’ll explain the steps you need to take to repair a leaking water pipe underground. We’ll walk you through the process from start to finish, including the materials you’ll need and the tools you’ll use. By the end of this post, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to repair the pipe yourself.

Shut Off the Water

The first step in fixing a leaking water pipe underground is to shut off the water. Depending on where the leak is located, you may need to shut off the water at your main water shut off valve or an isolation valve. If you are unsure of how to locate these valves, it is best to call a professional plumber to help you with this step. Once you have located the right valves, shut them off and confirm that no more water is coming out of the pipe. This will help ensure that no further damage is done while you are attempting to fix the problem.

Dig Up the Pipe

Digging up a water pipe that is leaking underground can be a daunting task. However, it’s important to make sure the job is done properly in order to prevent further damage and leaks in the future. Before you begin, you’ll need to locate the exact spot where the leak is coming from. This will help you determine how much digging is needed.

The best way to dig up a water pipe is to use a shovel and start digging a trench around the area of the leak. The trench should be about one foot deep and one foot wide. Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, boots, and eyewear to protect yourself from sharp objects or debris in the soil. As you dig, take care to not damage the pipe any more than it already is.

Once you have dug a sufficient amount of dirt away from the pipe, use a small pry bar to loosen the pipe and remove it from the ground. Depending on the type of material the pipe is made out of, it may require special tools to cut it out of the ground. If this is the case, consult with a plumber or someone experienced with plumbing to ensure the job is done properly.

Finally, carefully lift the pipe out of the ground, being mindful of its weight and fragility. It may be necessary to enlist the help of an assistant when doing this step. Once you have successfully removed the pipe, clean off any remaining dirt or debris that may be stuck to it.

Cut Out the Damaged Section

Once you’ve located the damaged section of pipe, you will need to cut it out. Make sure to turn off the water supply before you begin cutting the pipe. If there is pressure in the pipe, you may need to use a hacksaw to cut through the pipe.

When cutting the pipe, try to make the cut as straight as possible. This will make it easier to insert a new coupling in its place. Once the pipe has been cut, you can remove it and set it aside.

Before you install the new section of pipe, make sure to clean both ends of the old pipe. This will help ensure that the new pipe will fit correctly in the coupling. You may also want to sand down any rough edges of the old pipe before you place it in the new coupling.

Now, you are ready to install a new section of pipe to replace the old one.

Install a New Coupling

Once you have identified and removed the damaged section of your underground water pipe, it is time to install a new coupling. Couplings are small, but important components that connect two sections of a pipe together. To install a coupling, you will need the following materials: a hacksaw, a utility knife, a putty knife, plumber’s tape, and your new coupling.

Start by wrapping the threads on the ends of both sections of the pipe with plumber’s tape. This will help to ensure a proper seal when the coupling is screwed on. Then, use the hacksaw to cut off any excess threads.

Now take your new coupling and wrap the threads with plumber’s tape. Next, use the utility knife to scrape away any dirt or corrosion from the outside of the pipe. Then, fit the two sections of the pipe together with the coupling in between them and hand-tighten. Make sure that the two sections of pipe are lined up correctly before tightening.

Using a wrench, tighten the coupling onto both sections of pipe. You may want to wrap a cloth around the coupling to protect it from damage while you are tightening. Once it is secure, check for any gaps between the two sections of pipe. If there are any gaps, use putty to fill them in and create a waterproof seal.

And then finally turn on the water and check if there are any leaks.  if you find no leakage then you are good to go.

Cover the Pipe

Once the new coupling is installed and the water is back on, the last step in fixing a leaking water pipe underground is to cover the pipe. You’ll want to use soil and sod to cover the excavation area, so it looks like it was never disturbed. This part is particularly important if your pipe is located in an area of your yard where people will be walking or mowing.

Start by placing soil around the pipe and patting it down. You may want to consider adding a layer of sand between the soil and the pipe to ensure that there are no air pockets when you cover it. After the soil has been compacted, replace the sod to blend in with the rest of your lawn. It may take some extra effort, but the final result will look like nothing ever happened.

Once everything is covered and the grass looks good, you can relax knowing that your leaking water pipe underground is fixed and you’ve just saved yourself time and money.

Turn on the Water

Once you have completed the repairs to the underground water pipe, the last step is to turn the water back on. Make sure that the new coupling has been installed properly and sealed with waterproofing materials. Test the area to ensure that the water is running through the pipe correctly and not leaking.

If everything looks good, you can turn the water back on by going to the main shut off valve and turning it counter-clockwise. You will know when it is fully open when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. Once you have turned on the water, check all of your connections one more time to make sure they are secure and that there is no more leakage. If everything is good, you have successfully fixed your leaking underground water pipe!

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