Unlicensed Christmas Light Sidewalk Arch Installer Damages Sprinkler System

My latest fix was an in-ground irrigation sprinkler repair. The process was relatively straightforward, and I learned some lessons along the way.

Finding the Leak

The first step was to find the general area of the leak. This was effortless since the water was pooling up quickly. The second step was to cut out the grass. I used a trench shovel. Its sharp end cuts through the boundary edges of the area of concern nicely. It also cuts under the sod, like a spatula, for easy removal. I put the sod and dirt on a piece of cardboard to make putting everything back easier. The third step was digging down to find the leak. In my situation, the swing elbow that connected the flexible pipe (funny pipe/swing pipe) to the hard sprinkler line was broken. It turns out an unlicensed Christmas light sidewalk arch installer decided to drive a rebar through the fitting. I did not have a 1/2-inch swing elbow and needed to make a quick trip to the big box store.

Fixing the Leak and My Learning Moment

When I installed the sprinklers, I used Toro funny pipe; however, the store only had Rain Bird parts in stock. I was worried that the Toro funny pipe and Rain Bird swing pipe might have different inside dimensions. I debated buying a new, complete Rain Bird swing pipe assembly but ultimately took the gamble. When I got home, I learned that the gamble paid off. The Rain Bird fitting felt tighter than the Toro fitting. With the correct part in place, I tested the connections for leaks, and seeing none, I filled in the dirt, replaced the sod, and flushed the sprinkler head.

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Overall, the project set me back $1.06 in parts and about two hours in labor, including the trip to the hardware store. I learned I could use a Rain Bird swing joint fitting in a Toro funny pipe and to be more careful when installing the Christmas sidewalk arch lights. What have you fixed recently? I would like to read about it in the comments below.