How do I find a leak in an irrigation system?

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Practical answer

Isolate the affected line before digging or replacing unrelated parts.

What to check first

• Run the affected line and inspect emitters from the tap or valve to the far end.
• Look for wet paving, split pipe, blocked emitters, missing end caps, and dry end-of-line plants.
• Check whether trees, hedges, pots, and lawn are incorrectly sharing one run time.
• Photograph the pipe layout before moving or cutting anything.

What not to assume

• Do not add emitters randomly without checking pressure and line length.
• Do not bury a failing line before confirming it runs evenly.
• Do not treat a dry plant as a plant problem until irrigation coverage is checked.

When this needs more than a quick check

Collect more detail or request help if:

• plants are dying while the system appears to run
• one zone has weak pressure or does not open
• water is leaking near walls, paving, or the pool area
• the system needs seasonal redesign rather than a quick timer change

Details to collect before requesting help

• photos of the controller, valves, pipes, drippers, and dry areas
• garden size, planting type, and whether there are pots, trees, hedges, or lawn
• current schedule if known
• city or village and how urgent the repair is

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