SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

I recently extended my patio and was told that the previously installed sprinkler system would be capped and no problems would arise. Well, today I woke up to standing water on the patio and realized that the sprinkler system, when on, is leaking up through the seems in the cement.

I called the guy who did the work and he said the guys must have only capped one of the two heads but the easy fix is to just bypass the line and go around the patio, reconnecting the line on the other side (hope that description makes sense). I guess they will cut the line on both sides of the patio and drag the line around to the front, connecting the lines to make a U shape around the patio.

My question to ANYONE who knows what's going on is...will this be okay?! I'm worried now as the extension of the patio has been roofed over, connecting it to the existing roof. If the slab cracks (there is a crack at the seem of the concrete already), then the roofing overhead will be compromised, correct? This could be a world of trouble if not handled correctly.

Further question...will what has been done effect the integrity of the structure? Do I need to have them rip up the work?

It is a 6 zone sprinkler system and the back yard is covered by zone 4 and 5. When either of these two zones are in operation, the water will come up through the poured slab.

Much thanks to anyone who can offer advice.

I really appreciate the response. I've called for a concrete guy to come check it out on Friday. I'm debating getting a roofing guy to check for anything major there since anything done may or may not be good workmanship. And maybe its smart to get in an engineer now since all the water was collected in the southwest corner (obvious sloping going on).

Question:

There are 3 lines that were exposed earlier today. One each for zone 4 and 5, the other being the main line I assume. Is is safe to bypass all three of these around the slab? Both "boxes" for zone 4 and 5 were found under the slab using the "metal detector" apparatus thing. I wasn't certain that by just bypassing these if the leak would be completely resolved. Could there be other sprinkler heads under the slab elsewhere that are leaking but are unnoticeable? Would those lines have to be found, cut and rerouted as well? Or is all safe if the main lines into the "box" are bypassed?

Thanks again...I at least feel at ease that the sprinkler solution matched your response.

Could you explain these statements a little more?

Quoted

Without running the system long enough to cause undercutting you can't really tell without digging.

What is undercutting? I assume you are referring to the slab here?

Is it best to try to find ANY piping at all leading under the poured slab and reroute it? You are right, that is a lot of shovel work, but certainly necessary IMO to avoid another head leaking everytime the sprinkler comes on.

How would I know if the 3rd line exposed is THE main line? Is there a test? How do I know if another main line exists? Is there a method for searching (like finding the boxes before)?

Quoted

Or your line may have been put in as a loop to help with pressure and flow.

What are implications of a loop? How can I know if a loop was put in? If a loop was put in, what does this mean in rerouting the 3 lines found thus far? Will it do nothing?

I can't say thank you enough for your help thus far!

To make things simple...regardless of the system, if I just dig around the perimeter of the slab and cut/reroute any line going under it, then none of the sprinkler heads beneath will ever have a water source and will never present a problem. Correct?

Again, you have been most helpful. I greatly appreciate it!