Lateral Line Repair

What This Service Involves

Lateral lines only carry water while their zone is running, so a break often shows as a bubbling spot or weak heads that only appears mid-cycle. Roots from PNW conifers, aeration equipment, and shifting winter-saturated soil are common culprits along the Puget Sound. We run the affected zone to spot the break, expose the pipe, and splice in a matching section with secure couplings. The zone is then run again to confirm restored pressure and clean spray at every downstream head.

Benefits

Restores pressure to weak downstream heads; Stops mid-cycle geysers and soggy turf; Matches existing pipe for a durable splice; Protects turf and plantings from saturation; Verified by running the full zone

Our Process

1) Run the zone to locate the break; 2) Expose the damaged lateral section; 3) Cut out the broken pipe; 4) Splice in matching pipe with couplings; 5) Rerun the zone to confirm coverage

What Affects the Cost

Break depth and pipe size; Root intrusion or soil conditions; Number of lateral breaks found; Turf and plant restoration needs; Access across the yard

Best Time of Year

Repair in spring or summer when a running zone quickly reveals a low-pressure lateral break.