I am running underground lines for new spigots around my yard - the same tubing used for sprinkler systems (3/4" black plastic that comes in rolls of 100')

In two places that I made connections - using the connecters with the barbed ends - it leaks.

My method was as follows:
- cut the tubing with tin snips
- slide the connector most of the way on (until it got too tight)
- heat it up slightly (I used an acetylene torch but was very careful not to melt anything)
- slide the connector the rest of the way in
- tighten a hose clamp around.

Im not sure why this leaks. I made the hose clamps nice and tight. In fact, after the leaking I continued to tighten them. By the time I was done they were TIGHT. And I still have a very very slight leak - maybe a couple of drips every few minutes.

This is near some new pavers I just laid down and I dont want to bury these lines if it is going to leak underground.

Did I do something wrong here? Did I miss a step? How can I have any confidence in the other connections I made if these two leak?

Any thoughts?

 

Well...the stuff for sprinklers isn't under pressure the entire time since the solenoid operated sprinkler valves are normally in a central location. A few drips during operation don't really matter.

Also...using that type tubing for potable water (yes, I understand thats not the intended purpose) that could be consumed by people could be against building codes (if you have anything like that in your area). Could be a problem when selling the place comes up.

Sorry...you need to probably use a different product...I'll let a plumber pro answer that. Either that or install a hard piped shutoff before the poly lines.

 

Hi,

Where did you get the pipe from? And what barbed fittings did you use? There is no need to heat this pipe up if its what I thing you used. Also possibly the wrong barbed fittings were used.

Mike NJ