How to Seal an Underground Water Line Leak

Fixing a leaky underground water line may seem to be a bit of a challenge. With the right tools, and a bit of good direction, you can do this in no time.

Read below the steps on how to fix your underground damaged pipe.

Step 1 - Dig Out Area

The first thing you will need to do is clear away the area, so you can gain access to the pipe. Shovel off the grass by carefully digging it out, and then remove the dirt.

You will want to set your dug up grass to the side, so you can replace it when you are done replacing the pipe.

Step 2 - Allow the Pipe to Bend

Next you will want to continue digging. Take your shovel and did out a hole the length of the pipe. This will allow the pipe room to bend while you are working with it.

Step 3 - Locate the Leak

Now you need to actually find where the pipe is leaking from. Instill the help of a friend or family member and have them turn on the water from inside the house. This will start the water to flow through the pipes, enabling you to locate where the exact leak is.

When you have located the leak, you will want to mark it somehow. You can use a permanent marker. Then you can leave that area and go to shut off the water at the main valve.

Shutting off the water at this point, will ensure that no one is able to use any water while you are working on fixing the pipes.

Step 4 - Cut the Pipe

Now that you have shut off the water, and your pipe is marked where the leak is, it's time to start the actual repair of the pipe. You will want to take the leaky pipe and start cutting the ends using your pipe cutter. You will want to cut off about four and a half inches off of each end on the pipe.

Step 5 - Cut the New Pipe

Still using your pipe cutter, you will want to cut your new pipe. Cut the new pipe only about one eighth of an inch shorter than the section you just removed.

Step 6 - Put in Place

Now you can take the compression nut and the ring and slide them onto each end of the new section of pipe you just created. The compression seat goes in the old pipe's place where you did your cutting.

Step 7 - Create the Seal

Now it's time to create your seal. Take the compression nut and ring and put the fittings into place, by screwing them securely down. This will create your seal.

Step 8 - Test It Out

Now it's just time to test it out. Turn on the main water once again, and have someone turn on the water from inside. Look for any leaks to make sure you've created a good seal.

Step 9 - Replace

Now all you need to do is fill in the hole and replace your grass.