Fixing a Pipe Around Roots
One thing you can always count on when doing sprinkler repair in this area is that you will eventually run into tree and shrub roots. Sometimes it’s not that bad, but other times it can be a real challenge (pain in the a*#)! While doing irrigation repairs in Florida for over the past 13 years, I’ve run across my share of “rooty” problems and various ways to deal with them while causing no to little collateral damage.
Smaller shrub roots can usually be easily removed out of the way with some hand pruners or loppers. Bigger tree roots may take a hatchet, ax, or, reciprocating saw. An ax or hatchet can many times cause further problems like breaking other pipes which will make your original repair turn into a much more time consuming and frustrating ordeal.
With a reciprocating saw you can sort of carve out the roots around the pipes and area you need dug and cleared out around. You may go through a few blades depending on how tough the roots are. Use a water hose to wash the dirt or sand off the roots and around any exposed area of the broken pipe. This will help cut the root(s) easier and may help preserve a saw blade. Dirt and sand are very tough on tools (and many other things.)
If all else fails, or you just get frustrated, give a professional a call.
Scott Young
Advanced Irrigation Systems
Auto Lawn Sprinklers
850-729-7110
