How to find irrigation PVC pipe blockage?

[softkun123]

Trying to fix old underground irrigation system.

One of the stations/solenoid valve is not receiving water. I am trying to find the source of water for the white 20/25mm PVC pipe and what point is disconnected

A white PVC pipe going underground through pergola & driveway pavers

Is there a tool/device i can use to find the path of this PVC pipe/ point at which its disconnected without much digging and removing pavers? What's the easiest way i can get to root cause of issue and fix it?

[EricL]

Hello @softkun123 

Thanks for sharing your question trying to fix your underground irrigation system. I propose conducting a series of elimination tests. Connect the irrigation system to your water source and see which parts are still active and which parts have died off. The parts that still work can be taken off your list and the remaining parts that don't work can be investigated further. A quick giveaway where the pipe has failed is an unusual wet spot on the ground. 

The distance from the last working fitting and the fitting that does not work is technically the trouble spot. Between digging and repairing, I would suggest changing that section and putting in a new line instead. When the line fails it either has started to deteriorate or there has been significant movement in the ground that has pulled the pipe apart. 

There are pipe inspection cameras and thermal cameras you can use to find the blockage, but you would only end up using it once. I suggest engaging the services of a leak detection specialist that have both these tools and use their services to locate where the irrigation system has failed.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @softkun123 

Do you know if its a straight run without any right angles? If you know its straight then you could use this Kinetic 6mm x 6m Wire Drain Auger to poke down the white pvc piping. Not to clear it but to see how far it goes before it stops. That way you have a starting point to go forward. If you can disconnect the pipe from the last known good pipe.

You mention that the pvc pipe goes under the driveway? How deep is it? Anything under 30cm and the weight of a car over time would definently stress a white conduit. (I am thinking you are describing an electrical conduit) 

If you can figure out how far the pipe is ok then draw an arc in the direction the pipe seems to be heading. Go to then next presumed point and repeat the job going back towards the last good spot and draw an arc at that distance. Between the two arcs you should hopefully find the issue.

Dave