How to fix reticulation zone low pressure after repairing a split?

[Graciea92]

We accidentally put a shovel through the PVC pipe that feeds the retic and a pipe from one zone of the retic that feeds a garden on drippers. I repaired it as I usually would (see photos) but after repair that zone no longer worked. I opened the repair up again to look and some water is flowing but a very small amount and low pressure. The other 2 zones (1&2) are working fine, normal pressure. Unlikely another burst in the zone 3 as the issue happened immediately after the fix and was fine before putting the shovel through. Wondering if there could be debris inside and if so what can I do, or if there's anything else I can check? Terrible timing as it's so hot and I'm having to hand water daily a newly established garden

Pic shows the repair of the white PVC pipe and the black is at the top of the photo

 

[EricL]

Hello @Graciea92 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your reticulation system. 

It's very likely that debris has entered your reticulation system and has entered zone 3. I propose doing a spot-by-spot check in zone 3 so that you can pinpoint where the debris has accumulated. This means removing pop-up sprayers and any other attachment that has been affected. Once you have the parts removed turn on your system to flush the debris out. Another method you can try is to remove the main split off from your system where zone 3 begins, perhaps a small stone got caught in the "T" branches. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.    

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Graciea92 

I have looked at water rec systems for so long its not funny. Even bought stuff to install but somehow I have never got around to it.

That said I did think of your issue for myself years ago and a Bunnings person explained what to do, Go to the end of the run of piping and open up the pipe, run water through it with the end open. This hopefully flushes it (As @EricL has also suggested)

If after running for say 5mins and then re secured or terminated it still dosnt work, then its back to go through each place the water exits and check. If the dirt has gone up little sprayers I would expect them to clog up 😕 It may be an idea even after the flush to go through and flush each head.

Dave

[Nailbag]

There will be mud in the line for sure @Graciea92 

My advice is basically the same as with @EricL and is how I have had to do this myself on more than one occasion for the same reason.

Best thing to do is remove all the spray head in that line and flush it out for a couple of minutes. Then flush out each head in a clean bucket of water before reinstalling. If any of the heads are still blocked, they may need replacing if you can't clear them But any debris in them won't backwash to the others in that line at least.

Nailbag