What's Actually Down There
Mainline
Pressurized pipe from backflow preventer to each valve
Lateral lines
Pipes from each valve to sprinkler heads
Valve wires
Low-voltage wiring from controller to each valve
Drip tubing
Flexible tubing at shallow depths
High-Risk Activities
Landscape edging installation
Stakes every 12-18 inches can puncture laterals or sever wiring.
Fence posts and pergola footings
These go deep and may hit mainlines.
Tent stakes, volleyball net anchors
10-inch stakes sit right in the irrigation zone.
"For Sale" signs
Many homeowners discover their irrigation line the day they list their house.
Planting trees
A 2-foot hole crosses through the irrigation zone.
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Clean irrigation trench showing buried lines at typical depth
Landscape Edging Stakes Are the #1 Culprit
These metal stakes are driven every 12-18 inches along fence lines and garden beds—exactly where irrigation laterals run. A single edging project can puncture multiple lines.
How to Protect Yourself
- 1Know your system layout: Trace lines by running zones and noting head locations
- 2Flag heads before digging: Lines run in straight paths between heads
- 3Call 811 before major digging: They mark public utilities (not private irrigation)
- 4Probe before you pound: Use a thin metal probe to check for resistance
- 5Avoid obvious paths: Lines run along fence lines and between visible heads
Professional technicians flag irrigation lines before any digging work begins
The Hidden Threat: Tree Root Damage
Even without driving posts or stakes, mature trees can slowly consume irrigation lines over years. Roots seek water and eventually engulf valves and pipes, requiring complete rerouting.
Tree roots completely engulfing valve box over time
Rerouting lines around mature trees prevents future damage
If You Do Hit a Line
A punctured lateral line can waste hundreds of gallons per hour
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Irrigation leak under sidewalk
Leaks under hardscape are especially difficult to locate and repair
Shut off the system immediately
Stop water flow to prevent flooding and further damage
Don't pull the stake out
It helps find the exact location of the damage
Mark the location
Use spray paint or flags so you can find it later
Assess the damage
Clean puncture in PVC is repairable; shattered pipe needs section replacement
Professional Repairs Are Fast
Our technicians carry repair fittings, PVC pipe, and cutting tools on every truck. Most puncture repairs take 30-45 minutes.
We'll locate the damage, cut out the affected section, install new fittings, test the repair, and backfill the trench.
The Bottom Line
Five seconds of probing can save hours of repair. Before you drive anything into your yard, ask: do I know what's underneath?
When in doubt, hand-dig to expose buried lines before driving posts or stakes