Guide · Mainline fittings
Repair split or punctured drip tubing: plug, splice or replace
A small stray hole takes a goof plug; a split or a hole that still leaks needs the section cut out and a coupling listed for your tubing's OD. The steps makers give.
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Short answer
A small stray hole takes a goof plug. A split, or a hole that still leaks after plugging, needs the damaged section cut out and a coupling listed for your tubing's OD spliced in.
Small hole: plug it first
University of Maine Extension gives a clear order of repairs:[1]
- Seal the hole with the small end of a goof plug.
- If the hole is ripped, use the larger end.
- If it still leaks, cut out the section and install a coupling.
Our goof plug guide covers plug sizes.
Split or torn tubing: cut and splice
We found no maker that describes a goof plug as a repair for a split. For damaged tubing, DIG's troubleshooting checklist says to:[2]
- Cut out the damaged section plus about an extra inch on each side.
- Splice in new tubing.
- Flush the line.
- Re-pressurize it and check again for leaks.
For flushing, DIG says to open the ends of the mainlines and flush them during a manual run.[2]
Cut square and clean. A ragged or angled end is harder to seat fully in any fitting.
Choose the coupling by OD
A splice needs two joints, so you need two couplings listed for your tubing, or for both tubes if your replacement piece is a different size.
- DIG's D50G reducing coupling joins .700 in to .620 in OD, and its D50B joins .700 in to .710 in OD.[3]
- Raindrip lists its Smart Loc S5600UB coupling for .520 x .620, .600 x .700 and .620 x .710 in tubing.[4]
- Orbit lists its 67466 coupling for .620-.710 in OD.[5]
- Rain Bird lists its Easy-Fit compression fittings for 0.63-0.70 in OD.[6]
Not sure of your OD? Our measuring guide shows how, and the reducing joins guide covers mixed sizes.
Picks that fit3 products
Buy two per splice. Orbit 67466 is listed for .620-.710 in OD; Smart Loc S5600UB for .520 x .620, .600 x .700 and .620 x .710 in; Easy-Fit EFC25-1PS for 0.63-0.70 in OD only. Match the coupling to your tubing's OD.
Choose the Orbit 67466 for the widest stated OD range
Orbit 67466 1/2 in universal drip coupling (0.620‑0.710 in OD)
Choose the Raindrip Smart Loc S5600UB when you know your ID x OD pair
Raindrip Smart Loc S5600UB universal coupling (0.620, 0.700 and 0.710 in OD)
Choose the Rain Bird Easy-Fit EFC25-1PS for 0.63-0.70 in tubing
Rain Bird Easy-Fit EFC25‑1PS 1/2 in universal compression coupling (0.63‑0.70 in OD)
On Amazon, check that "Ships from / Sold by" is Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.[7]
Why tubing gets damaged
The makers name a few common causes:
- Freezing. Rain Bird warns that a single night below 32°F can split thin-walled drip tubing, because water expands when it freezes.[8] Our winterizing guide covers draining.
- Rodents. Raindrip's FAQ says squirrels and other rodents chew its products to get water. It suggests setting out water containers or covering the product with wire mesh.[9] Raindrip presents this as a suggestion, not a guaranteed fix.
- Equipment, feet and animals. Mister Landscaper notes that lawn equipment, foot traffic and animals can damage its systems.[10]
Check the line regularly
Mister Landscaper recommends checking its systems every 1 to 2 weeks.[10] That is its advice for its own system, not a rule for every brand; follow your own system maker's interval if it gives one.
| Damage | Repair | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small stray hole | Small end of a goof plug | UMaine Extension |
| Ripped hole | Large end of a goof plug | UMaine Extension |
| Still leaks, or split | Cut out the section plus about 1 in each side, splice with couplings, flush, re-test | UMaine Extension, DIG |
Next
Questions
How do I fix a hole in drip tubing?
UMaine Extension advises sealing it with the small end of a goof plug, using the larger end if the hole is ripped, and cutting out the section and installing a coupling if it still leaks.[1]
Can a goof plug fix a split in drip tubing?
We found no maker that says so; goof plugs are described for holes and ends. For a split, DIG says to cut out the damaged section plus about an inch each side and splice in new tubing.[2]
Why does my drip tubing keep getting chewed?
Raindrip's FAQ says squirrels and other rodents chew its products to get water, and suggests setting out water containers or covering the product with wire mesh.[9]
What coupling do I need to splice drip tubing?
One whose maker lists your tubing's OD, or both ODs if the new piece differs. Orbit lists its 67466 for .620-.710 in OD; Raindrip lists Smart Loc S5600UB for .520 x .620, .600 x .700 and .620 x .710 in.[5][4]
Why did my drip tubing split over winter?
Rain Bird warns that a single night below 32°F can split thin-walled drip tubing, because water expands when it freezes.[8]