When I first entered the irrigation business nearly three decades ago, I made my fair share of mistakes like many newcomers. One of the most memorable—and consequential—was what I now call the “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule.” It was a lesson that took time and experience to fully understand one that I share with new irrigation professionals every chance The crux of the lesson? Don’t cut corners by digging a small hole just for the time or energy. While it might seem like a shortcut, it only leads to more headaches, costly repairs, and wasted time.

Let in the long run me take you back to my early days in the industry, around Austin, Texas, where I first learned this lesson the hard way.

The Rookie Mistake: Small Holes, Big Problems

When I started in the irrigation business, I was young, eager, and eager to prove myself. We were often under tight deadlines and working with limited resources. It made sense to me at the time to dig smaller holes to access broken pipes or faulty components. After all, the smaller the hole, the less effort and time spent digging, right?

It seemed like a good idea in theory. I thought by keeping the excavation minimal, I was saving time, energy, and labor costs. I figured I could get in, make the repair, and be on my way, all while keeping things tidy and efficient.

But, as I soon found out, this approach was anything but efficient in the long run.

The Problems with Small Holes in Irrigation

Digging small holes may seem like a good idea at first, but it quickly became clear that it created a slew of issues. First and foremost, small holes made it difficult to properly align the fittings. If I didn’t have enough space to work with, getting the correct angles on pipe joints and fittings was a nightmare. The lack of space made it nearly impossible to ensure everything lined up precisely, which led to misaligned fittings, poorly solvent-welded joints, and, ultimately, leaks.

Additionally, small holes created a problem with water drainage. After cutting into the pipe, there was often residual water left in the hole. With a small excavation, there was nowhere for that water to go, and it just pooled in the area, making it a mess to work in. The water, dirt, and debris from the soil also tended to infiltrate the system, causing even more problems down the road.

And that was just the beginning. The real issue lies in the long-term effects. When debris or soil gets into the lines, valves, and fittings, it causes all sorts of havoc. Dirt and particles can clog the lines, affecting water flow and causing the system to malfunction. The particles can also get caught in valves, causing them to stick or fail entirely.

Furthermore, poorly aligned and solvent-welded fittings don’t hold up over time. They may not leak immediately, but over weeks and months, they weaken, leading to eventual leaks that can be costly to repair. I learned the hard way that these minor oversights—created by cutting corners in the digging process—often turned into much bigger headaches down the road.

The Turning Point: Embracing the Bigger Hole

It took me a while to fully understand the value of digging a bigger hole. At first, I resisted the idea because it felt like more work. I wasn’t excited about the prospect of extra digging or additional effort. But after a series of frustrating repairs and the realization that I was just digging myself into more problems, I finally decided to try something different.

This is when I discovered the importance of giving myself the room to work. Digging a larger hole actually made the repair process more efficient and far less stressful.

By digging out a larger area, I could easily access all the components and get a clearer visual of how the fittings and pipes should be aligned. I could make sure everything was connected properly without being hindered by tight space. A larger hole also allowed for better drainage, which was crucial for keeping the area dry. If any residual water remained in the trench after making the repair, it could naturally flow away from the work area instead of pooling in the excavation.

Most importantly, a larger hole meant there was less chance for dirt, debris, or soil to get into the system. When you have the space to move around, it’s easier to keep everything clean, which reduces the risk of contamination in the lines. And, as anyone in the irrigation business knows, keeping the system clean is one of the most important aspects of maintaining long-term functionality and reliability.

The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule”

Through trial and error, I came to understand what I now call the “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” of irrigation. This rule is simple: when you’re making repairs or working on an irrigation system, give yourself plenty of space to work. Digging a larger hole may take a little more time and energy upfront, but it will save you a great deal of frustration, time, and money in the long run.

Here’s why:

Proper Alignment of Fittings: A larger hole gives you enough room to carefully align your fittings and pipes. This ensures that everything is properly solvent-welded and securely in place, reducing the risk of leaks or future failures.
Easier Drainage: If there’s any residual water left in the system after cutting into the pipe, a larger hole allows it to naturally drain away from the work area. This keeps your feet dry and prevents the hole from becoming a muddy mess.
Less Debris Contamination: More space means less chance for dirt and soil to fall into the system, ensuring the lines, valves, and fittings stay clean and free of obstructions that could cause clogs or system failures.
Long-Term Durability: Properly aligned, well-sealed fittings and a clean system are less likely to fail prematurely. A bigger hole ensures that you do the job right the first time, which means fewer repairs in the future.
Increased Efficiency: It may feel like more work at first, but a larger hole makes the repair process much smoother. You’ll find that once you have the space to move and work comfortably, the job becomes quicker and more efficient overall.

Passing on the Lesson: Mentoring New Irrigation Pros

After 27 years in the irrigation business, I’ve seen a lot of young professionals make the same mistakes I did. Newcomers often want to save time by cutting corners, whether it’s digging small holes, skipping necessary prep work, or ignoring the importance of proper system maintenance.

But the best piece of advice I can give to anyone entering this business is simple: embrace the “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule.” It’s a lesson that will serve you well throughout your career. By taking the time to do things right, you’ll save yourself countless headaches and avoid the frustration of dealing with preventable leaks, clogs, and repairs.

Remember: Extra Digging Up Front Can be Helpful!

The “Dig a Bigger Hole Rule” may seem like a small piece of advice, but it encapsulates a broader philosophy about the value of doing things right from the start. When it comes to irrigation, shortcuts can be costly in both time and money. The next time you’re faced with a repair or installation, remember that a little extra digging upfront can save you a lot of trouble down the line.

After 27 years in the business, I can confidently say that this lesson—though learned through mistakes—has been one of the most valuable I’ve taken away. And now, I’m passing it on to the next generation of irrigation professionals so they can avoid the same pitfalls I faced. Because, as it turns out, sometimes the bigger hole really is the better option.