Just as a counter example, my PVC irrigation has also failed. I did lots of patching for a while, but have given up and returned to hand watering.
The typical failure is at joints. Most commonly, the long pieces of PVC crack near the joints, which are thicker and stiffer. So any movement, from things like tree roots or settling, causes a failure.
Given the drought problems and resulting watering restrictions here in So Cal, I’m probably not going to replace the system. I’ve started to like getting outside in the early evening to water things. It’s a nice, peaceful way to wind down at the end of the day. Gives me time to think and reflect.
–Peter