I found a leak in my sprinkler line - I thought I was done, then as soon as
I fixed one leak, the one downstream gets enough pressure and bust out.

The line is 1-1/4" PVC sch 40 line, when I locate and bug up the leak I
usually dig a hole say 12" in diameter 8" deep so I have room to work with.
I cut a short section of the pipe out (like 6"), then glue a new section
back in, with a coupler on each end.

This sounds simple and easy, however, I am really having a hard time with
this as the pipe diameter is so large that there is no flex, so once I glue
one end on, the other end just will not go in. I ended up having to cut the
pipe such that only 1/4" goes into the socket of the coupling, and I had to
struggle a long time to even get that much to go in.

I am sure I am not doing it right and there must be an easier way.

Thanks in advance,

MC