- Sometimes (and rarely), the valves are located above ground, usually near where the source pipe emerges from the house to split into various irrigation zones. In this case, it's usually quite easy to find the valves.
- Often the valves are located inside one or more in-ground valve boxes. ...
- The valve box, or sometimes the valves themselves, are sometimes buried underground. ...
Full Answer
Where are sprinkler valves located?
Where are sprinkler valves located? Sometimes the valves are located above ground, usually near where the source pipe emerges from the house to split into various irrigation zones. In this case, it's usually quite easy to find the valves. Often the valves are located inside one or more in-ground valve boxes.
How to find sprinkler valves?
How to Locate Underground Sprinkler Valves
- Locate the Irrigation Plan. Home systems usually have an irrigation plan drawn. ...
- Locate the Backflow Valve. A backflow valve is usually located near the area where water enters the system from the main water source.
- Follow the Irrigation Timer. ...
- Follow the Water Lines. ...
- Identify Chatter. ...
Where is PVC valve located?
Where is a PCV valve located? A PCV valve located in the valve cover. It may be located on or near the intake manifold, as shown here. A PVC valve located on the valve cover, with the hose that leads to it removed. A hose leading to the PCV valve is often kept in place by a clamp. Click to see full answer.
Can't find sprinkler valve box?
Probe along the suspected pipe path with a pointed stick tipped with a metal nail to find the valve box. Do not use the probing method if your valves are not enclosed in a box, however, as you may damage the valve or wiring with the probe. Stick the probe in the ground and listen or feel for it to hit the hollow box containing the valve.
How do I find my sprinkler valves?
Start at that sprinkler and try to find the valve nearby. The cheapest and easiest way to find buried irrigation valves is often to probe the soil with a thin rod, such as a long screwdriver. Often you can estimate the rough location of the irrigation valve, then find a buried valve box by probing the ground.
Where is my sprinkler master valve?
0:091:37How to Locate your Water Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe customer service valve to the meter service is located in a round box just after the meter boxMoreThe customer service valve to the meter service is located in a round box just after the meter box fronting your property.
Where is a main sprinkler system valve usually installed?
In newer lawn irrigation systems, the valves should be installed in valve boxes. These can often be seen easily. There is a single valve box located near where the irrigation pipes enter the ground in small yards.
Where is my sprinkler system control box?
Sprinkler Valve Box Occasionally valves will be above ground. Valve boxes are generally around the permitter of your house - so when searching for your valves, start there!
Where is my sprinkler water shut off?
0:152:13How to Find Your Sprinkler System Shut-Off Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsually in the basement or in a utility room starting at the floor.MoreUsually in the basement or in a utility room starting at the floor.
How do I turn off the main water to my sprinkler system?
0:412:37How to Turn Off the Water to Your Sprinkler System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn it a quarter turn that shuts the water off if the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. TheMoreTurn it a quarter turn that shuts the water off if the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. The water is off if it's parallel to the pipe like the front one that means the water is on.
How do I turn on my sprinkler system manually?
0:165:19How to Turn on Sprinklers Manually + Business Talk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these are all manual valves down inside here you see this little tiny square. Spicket if youMoreAnd these are all manual valves down inside here you see this little tiny square. Spicket if you turn that counter clockwise a quarter of a turn.
How do I know if my sprinkler valves are open?
Turning it to the left lifts an internal gate that releases water incrementally as it turns. The gate lifts entirely when the handle is turned fully counterclockwise. If the handle will turn no farther counterclockwise, the valve is open.
Can a metal detector find sprinkler valves?
4. Use a metal detector to find buried sprinkler heads. Many valves have metal parts you can locate by running the metal detector over the surface of the ground. Valves are located directly under sprinkler heads.
How do you turn off a sprinkler valve manually?
0:300:50Manually Turning a Valve On and Off - Rain Bird Residential ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo turn off the valve when the irrigation controller is running turn off the zone or station at theMoreTo turn off the valve when the irrigation controller is running turn off the zone or station at the controller. Or turn the flow control stem clockwise until it is. Shut you.
How do I turn off my sprinkler system for winter?
1:256:52How To Winterize Your Sprinklers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe've got a shutoff. Right here which is a ball valve that requires a quarter. Turn. So that theMoreWe've got a shutoff. Right here which is a ball valve that requires a quarter. Turn. So that the handle is at a right angle or 90 degree angle to the pipe. So that means it's shut off now.
How do you turn off a sprinkler valve?
The shutoff valve is often located in the basement, a utility room or closet. Most shutoff valves are ball valves that have a handle. If the handle is running with the pipe, the water is turned on to the system. To shut the water off, turn the handle 90 degrees until it stops.
Do you need a master valve for sprinkler system?
Without a master valve, once you turn the irrigation off those open sprinklers would continue to leak. With a master valve, turning off the irrigation would shut off the main water supply to the entire system and therefore those sprinklers could not leak.
What is master valve?
A master valve is a remote-controlled valve (RCV) installed just after the point of connection (POC) and is wired to the controller as a master valve. The purpose of the master valve is to shut off the water to the irrigation system when none of the zone valves are opening.
Where is my sprinkler backflow preventer?
1:314:41Backflow Devices - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipVery common on the main line to the home from the meter. This is also very very common. TheMoreVery common on the main line to the home from the meter. This is also very very common. The underground irrigation. Systems. So if your backflow assembly is not located on this mainline.
How do I locate a solenoid valve?
0:131:02How to find and locate reticulation solenoid valves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe clicker box here is already connected to Station one the other side of my lead for my valve.MoreThe clicker box here is already connected to Station one the other side of my lead for my valve.
Where are valves located?
In this case, it's usually quite easy to find the valves. Often the valves are located inside one or more in-ground valve boxes. The tops of these boxes will be at ground level, and these, too, are usually fairly easy to spot and access. The valve box, or sometimes the valves themselves, are sometimes buried underground.
How to find buried irrigation valves?
Often you can estimate the rough location of the irrigation valve, then find a buried valve box by probing the ground.
How to trace sprinkler wires?
With automatic sprinkler systems, you may be able to trace the controller wires all the way from the main controller to the valve locations. Dig holes every 10 feet or so to observe the direction of the wires until you locate the valve, but be careful not to damage the wires as you dig—a hand trowel is the best tool to use.
What is irrigation repair?
natbits / Getty Images. In a lawn irrigation system, repair or replacement of an irrigation valve is a very common repair. An irrigation system is typically divided into several zones, each of which feeds sprinkler heads in a different area of the lawn or garden, and each zone is controlled by a valve that receives signals from a centrally located ...
How to find valves in the ground?
Begin by looking for exposed valve boxes. In many instances, the valves will be conveniently located in green or black plastic boxes set into the ground, with covers that can be removed to expose the valves. These boxes have covers that can be removed to access the valves. Over time, however, these boxes can get covered with grass and dirt. After a few years, they can virtually disappear.
How to locate valve solenoid?
A simple tool known as a chatter locator energizes the valve solenoid, making it possible to locate the valve by listening for the clicking sound it makes.
Where are below ground valves located?
Here are some tips for location below-ground valves, beginning with the easiest. Begin by looking for exposed valve boxes. In many instances, the valves will be conveniently located in green or black plastic boxes set into the ground, with covers that can be removed to expose the valves. These boxes have covers that can be removed to access ...
How to locate a valve in lawn irrigation system?
Rent a valve-locating device. These devices detect lost valves by tracking the wires from the controller to the lawn irrigation system valve site. A valve-locating device contains a transmitter, a receiver, two lead wires, and a grounding stake. It transmits a beeping signal along the wire to find irrigation valves. Utilizing a valve locator is a definite means to discover lost valves without damaging the lawn.
What wire do sprinkler valves use?
Sprinkler valves are operated electronically using low voltage 24v power generally of 18 gauge wire for residential, and 14 gauge wire for commercial. Valves require a separate 24v power wire for each valve and are connected together with a white "common" wire, linked between each valve. The process to find sprinkler valves can be complicated;
What is an automatic irrigation valve?
Automatic irrigation valves are usually a globe or angle (straight or bent) and use a diaphragm and an electric solenoid to switch the valve open and close. Sprinkler valves are commonly plastic for residential and most commercial applications then metal for heavy-duty sites such as golf courses and municipal pumping stations.
How to check if a valve is whizzing?
Listen for clicking noise at the solenoid . Turn on the valve and try to listen to the buzzing solenoid or water whizzing through the valve. Try to utilize a mechanic's stethoscope on the ground to monitor it.
What is a wire locator?
Use a wire locator which is also known as a wire tracer device. In some tool rental places, especially in locations that provide to professional contractors, have wire tracers they rent. This device is used to follow the path of the wires to the valve, starting at the controller/timer.
Can you find a sprinkler valve?
Sometimes it is a bit challenging to locate sprinkler valves. Although an irrigation system can operate smoothly for many years, sprinkler systems will need regular maintenance, and often times the valve boxes are hidden and tough to find. Locating a malfunctioning sprinkler valve can be difficult when a valve replacement or tune-up is required. The sprinkler valve boxes can be covered by mulch, grass may be overgrown, and the valves can even be buried directly in the dirt without a valve box.
Where are sprinkler valves placed?
1. Lawn sprinkler valves may be above ground, but often the sprinkler valves are placed in a valve box and buried, making it difficult to find lost valves.
How to contact Gwinnett irrigation?
4. Give Gwinnett Irrigation a call at 678.733.6831 for a free estimate.
Where is the water line in a sprinkler system?
A water line is usually installed from the backflow valve to the sprinkler valves. It is buried deeper, so use your wire cutter to cut a 12-inch wire from the metal coat hanger. Use it to go through the soil.
How do sprinkler valves make noise?
Sprinkler valves make a chattering sound as they open and close. You can have the help of another person to open and close the system for you. Crawl around on the area where you suspect the sprinkler valves are and try to listen for the sound coming from beneath the soil.
Where is the backflow valve located?
Step 2 - Locate the Backflow Valve. A backflow valve is usually located near the area where water enters the system from the main water source. You can usually find the sprinkler valves near it.
What is an irrigation plan?
Home systems usually have an irrigation plan drawn. It shows the location of every component of the system, and allows you to find where the sprinkler valves are located from the plan.
Why do we dig around sprinkler heads?
We also sometimes have to dig in order to be sure we have found the part that needs work. It’s common to do light digging around sprinkler heads to find a leak, or we might have to dig up valves in order to diagnose them (or install a box).
Why do people have sprinkler systems?
Having a sprinkler system is great. It helps everything grow better, and it’s extremely convenient. That’s why so many people have them installed. These systems do have a caveat though. When your system is buried underground, it can be hard to know exactly where the lines are located. If you need to do some digging in the yard, you certainly don’t want to put a shovel through your lines. Also, when the lines need service, it’s vital to locate them so you don’t have to dig up the whole lawn. For these and other scenarios, Andy’s utilizes a few tricks to find the buried lines.
Do sprinkler heads have to stick out?
Your sprinkler heads have to stick out of the ground or they won’t work. This is great for us as it gives us something visible to identify. Once the heads are marked in a grid, we know that the water lines have to run between them. A small amount of probing or digging around each head allows us to verify the direction of the lines, giving us a solid picture of the layout of your system.
Can you contact Andy's Sprinklers?
If you need to know where your lines are, we can help you locate them. If you need any other work with sprinklers or drainage, we’re here for you. You can contact Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting at any time. We’re always happy to help.
Do you have to dig up a sprinkler line?
Ultimately, most sprinkler work requires digging. If we need to access a line or other component beneath the ground, we have to dig it up; there really is no other way. Everything we’ve illustrated in this article allows us to dig as little as necessary to do the work, but digging is always the final step.