How do I turn the water off to my sprinkler system?

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On the sprinkler pipe there should be a valve very near the branching point, or near an inside drain if there is one. Turn the lever to the perpendicular position to cut off the water to your sprinklers.



Keeping this in view, where is the main shut off valve for a sprinkler system?

Locate the main shutoff valve on your irrigation system. It is between the main water supply to your home and the sprinkler controller. Alternately, the main shutoff is located outdoors near a faucet bib. The main valve may be in a box in this area to protect it from the elements.

Subsequently, question is, how do I turn off and drain my sprinkler system? Manual Drain Valve
  1. Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve.
  2. Turn off the water supply by closing the main valve to the sprinkler system.
  3. Open all the manual drain valves for each zone in the system, and leave them open so that all the water drains from the pipes and sprinkler heads.

Simply so, do all sprinkler systems have a master valve?

A master valve is an automatic valve, typically an electric solenoid type valve, that is installed at the point where the irrigation system connects to the water supply. Most, but not all, irrigation controllers have a master valve circuit built in to them.

Where is sprinkler valve 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.

26 Related Question Answers Found

How does the water company shut off your water?

Shut off the water by turning the ball valve 1/4 turn to make it perpendicular to the water pipe. If the ball valve is parallel, it is ON; if it is perpendicular (90° angle), it is OFF. The water meter should also be able to tell you if you have a plumbing leak somewhere in your home.

How do I find a sprinkler head without water?

How to Find Buried Sprinkler Heads
  1. Turn on your sprinkler system using its controller.
  2. Measure the distance between active heads using a tape measure.
  3. With the entire sprinkler system activated, identify blind spots in coverage.
  4. Probe blind spots with the tape measure and spade.

Does shutting off water affect water heater?

If the element gets turned on without water surrounding it, it gets too hot and burns up. In rare circumstances, you could also get a buildup of dangerous pressure if the relief valve were to fail. So, yes, please turn off your water heater when you turn off your water main.

What does a house water shut off valve look like?

Water shutoff valves may have a round wheel handle or levers. In a basement, the shutoff valve is typically located near the front foundation wall. The water main may have come through the concrete floor or through the wall. The valve is typically located within 3 to 5 feet of where the water main enters the home.

Do all sprinkler systems have a shut off valve?


STEP 1: Shut off the water to your sprinkler system. 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.

Can one sprinkler valve control two zones?

Running multiple zones at once is usually not possible due water-pressure and flow limitations at residential properties. As with any standard irrigation controller, you can wire multiple solenoids/valves to the same zone output if you want.

Do I need a pump start relay?

This device is imperative when you are using a pump to supply water to your irrigation system. Pump start relays must be mounted at a minimum of 15 feet from the timer and pump to avoid electrical interferences that cause malfunctions. When a pump is to be operated by the controller, a pump start relay must be used.

How long do sprinkler solenoids last?

Generally speaking, the life expectancy of a sprinkler system is about 20 years, on average. As for its components taken separately, good quality heads will last you anywhere between 10 to 15 years, while inexpensive ones will only be good for 2 or 3 years.

When should I blowout my sprinklers?

A sprinkler blowout is usually best done in October in the northern climate of the United States. When to turn off your sprinkler, however, can be a delicate balance of good timing and luck. Do it too early, and your lawn may lose precious water it needs to prepare for the winter.

How do I bleed my sprinkler system?


How to Bleed a Sprinkler System
  1. Locate and turn off the main water valve for your sprinkler system by turning the valve in the clockwise direction until it is fully closed.
  2. Locate the sprinkler head.
  3. Detach the sprinkler head from the main water line.
  4. Drain the main valve into a bucket by turning it clockwise with a socket wrench.

When should I worry about sprinkler system freezing?

Sprinkler pipes and other components are at risk of freezing and breaking when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Immediate damage can occur to exposed pipes and sprinkler equipment with the first freeze of winter.

How do I winterize my sprinkler system?

Step 1: Turn off the water to the irrigation system at the main valve. Step 2: Set the automatic irrigation controller to the “rain” setting. Step 3: Turn on each of the valves to release pressure in the pipes. Step 4: Drain all of the water out of any irrigation components that might freeze.

How do I purge my sprinkler system for winter?

Set the compressor air pressure regulator to a maximum of 80 psi for rigid PVC pipe systems, or 50 psi for flexible black polyethylene pipe. Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone. Next, open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone (if equipped).