The valves that are included in a lawn and garden irrigation system control water flow to specific zones within the system. These control valves are typically located inside a valve box, which may contain four or more valves, depending on the system layout. Common symptoms of a faulty valve include:
- Leaks around the valve or at the sprinkler head farthest from the valve (indicating the water doesn’t completely shut off)
- Inadequate water delivered to the sprinkler heads
- Sprinkler heads that simply don’t come on
Replacing a valve is a fairly easy job that requires basic plumbing supplies, though it does require some experience with joining PVC pipe with solvent cement. The most important part of this project is getting an exact replacement part for the sprinkler valve. Determine the type and size of the valve, or remove it and bring it to the store with you. When selecting the new valve, make sure the PVC adapters fit the valve sockets before leaving the store. These adapters have a male threaded end to attach to the valve and a female slip-fit end designed to be solvent-glued to the PVC irrigation pipe.
Before You Begin
Shut off the water to the irrigation system by rotating the valve handle on the main supply pipe of the system. The valve is closed when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. If there is no shutoff valve for the irrigation system, you may have to shut off the water at the home’s main shutoff or the water meter.
Source: The Spruce
