If you have a sprinkler system in your front yard or back yard, you need to make sure that this system has its own shutoff valve. Sprinkler systems can develop their own problems that are separate from any plumbing problems in the home. You might need to have work done on the sprinkler system and in that case, it’s important to be able to turn the water off to this system alone.
Problems That Can Occur With Sprinkler Systems
Sometimes one of the lines to the sprinklers can develop a leak. Or one of the sprinkler valves goes bad. Or maybe the sprinklers won’t shut off when they are supposed to. In any of these situations, you need to be able to turn the water off until a repair is done.
If it’s an automatic sprinkler system, you’ll have a sprinkler box. Take the lid off. There may be a shutoff valve inside that box. Usually, it’s what’s called a cross top shutoff valve. There will be a sprinkler key that you turn that will turn the water off to this system.
What if the System Doesn’t Have a Sprinkler Box With a Valve?
Lots of sprinkler systems were installed without a sprinkler box. If you don’t have one, there might be a standpipe which is a two-inch pipe coming out of the ground with a cap on it. That could be where the shutoff valve is.
If you don’t have one of those and you don’t have one in your box, it’s a very good idea to dig right outside the box where the line water line goes into the sprinkler and install a sprinkler shutoff valve. Then, if you do have a problem down the road, you can simply shut that valve and not lose your water supply to your house.
If you ever have a problem with your sprinkler system shutoff valve or if you need one installed, give us a call. We’re available 24 hours a day at (505) 243-1227.