Whether they need repair or replacement, there are some quick methods to try and DIY. Or, you can call a licensed irrigator — they’ll have the necessary equipment to get the job done.
When it comes to irrigation systems, remember that they need maintenance. Leaks happen. And so do breaks. That means first finding the culprit — typically a valve — and fixing it. But searching for a lost irrigation valve can be nightmare if you don’t know where to start.
Having a blueprint or as-built plan can point you in the right direction, but even then, you may find yourself looking for a valve box that’s long been buried beneath grass, mud, mulch, leaves and even rock.
Licensed irrigators have the right tools to find lost valves. You can try their methods to see if you can do it yourself. Here’s how they’d proceed.
Visual check: Walk your property checking logical transition zone areas, such as near the water meter, foundation corners or around garden beds. Keep an eye out for round green valve box lids.
Probe the ground: If no valve boxes are visible, use a long flatbed screwdriver or some type of soil probe to poke the ground in suspected areas. You’re feeling for a plastic cover or lid buried under the soil or thatch.
Listen: Connecting a chatterbox locator to the irrigation controller will force the valve solenoid to rapidly pulse, creating a loud buzz you can hear even when it’s buried underground. Chatterboxes can be rented from irrigation supply stores.
If you’re unable to locate it on your own, a licensed irrigator will usually have all the required equipment needed to find valves and cut or broken-field wires.
