How to Find Lawn Sprinkler Valves in the Lawn

Overview

Sprinkler valves are the doorways to your lawn sprinkler. The valves control the flow of water to lateral lines. But sprinkler valves may suffer from several problems that require repair. The valves may stick open, stick closed or leak. If you need to repair or replace your sprinkler valves, you first have to find the valves in your lawn.

Step 1

Turn on your sprinkler system and observe the sprinklers in action. If your valve is leaking or stuck open, the sprinklers that come on first will be near the open valve. Turn the sprinklers off and probe the ground around the sprinklers with a metal rod, such as a screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver slowly into the soil so that you do not damage your sprinkler irrigation pipe.

Step 2

Follow the pipe backward along the sprinkler system until you find the valve location. If your valve is leaking, the area around the valve will be damp. Grass growing over the valve may also be greener or taller than surrounding grass.

Step 3

Locate the water source for your sprinkler system, usually an outdoor faucet. Trace the path of the sprinkler system using the screwdriver. Follow the path of the sprinkler until you find the valve.

Step 4

Run a valve locator over your lawn to help locate valves. A valve locator operates similar to a metal detector, and sends waves into the ground to help you trace wire pathways to the valve location.