10 Essential Steps to Installing Sprinkler Valves

Installing sprinkler valves is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. However, it is important to note that sprinkler systems are electrical devices and should only be installed by qualified professionals. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to install your sprinkler valves.

The first step in installing sprinkler valves is to choose the right location. The valves should be placed in a central location that is easy to access for maintenance and repairs. The valves should also be protected from the elements, so they should be installed in a covered area, such as a garage or shed. Once you have chosen the location for the valves, you can begin the installation process.

Selecting the Right Sprinkler Valve

Choosing the right sprinkler valve is crucial for efficient and reliable watering of your lawn and garden. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the best valve for your needs:

Flow Rate

The flow rate of a valve determines how much water it can deliver per minute. It is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The flow rate required for your system depends on the number of sprinklers you have, the size of your lawn, and the water pressure available at your house. Most residential sprinkler valves have flow rates ranging from 5 GPM to 20 GPM. To determine the flow rate required for your system, add up the GPM of all the sprinklers you have. Then, divide this number by the number of valves you plan to use. The result is the minimum GPM required for each valve.

Type of Valve

There are two main types of sprinkler valves: manual and automatic. Manual valves require you to turn them on and off manually, while automatic valves open and close automatically based on a timer or other control device. Automatic valves are more convenient and can help you save water by watering your lawn only when necessary.

Material

Sprinkler valves are typically made of either brass or plastic. Brass valves are more durable and resistant to corrosion, but they are also more expensive. Plastic valves are less expensive, but they may not be as durable as brass valves. The best material for your valve will depend on your budget and your specific needs.

Features

Some sprinkler valves come with additional features that can enhance their performance and convenience. These features may include flow control, which allows you to adjust the water flow to each sprinkler; a pressure regulator, which helps maintain a consistent water pressure throughout the system; and a built-in check valve, which prevents water from flowing back into the main water supply.

Feature	Benefits
Flow control	Allows precise adjustment of water flow to each sprinkler, ensuring optimal watering efficiency.
Pressure regulator	Maintains consistent water pressure throughout the system, preventing overwatering or underwatering.
Built-in check valve	Prevents water from flowing back into the main water supply, conserving water and preventing damage.

Locating the Sprinkler Valve Box

To locate your sprinkler valve box, follow these steps:

Check the area around your lawn for small, plastic or metal boxes that are usually green or black. These boxes typically measure about 6×8 inches and may have a small, round lid.
If you don’t see any boxes on the surface, look for areas of your lawn that are greener or more lush than others. This could indicate the presence of a buried valve box.
Use a metal detector to sweep your lawn. Metal detectors can often detect the metal lid or handle of a buried valve box.
Consult your sprinkler system’s blueprints or installation manual. These documents may provide a map or instructions on where to find the valve boxes.
Contact your local water utility. They may have records or maps that show the location of sprinkler valve boxes in your area.

Tips for Uncovering a Buried Valve Box

If your valve box is buried, you may need to dig it up to access it. Here are some tips:

Tool	Purpose
Shovel	Digging up the soil around the valve box
Hoe	Removing grass and other vegetation
Hand trowel	Fine-tuning the excavation and uncovering the valve box
Wire brush	Cleaning the valve box and removing any dirt or debris

1. Use a shovel to carefully dig around the area where you suspect the valve box is located.
2. Remove any grass or vegetation with a hoe.
3. Use a hand trowel to gently uncover the valve box.
4. Use a wire brush to clean the valve box and remove any dirt or debris.
5. Once the valve box is uncovered, you can access the sprinkler valves inside.

Removing the Old Sprinkler Valve

Before installing a new sprinkler valve, it is necessary to remove the old one. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Shut off the water supply

Locate the main water valve that supplies water to your sprinkler system. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.

2. Release the pressure in the line

Attach a hose to the test port on the old sprinkler valve. Open the hose bib to release the pressure in the line. Keep the hose open until all the water has drained out.

3. Disconnect the wires

Locate the wires that are connected to the old sprinkler valve. Use wire cutters to cut the wires, leaving about 6 inches of wire exposed.

4. Dig around the valve box

Using a shovel, carefully dig around the valve box to expose the old sprinkler valve. Be careful not to damage the valve box or the surrounding pipes.

Step	Description
a. Use a pry bar or screwdriver to loosen the soil around the valve box.
b. Lift the valve box lid off of the box.
c. Locate the four screws that secure the sprinkler valve to the valve box.
d. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the screws.
e. Carefully lift the sprinkler valve out of the valve box.

Installing the New Sprinkler Valve

With the old valve removed, it’s time to install the new one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Apply Pipe Sealant Tape

Wrap pipe sealant tape clockwise around the male threads of the new valve. Apply it tightly, overlapping the threads. This will prevent leaks when connecting the valve to the pipes.

2. Connect the Valve to the Inlet Pipe

Align the male threads of the valve with the female threads of the inlet pipe. Hand-tighten the valve onto the pipe. Use a wrench to further tighten the connection, but be careful not to overtighten.

3. Install the Inlet Filter

Place the inlet filter over the exposed male threads of the valve. Secure it by hand-tightening it onto the valve. This filter will prevent debris from entering the valve and clogging it.

4. Connect the Outlet Pipes

Repeat steps 1-3 to connect the outlet pipes to the female threads of the valve. Ensure that the pipes are aligned correctly and that the connections are tight.

5. Wire the Solenoid

The solenoid controls the opening and closing of the valve. Remove the solenoid wires from the old valve and connect them to the terminals on the new valve. Match the wires according to color (common, signal, and ground). Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the terminals.

Wire Color	Terminal
Black	Common (C)
Brown	Signal (S)
White	Ground (G)

Connecting the Wires to the Sprinkler Valve

Once the valve box is in place, it’s time to connect the wires to the sprinkler valve. Before starting, make sure the power to the sprinkler system is turned off at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

Step 1: Identify the Wires

Identify the wires coming from the controller. There should be two wires for each valve: a common wire and a zone wire. The common wire is typically white, yellow, or red, while the zone wire is typically the same color but with a stripe (e.g., green with a yellow stripe, red with a white stripe).

Step 2: Connect the Common Wire

Connect the common wire from the controller to the “C” terminal on the valve. This terminal is usually located on the top or side of the valve.

Step 3: Connect the Zone Wire

Connect the zone wire from the controller to the “Z” terminal on the valve. This terminal is usually located next to the “C” terminal.

Step 4: Tighten the Connections

Tighten the screws on the valve terminals to secure the wire connections. Use a screwdriver that is the appropriate size for the screws.

Step 5: Wrap the Wire Nuts

Twist together the ends of the two wires for each connection and wrap them with a wire nut. Make sure the wire nuts are tight and secure.

Step 6: Insulate the Wires (Optional)

To prevent any electrical shorts, slide a piece of wire insulation over each wire connection. These are typically included in the package with the valve box or can be purchased separately. Simply slide the insulation over the wire nut and secure it around the wires.

Wire Color	Terminal
Common (white, yellow, or red)	“C”
Zone (colored with a stripe)	“Z”

Reinstalling the Sprinkler Valve Box

After connecting the valve to the piping, it’s time to reinstall the valve box. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Place the Valve Box over the Valve

Position the valve box over the valve, aligning the holes in the box with the screws on the valve. Make sure the box is seated evenly over the valve.

2. Secure the Valve Box

Insert the screws into the holes in the valve box and tighten them securely. Use a screwdriver or a socket wrench to apply firm pressure without overtightening.

3. Connect the Electrical Wire (if Applicable)

If the valve is electrically controlled, connect the electrical wire to the designated terminals on the valve. Ensure the wire is securely connected and there are no loose or exposed wires.

4. Replace the Valve Box Lid

Place the valve box lid on top of the box and secure it by pressing down firmly around the edges. Make sure the lid is properly aligned and is not tilted or bent.

5. Test the Valve

Turn on the water supply and open the manual lever on the valve. Observe whether the water flows through the sprinkler heads correctly. Check for any leaks or unusual sounds.

6. Close the Manual Lever

Once you’ve confirmed that the valve is operating correctly, close the manual lever to stop the water flow.

7. Final Adjustments

Adjust the spray pattern and radius of the sprinkler heads as needed. Check the valve for leaks and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it’s fully operational. If you encounter any issues, contact a qualified sprinkler technician for assistance.

Steps for Reinstalling Sprinkler Valve Box
1. Place Valve Box over Valve
2. Secure Valve Box
3. Connect Electrical Wire (if Applicable)
4. Replace Valve Box Lid
5. Test Valve
6. Close Manual Lever
7. Final Adjustments

Adjusting the Sprinkler Valve Clock

To adjust the sprinkler valve clock, first locate the control panel. This is usually a small box mounted on the wall or near the irrigation system’s main water supply. Open the control panel and find the clock. The clock will typically have several dials or buttons.

The first dial or button will set the time of day. Turn the dial or press the button until the correct time is displayed. The second dial or button will set the duration of each watering cycle. Turn the dial or press the button until the desired duration is displayed. The third dial or button will set the frequency of watering. Turn the dial or press the button until the desired frequency is displayed.

Once you have set the clock, press the “start” button. The sprinkler system will now start watering according to the schedule you have set. You can adjust the schedule at any time by following the steps above.

Additional Tips for Adjusting the Sprinkler Valve Clock

When setting the duration of each watering cycle, keep in mind the type of plants you are watering. Different plants have different water needs.

When setting the frequency of watering, keep in mind the weather conditions. Watering more frequently during hot, dry weather is necessary.

It is a good idea to test the sprinkler system after you have adjusted the clock. This will ensure that the system is working properly.

Time of Day	Duration	Frequency
6:00 AM	1 hour	Every other day
12:00 PM	30 minutes	Once a day
6:00 PM	1 hour	Every other day

Testing the Sprinkler System

Once the valves are installed and connected, it’s essential to test the sprinkler system to ensure it operates correctly. Below is a detailed guide to help you perform the testing process:

9. Troubleshooting Common Sprinkler Valve Issues

If you encounter any issues during the testing process, here are some common problems you may face and how to troubleshoot them:

Issue: Sprinkler valves not opening

– Possible cause: Clogged or faulty solenoid, closed manual valve, or faulty controller.

– Solution: Clean or replace the solenoid, open the manual valve, or check and repair the controller.

Issue: Sprinkler valves leaking

– Possible cause: Damaged diaphragm or leaking seals.

– Solution: Replace the diaphragm or seals.

Issue: Sprinkler valves not closing

– Possible cause: Debris stuck in the valve, worn-out seals, or faulty solenoid.

– Solution: Remove the debris, replace the seals, or replace the solenoid.

Issue: Sprinkler valves not functioning at all

– Possible cause: Electrical power issues, faulty wiring, or damaged valves.

– Solution: Check the power source, inspect the wiring, and replace the damaged valves.

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Sprinkler valves not opening	Clogged or faulty solenoid, closed manual valve, or faulty controller	Clean or replace the solenoid, open the manual valve, or check and repair the controller
Sprinkler valves leaking	Damaged diaphragm or leaking seals	Replace the diaphragm or seals
Sprinkler valves not closing	Debris stuck in the valve, worn-out seals, or faulty solenoid	Remove the debris, replace the seals, or replace the solenoid
Sprinkler valves not functioning at all	Electrical power issues, faulty wiring, or damaged valves	Check the power source, inspect the wiring, and replace the damaged valves

How To Install Sprinkler Valves

Installing sprinkler valves is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can ensure that your sprinkler system is properly installed and functioning correctly.

**Choose the right location for the valve.** The valve should be located in a central location that is easily accessible for maintenance. It should also be protected from the elements, such as rain and snow.
**Dig a hole for the valve.** The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the valve and its fittings. The diameter of the hole should be twice the width of the valve.
**Place the valve in the hole.** Make sure that the valve is level and that the fittings are facing the correct direction.
**Connect the fittings to the valve.** Use a wrench to tighten the fittings securely.
**Bury the valve.** Backfill the hole with dirt and tamp it down firmly.
**Turn on the water supply.** Open the water supply valve and check for leaks.
**Set the timer.** Set the timer to the desired watering schedule.