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New home, neglected sprinkler system

Mterry

New Member

Posts: 2

1

Tuesday, March 8th 2011, 7:01pm

New home, neglected sprinkler system

Hello,



Im new to these forums as well being new to sprinkler systems. My home was rented out before it was foreclosed so the previous attendants abused much of it including the sprinkler system (broken heads etc). Mind you I feel I can fix anything that doesn't require special tools with a little know how.



So far I cannot find the Valve box for the life of me. I notice the water main cover located right on my driveway and I presume the Valve box should be located within a short distance of this. I cannot for the life of me find it or the shutoff, Anyone have any tips on locating it? I have probed the lawn with a screwdriver and have had no luck so far.



thanks,

Mitchgo

Supreme Member

Posts: 502

Location: Seattle

2

Tuesday, March 8th 2011, 11:33pm

I think it may be worth it to have a local irrigation company come in to help you out. Spend the $50-150 to have someone out and show you the ropes of the sprinkler system.. I have seen countless times of the homeowner trying to figure out the situation for themselves and spending countless hours and then to finally cave in and bring a sprinkler company in. This is where I come in, figure everything out in 5 min and show the customer everything while they feel stupid.

With that being said if you feel you want to tackle on this fun project. Have at it!
Do you live in a freeze prone area? IF no then it maybe possible the water is already on. Have you tried turning any of the zones on manually from the controller?

The shut off to the irrigation system's location is usually at the 3 most probable locations. Next to the meter, Next to the point of connection to the house, or in your crawl space from where the POC enters. It can truly be anywhere though through out your house / service line. Just depends on the installer. It's also possible for the shut off to be buried deep in bark or dirt

After you have verified the water is on it's time to run through the system zone by zone and begin repairs.

One thing I do recommend for HO's if they want to start probing around in their yard is to call your local free one call utility locate to locate everything out so you don't break things. Then take pictures of the locates for future reference

Mterry

New Member

Posts: 2

3

Wednesday, March 9th 2011, 3:19pm

Thank you for your reply,



I have considered calling an irrigation company, the only thing that stops me is $$$ I’m currently trying to save. I do know the water line is off for various reasons

1. I live in Utah so every winter is a freeze

2. I found a sprinkler head with my lawn mower, and no water

3 this house is 10 years old and has been vacant for 1 year being foreclosed. The banks usually don't miss turning utilities off that could cost them money.



Now I do plan on fixing the system. I prefer giving it my best shot first before I cave-in to my savings. I expect damage to the system as well so I might end up having to bow down to the specialists eventually. The information you gave me will be useful and I will check in some other areas.

Wet_Boots

Supreme Member

Posts: 4,102

Location: Metro NYC

4

Thursday, March 10th 2011, 9:03am

Have shovel, will dig. If you want to avoid paying anyone for service, you dig up the lawn until you have connected all the dots.

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