Sprinkler Valves Buried Under Concrete Patio: Must Relocate

Problem: Valves Inaccessible Under New Slab

Pouring concrete over irrigation valves creates two risks: no access for maintenance and undetected leaks causing slab damage.

Required Fix

1. Install new valves in an accessible location (valve box in landscape bed).
2. Locate the mainline feed, cut and reroute to new valve manifold.
3. Connect existing zone lateral lines to new valves.
4. Abandon old valves in place (cap off).

Cost-Saving Tip

If lateral lines aren't under the slab, you can often reuse them by extending with couplings to the new valve location.

Professional Advice

This is a moderate excavation job. If DIY, rent a trencher; otherwise hire a licensed irrigator. Ensure new valve box is at grade in a mulch bed, not in turf.