Starting a Lawn Genie System: Find the Main Valve and Backflow

New Homeowner: Locating System Components

Lawn Genie system, unsure about backflow preventer and main valve. Cold climate.

Key Components

• Backflow preventer: Usually above ground near foundation; allows water to irrigation but not back to house. May not be present in older installs.
• Main irrigation shutoff: In cold climates, typically inside (basement/crawlspace) near main water entry, or in a ground sleeve by the meter (requires a long key).
• Automatic valves: In green/black valve boxes in ground; have wires and solenoids.

First Steps

1. Download Lawn Genie manual from coastwaterworks.com (Irrigation → Manuals → Lawn Genie).
2. Locate main shutoff and turn ON.
3. Use controller to manually run each zone; observe heads.

No Separate Meter Needed

Residential irrigation typically uses the house meter. A plumber suggesting a separate meter may be upselling.

Resource

irrigationtutorials.com has photos of solenoid valves and backflow preventers.