Locating a Buried Irrigation Shut-Off Valve

A homeowner needs to work on the sprinkler system but cannot find the dedicated shut-off valve. The only visible valve controls house water and doesn't affect the irrigation. The valve box near the garage contains no shut-off.

Common Shut-Off Valve Locations

• Near the water entry point: A tee often splits supply—one branch to the house, the other to irrigation.
• Upstream of the first irrigation valve: Look along the mainline between the water source and the valve manifold.
• In a separate valve box: Probe the soil near the foundation with a rod or shovel to locate a buried box.

Search Tips

Use a metal probe or long screwdriver to gently poke the ground near the house perimeter, following the suspected mainline path. Depressions, greener grass, or slight mounds may indicate a buried box. Avoid shutting off the main house supply unless absolutely necessary.