Finding and Operating Buried Sprinkler Shutoff Valves

Locating Main Irrigation Shutoff on Unknown System

New homeowner with Rain Dial Hardie system. Previous owner shut off water for sprinklers. Found water meter and green round box near street (filled with dirt). Need to locate and operate main sprinkler shutoff.

Systematic Search

1. Check the green round box: Remove dirt — likely contains a curb stop or gate valve. May need a valve key (steel rod with U-shaped end)
2. Locate backflow preventer: Usually near water meter or house. Has two shutoff handles — both must be open
3. Find valve manifold: Follow wires from controller to valve boxes. Check for manual isolation valve on mainline before manifold
4. Test valves manually: Use manual bleed on each valve to confirm water flow

Valve Key Tip

Standard curb stop keys are 4-6 feet long. For deeper valves (8-10 ft), extensions or longer keys are needed. Hardware stores carry universal keys.