Home Garden

How to Locate the Sprinkler Cut Off Valve

Sprinkler systems that have a burst pipe or are in need of maintenance should be shut off so that the pressurized water inside the pipes doesn't cause a flood or injuries. In most cases, it's appropriate to shut off the water only to the sprinklers through the cut-off valve on the backflow prevention device. These devices contain two ball valves that control the flow of water to and from the main line. Cutting off the flow of water at these points will stop water from running into your sprinkler, but will not stop water from flowing to the rest of the house.

Instructions

    • 1

      Walk around the perimeter of the house and look for a brass devices that is raised above the ground. This is the backflow prevention device, which keeps water from reversing into the main line. In some older homes the backflow device may be located inside a buried irrigation control box. These boxes usually have a green lid and are located near the perimeter of the house. Lift the lid to expose the backflow device and cut-off valves.

    • 2

      Locate the two ball valve handles on the backflow device. They are often blue or red and are located on either side of the brass bell in the middle of the device.

    • 3

      Turn both of the valve handles 90 degrees clockwise to shut off the flow of water. Make sure the valve handles are turned as far as they will go.