How to Replace an Underground Sprinkler Spigot

Shut off the main water line by turning the ball valve on the sprinkler vacuum breaker or by turning the ball valve inside the house along the main water line.

Locate the faulty sprinkler valve that you want to replace. The valve will likely be inside an underground control box, or along the supply line near the main line.

Open the control box lid or dig up the area surrounding the valve until the valve is exposed and you have enough room to get your hand around the entire unit.

Loosen the locking nuts around both ends of the valve along the pipe using an adjustable wrench, and pull the valve out of the ground. If the valves sit on top of the supply line instead of in-line with the pipe, turn the entire valve counterclockwise until it pulls free.

Pull the two wires on top of the valve solenoid out of the grease cap.

Place the new valve where the old one was located, with the pipes either pushed into both ends of the valve or so that the valve sits on top of the pipe.

Tighten the locking nuts on the new valve, or twist the valve clockwise until tight.

Twist the neutral, or white wire, onto the exposed end of the dotted wire on the new solenoid. Press the bundle into the grease cap to protect the connection from water.

Twist the colored wire onto the exposed end of the solid-colored wire on the solenoid. Press the bundle into the other grease cap to protect the connection from water.

Replace the lid on the control box or fill the area around the valve with dirt.