How to Locate Hidden Irrigation Valves

Electric Valves

• 1

  Search around the electrical sprinkler timer's control panel for low voltage wires; low voltage wires are typically thin, multicolored, braided wires, similar to thermostat wires. Find the exit point of the wires; timers mounted inside garages or sheds penetrate through the wall to the building's exterior.

• 2

  Move to the building's exterior. Locate the low voltage wires at their exit point from the building's interior. Follow the wires' path along the ground. If the wires are buried, find the wires' path by digging by hand or with a shovel.

• 3

  Follow the wires to their connection with the electric irrigation valves' solenoids. Solenoids are typically thick, black cylinders. Alternatively, follow the wires until they enter a concealed irrigation valve box. Insert a screwdriver into the valve box's removal slot. Use the screwdriver to pry the box's lid from the box's body.

Manual Valves

• 4

  Walk along the exterior of the home or building, searching the ground at the building's perimeter for protruding, cylindrical valves, valve handles or irrigation valve boxes.

• 5

  Walk along the perimeter of the property scanning the edges of the property for valves, valve handles or valve boxes. If you step on a hard, plastic surface, gently plunge a shovel into the ground at the hard spot. If you hit plastic, gently dig around the plastic to reveal a hidden irrigation valve box.

• 6

  Trim tall weeds, grasses and shrubs with a string trimmer to reveal the ground's surface. Scan the perimeter of the building and perimeter of the property for anomalies in the ground's surface, such as depressions. Inspect unusual areas by gently plunging a screwdriver or shovel into the earth. If you encounter metal or plastic, dig around the area to reveal concealed valves.