Every Valve Matters: How Missing Valves Lead to Irrigation Inefficiencies

Missing valves are a gateway to many other irrigation problems. When you realize they’re gone, it’s important to locate and fix them as quickly as possible so you can resume 100% irrigation. Let’s break down how missing valves lead to irrigation inefficiencies, what causes them to go missing, how to identify a missing valve, and how to locate and replace it. How Missing Valves Lead to Inefficiencies If the irrigation controller is the brain of your irrigation system, the valves are the heart. They control water flow through the lines to different parts of your lawn. They help prevent over- or under-watering in specific areas, contributing to water conservation and healthy landscapes. Irrigation valves use water pressure to open the system’s chambers, bringing water to the plant beds when turned on. If a valve goes missing, the zone of your yard it represents will not receive any water, which can cause your plants or lawn to dry or grow stunted. If the backflow valve goes missing, downstream pressure can build up and become greater than the upstream pressure, pushing contaminated water into your water supply and affecting your household’s health. How to Identify Missing Valves In Your System & Common Causes A valve could go missing for many reasons, and knowing them will help you prevent future loss. The most common reasons a valve goes missing are broken sprinkler heads, inadequate water pressure, debris buildup, broken valves or pipes, faulty valves, defective solenoids, controller malfunctioning, and wiring. Four signs may indicate a missing valve: wet spots, flooding, low water pressure, and high water bills. If areas of your lawn are constantly wet, especially after or between watering cycles, or there’s flooding around the sprinkler when the system is off, this could be because a valve is missing. Additionally, if you notice your sprinkler heads are spraying little water or using little pressure, this is another indicator. You can also check your water bill; if you see recent increases, especially if you don’t think you’ve used more water than usual, this indicates a leak in your system, which could result from a missing valve. Locating and Replacing Missing Valves Many people struggle to find missing irrigation valves because they don’t want to have to dig up their whole yard. Luckily, there are many ways to locate missing valves now, especially if you have an advanced irrigation system with smart technology like a valve locator. This device has a transmitter, receiver, lead wires, and a grounding stake that sends a beeping signal along the wire to locate the valve. This is an accurate method that won’t rip your garden apart. Another strategy is to check your documentation. When you hire sprinkler installers, they often provide an irrigation system map, which includes the location of the irrigation shut-off valve, sprinkler heads, and supply lines. Your irrigation system permit application could also include a blueprint that indicates the valve’s location. Some other methods are to use a metal detector to locate copper wires and to probe the soil. You can use a thin rod, like a screwdriver, to estimate the valve’s approximate location and find a buried valve box. Valve boxes are often installed just under the surface so you can easily find them. Conclusion Missing valves are inconvenient, but they don’t go missing often if you maintain your irrigation system frequently. Now that you know how they go missing and how to locate and replace them if necessary, you’ll have an easier time preventing valve loss.