What would you do if, in an emergency, you needed to turn off your sprinkler sytem? Do you have an emergency sprinkler system shutoff valve in case you have a water main break or a zone that won’t turn off? If you do not or if you don’t know where it is located, this article may be of help to you or you can call on our sprinkler system repair service to assist you in this or any aspect of your irrigation. The system can be isolated by either turning off the backflow control valve, the water main ball valve or by turning off the entire water supply at the water meter.
In Lexington, South Carolina sprinkler systems should have a backflow control valve. Backflow control valves serve the purpose of preventing chemicals and other pollution from entering into your drinking water supply through your sprinkler heads or breaks in your irrigation pipes. They also can be used to completely shut off your sprinkler system. On the side of the brass colored unit which is usually located in a square green box, there are two shutoff points that you can turn to block the water flow. If you don’t have a backflow control valve installation or if you need it to be tested, we can help.
Another way to shut off your sprinkler system is by turning off the ball valve, which is attached to the main line (again, if you don’t have one, you should have one installed). The ball valve is usually in a round valve box with a green lid and may be located near the water meter or somewhere near the backflow control valve. If it is located before the backflow control valve, it can be handy for shutting off water supply to fix a leaking backflow control valve or a leaking valve manifold. Turning the ball valve to where the handle is “in line” with the pvc pipe is the “on” position while in the perpendicular position it is in the “off” position.
Another way to turn off a malfunctioning sprinkler system is to turn off the water main at the water meter. You will need a “key” which can be purchased at the hardware store. You will be turning a small knob on the meter with the key to the right to close the water supply. To open the water main, you will be turning the key counter clockwise. Be very careful when working with the meter so as to not break the shutoff valve…never force something to open or close and ask a professional if you run into any trouble.
Lexington Sprinkler Repair is here to help. If you are in the Lake Murray, Chapin, Lexingon or Irmo area or in Greater Columbia, S.C. give us a shout at 331-5323 or visit us online at https://www.lexingtonsprinklerrepair.com/ – We also do irrigation installation!