Sprinkler and Irrigation System Repair, Lexington S.C.

sprinkler repair in Lexington S.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 19:46:00 +0000

Well its been a while since I posted so I figured I'd get a message out! We've been doing sprinkler repair in Lexington S.C. for some time now and I just wanted to express my appreciation to our many many customers in and around Lexington, Lake Murray and Redbank.

We have repaired irrigation on many systems that pull from the lake, particularly water pump supplied systems whereby there were cracks in the Goulds Water Pump Housing, Foot Valve Leaking Symptoms and how to fix the foot valve or check valve on pump systems, and any other issue ranging from broken sprinkler head repair to complex system rewiring and irrigation valve troubleshooting.

Feel free to contact us at any time for any of your sprinkler repair needs! As of August 30th, 2018 we are very much in business and ready to help.

have a great day!

Lexington Sprinkler Repair

Lawn Sprinkler Irrigation Startup

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 12:13:00 +0000

An important step in caring for your yard comes at this time of year, particularly if you had your sprinkler system winterized back in late fall. The mistake that can be made is improperly performing a Lawn Sprinkler Irrigation Startup, particularly where a water pump drawing from Lake Murray is concerned. When starting your Goulds Water Pump up for your sprinkler system, its important to take these steps.

First, if any antifreeze was put into the water pump when they winterized it, you must carefully drain it from the pump into a container. Flushing it out a bit as well would be environmentally friendly. Once all of the antifreeze from winterization is gone, replace the pump plug carefully and tighten only snugly, not to overtighten.

Secondly, you must prime the pump by removing the top cap on the irrigation pump pipe. Drag a hose down from the house or other water supply and fill the pump housing and as much water as it will take until it is overflowing. Sometimes you will need to run the pump briefly then fill with more water.

Once the pump is primed, you must then carefully bleed the air out of the sprinkler system. Turn each zone on, one at a time until all air is out of the system.

Once the irrigation water pump priming procedure is done, you can then set the control panel for the correct watering duration and time according to the weather. If it has been raining a lot, just leave the timer off. If it is dry, then set the timer to water the grass accordingly.

How to repair broken PVC irrigation pipe

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:44:00 +0000

Wow, cold in Lexington S.C. today huh? If you have a lawn sprinkler irrigation system, Lexington S.C. you might want to have a look at the water main pipes, spigots and valves after this freeze thaws. You very well may have a broken PVC irrigation water pipe that needs to be repaired. PVC pipes crack and burst when the low temperatures sustain for more than a couple of days.

To repair a broken PVC pipe on your sprinkler system, you must first excavate all of the dirt from around the area. Often times this can be tedious because there are wires in the area and you don't want to bump your shovel into the pipe in another spot because if you do that it is likely the pipe will then be cracked in that spot as well.

You need to have plumbing expertise too. Sometimes, 90 degree elbows or slip t's can crack which would call for a repair to the pvc pipe junction. This calls for precise measurement, sometimes specialty repair parts, and skill that comes with practice.

After doing the repair, you need to purge the air from the system. Winterization of sprinkler systems in South Carolina is not always done, but if it has already been done you won't need to bleed the system until you do an irrigation start up in the spring. Nevertheless, if you do need to bleed the system, you will need to carefully open the backflow control valve and the bleeder valves on all zones to slowly let water back into the system and pressurize. If done incorrectly, the water hammer can cause even more headaches and broken pipes.

Trust the professionals at Lexington Sprinkler Repair to service your sprinkler system! Call us today at (803)331-5323 or visit us online at http://www.LexingtonSprinklerRepair.com

Water Pump Pressure Switch Replacement

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 13:35:00 +0000

If you draw water from Lake Murray S.C. for your lawn irrigation or sprinkler system, sooner or later you will need a Water Pump Pressure Switch Replacement. When water pressure drops in your bladder tank when a spigot or the irrigation is turned on, this switch will turn on the water pump at a certain pressure level.

The Water Pump Pressure Switch can fail for a number of reasons. If you look at the contacts on the inside of this (high voltage) box, you will see where the electrical connection is made. If, at one of those connections you see black or corroded terminals, it should be replaced. One interesting cause of failure is ants. Ants will nest inside these warm areas and sometimes burn at the terminal causing a bad connection.

sprinkler valve locating service, Lexington and Columbia S.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 19:51:00 +0000

If your lawn sprinkler system is malfunctioning and you need to repair the Rain Bird, Hunter, Nelson or Toro Valves, you may have a need to find the valve and call on a sprinkler valve locating service. Sometimes irrigation valves are buried under overgrown grass sod, under mulch, or just about anywhere in the yard. A professional sprinkler repair company local to you in Lexington or Columbia, S.C. can help. These specialty services use special locating equipment and years worth of technique and experience to find and repair your irrigation valves. Some companies will simply find the valve for you, allowing you to repair the valve on your own. Lexington Sprinkler Repair can be contacted at (803)331-5351 and is your local resource for everything related to your sprinkler system.

Spring Sprinkler System Startup

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:43:00 +0000

If you have irrigation in your yard you may want to get it tuned up in time for spring watering. A spring lawn sprinkler system startup or "tune-up" with a reputable sprinkler repair Lexington S.C. company is the way to go, saving you time and perhaps bringing your system more intune with water conservation and efficiency.

A spring sprinkler system startup consists of several service elements designed to maximize the functionality of your system. First, a quick inspection of your backflow control valve is in order. This valve is typically turned to the off position for the winter months. It should be slowly turned back on, preferably with one or more of the zone valves turned on to properly bleed the system of any air pockets. Any air in the system can "jar" the valves or damage the internal workings of the valves, sometimes resulting in breaks in the pvc connections or damage to the system.

Next, each zone is started up, preferably from the control panel (or "timer"). Turning each zone on for a few minutes further purges any air from the system. The sprinkler heads in each zone are observed for coverage and set for proper spray pattern, to see if they are turning side to side, and to see if there is any clogging occuring in the popup nozzles. When the zone is turned "off", the heads are then inspected to see if they retract back down into the ground. If the sprinkler heads do not go back down, you may want to replace that head so your lawn mower doesn't break it.

Finally, the irrigation timer is set for the proper watering time according to the season. Typically, very little watering is done in the winter. In anticipation of new spring grass growth though, systems are set to whatever frequency and duration would keep the moisture in the soil to an optimal level. This varies with slope, sun exposure, soil type, type of turf, and many other factors.

Drip Irrigation System Information

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Effectively water your plants with a drip irrigation system. The soil’s moisture will be kept at an optimum level, and this will save time and money. These systems work well for home gardening, landscaping, farming, and greenhouses.

Drip irrigation systems are made up of several different components, including a valve, a backflow preventer, a pressure regulator, a filter, a tubing adapter, and drip tubing with emitters. The drip tubing is placed along plants, and water is released from the emitters.

Water is applied slowly and directly to the soil, watering your plants at the roots where it’s most beneficial. Water is soaked into the soil before it can run off or evaporate. Also, water is only going where it is needed, which in turn conserves water.

You may have a drip irrigation system installed professionally, or you can use a do-it-yourself installation kit. Do-it-yourself kits are simple to install, and drip systems are pretty forgiving of design errors. You can purchase kits complete with everything you will need. Or you can find instructions on how to create your own system, and buy all the fittings yourself.

With the installation and use of a drip irrigation system, your landscaping and garden will get proper and much needed moisture. Fertilizer and nutrient loss can be minimized, as can soil erosion. Drop irrigation is a great solution for home gardening, farming, or greenhouse watering needs.

Should I Winterize my Sprinkler System?

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:06:00 +0000

Lexington sprinkler repair can winterize your irrigation system, preparing it for the cold freezing weather if it is deemed necessary. Winterizing can be an important step in maintaining your system because it prevents damage that could lead to costly repairs. Individual consideration is given as to whether it is needed (It may be warm enough to let it slide) and, if it is needed, which method to use.
Although freezing temperatures are short-lived in the Lexington South Carolina and Chapin areas, they still can pose a threat to lawn sprinkler systems. For this reason, you need to winterize your system before the first freeze of the season, draining and removing all water either by manual drain, auto drain, or blowout.

The manual drain method is used when manual drain valves are at the end and low points of the irrigation pipes. This is the easiest and less invasive method. Your contractor will shut off the sprinkler water supply, and then open all manual drain valves. Once water has been drained from the mainline, he will drain all the water between the shut off valve and backflow device. Then he can let all the water drain through the bottom of the sprinkler, closing the manual drain valves when all the water has drained.

In some areas of the Country or on the more high end systems, the automatic drain method is used when automatic drain valves are at the end and low points of the irrigation pipes. They can open and drain automatically when air pressure in the pipes falls below 10 PSI. Your contractor can activate these valves by shutting off the sprinkler water supply, and then relieving the pressure in the system by activating a zone. The rest of the draining procedure is like that of the manual drain method. Your system could actually have a combination of manual drain valves on the mainline, and automatic drain valves on the lateral lines.

The “blow out” method requires your contractor to use an air compressor. He will remove the backflow device to attach the compressor OR install a quick connect on the water supply side of the system. The valves will then be turned on one by one, and the compressor will be turned on to blow out all the water. He will then move from one valve to the next, repeating the process. Once he has finished the blow out, he will turn off the control panel clock timer.

Lexington Sprinkler Repair can assist you in maintaining the integrity and operation of your system by winterizing it. If you live in Lexington or Chapin, you know that freezing pipes are indeed a possibility.

Traveling Lawn Sprinklers

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:58:00 +0000

Did you know that traveling lawn sprinklers are a great above ground option for watering large areas of lawn, field, or garden? They cover wide areas, save time, and are good for odd-shaped or hilly turfs.

Traveling sprinklers are self-propelled, operating on neither electricity nor gas. They are usually found in tractor or wind-up types. Tractor types throw water from two watering arms that rotate 360 degrees. With the wind-up type, someone would lay out a cord in a pattern that the unit follows, dragging a hose behind it.

Traveling sprinklers work very well, provided you have good water pressure. Except for initial set up, they operate independently. They generally have a couple speed settings, and there is also an option to keep the unit stationary.

These types of sprinklers are good for schools or businesses that have more than one field to water. They are also perfect for sports fields, golf courses, cemeteries, and parks.

Affectionately known as “The Lazy Man’s Sprinkler”, a traveling sprinkler is a great way to water larger or multiple areas, or areas that are oddly shaped. Just set it up, and watch it go!

Do-It-Yourself Sprinkler System Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Save time and money by installing one of the many do-it-yourself sprinkler system kits on the market to water your lawn and garden. Installing your own sprinkler system doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With adequate preparation and a good do-it-yourself system, any homeowner can have the lawn and garden of their dreams.

A lawn sprinkler system can add value to a property, so you can expect to see a return on your investment. You’ll save yourself lots of time by not watering your yard the old-fashioned way with a garden hose. You could save hundreds, or possibly thousands of dollars on sprinkler system installation depending on the size of your yard and the amount of irrigation zones needed.

Today’s do-it-yourself sprinkler system kits make the project of installing your own system quite simple. They come equipped with detailed instructions and tutorials for everything from planning the system, to digging trenches, to running pvc pipe, to installing sprinkler heads and a controller. And if you so choose, you can install a system without ever digging trenches or ripping up your lawn.

You will want to shop around for a sprinkler system kit that meets your needs, and matches your technical skill set. Also, when looking for just the right kit, look for one that includes lots of detailed instructions, tutorials, troubleshooting guides, tips, and tricks. The more information you have available to you, the better.

If you are looking for a cost-effective approach to keeping your lawn and garden watered without wasting time and energy with a garden hose, do-it-yourself sprinkler system kits are a good choice With the proper system kit and a little elbow grease, you can surely reap the rewards of your own labor.

Sprinkler System Thunderstorm Damage

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:14:00 +0000

It’s thunderstorm season again, and you may be concerned about or wonder if thunderstorms zap sprinkler systems. Lightning from a storm is a powerful force, and can most definitely affect your system. If preventative measures are taken, however, you can avoid damage.

Because you have zone wires running all over your property, your sprinkler system is a target for lightning. With one strike, the valve solenoid and timer could be damaged or even demolished. It could even get into your home’s electrical system.

After a storm has passed, check the control panel to ensure it hasn’t been scrambled, and also take notice of any electrical burn smells or burn spots. These are indicators that some damage has occurred. The damages that won’t be as obvious are shorted or burned out solenoids and melted wires or insulation because they are all underground.

Expensive and extensive repairs to your sprinkler system, and possibly to other systems in the home, can be prevented by hiring a well-trained irrigation contractor. They will know how to properly protect your sprinkler sytem parts from storm damage and advise you of other ways to keep your irrigation system working properly.

Remember that damage could take weeks or even months to present itself, so take precautionary action by inspecting the control panel after storms. Have your system inspected for proper grounding, and have it done correctly if it’s faulty. Don’t let one lightning strike cause a potential laundry list of repairs, replacements, and an eventual decline of your lawn.

Broken Water Main

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:11:00 +0000

Do you have a Broken Water Main or a Leaking Sprinkler Valve related to your lawn sprinkler system? A broken water main can be a messy, costly, and downright disastrous event. Once the problem is recognized, immediate attention must be given to prevent more damage and inconvenience than necessary. Once the location and cause of the break have been determined, speedy repairs can begin.

You’ll know there’s a break in the water main when you see flooding in yards or the streets, or when you see a full-blown geyser shooting water straight up from the ground. This can be an enticing spectacle to view if you are not one of those directly affected or called upon to rectify the situation.

Flooding from a broken water main can be hazardous under mild weather conditions. However, when temperatures are below freezing, serious problems can arise. Anything from ice-covered homes, trees, and cares, to a thick sheet of ice on the streets can develop. Residents in the areas may even be asked to boil their water as a safety precaution.

Depending on the location and size of the break, as well as the amount of damage resulting from the break, the length of time spent repairing the broken water main could last a day or 2, or even for weeks. Unless a break has occurred on your property and is your responsibility, you will be at the mercy of repair and clean up crews.

If you experience a broken water main near or on your property, remain calm. Most importantly, don’t attempt to fix the break yourself. Leave repairs to the professionals, otherwise you could make matters worse by causing additional damage to the line, or by placing yourself in a potentially hazardous situation.

Tune-Ups on Your Lawn Sprinkler System

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Wed, 18 May 2011 11:50:00 +0000

As with any other system, it is important to perform routine tune-ups on your lawn sprinkler system. The system will continue to conserve water and money if it’s working properly. There are several specific problems to look for during a tune-up, as well as adjustments that may need to be made the the sprinkler system components.

Look for spray or rotor heads that are too low because grass height could cause an improper spray pattern. Broken heads might need to be addressed by a sprinkler head repair service. Check for spray or rotor heads that are out of adjustment so that the water isn’t being sprayed into unwanted areas. Check zone valves for leakage. You will know they are leaking if you see water puddles forming around the lower spray or rotor heads. Also make sure those zone valves shut on and off properly. As valves age, this can become a problem. Another problem that should be addressed is a dysfunctional controller or timer.

Inspect each zone by turning on the zone valves one at a time. Remove and clean the nozzles on spray heads, and clean the screens while you’re at it. Adjust the sprinklers so that only the areas needing watering are being watered. You may also need to adjust the direction of the spray. Check your system’s battery once per year, and replace the battery every two years. If you don’t already have one, install a rain sensor to prevent any over-watering.

If you are comfortable with the process, you can perform a lawn sprinkler system tune-up yourself. If not, you can always hire a professional sprinkler or lawn care company to do it for you. A professional can make all the needed adjustments, and repair or replace sprinkler heads and valves. They can even update the time clock if your existing timer is out-dated or not as easy to use.

Keep your lawn and garden looking beautiful by doing or getting tune-ups on your lawn sprinkler system. It will keep the system running smoothly, and you can avoid costly repairs due to issues that arise from not giving attention to small problems or to needed adjustments.

How To turn off Sprinkler System

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:42:00 +0000

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 http://www.lexingtonsprinklerrepair.com/ - We also do irrigation installation!

Sprinkler System Installation Prices Lexington S.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Sprinkler system installation prices vary a significant amount in Lexington, S.C. On the average yard, assuming that you are only installing sprinkler heads to cover the lawn (and no drip for bushes), I have seen the cost range from $1000 to upwards of $4500. The difference lies in the quality of craftsmanship of the irrigation, the quality of the plumbing materials and valves used, whether a backflow control valve or other so called "options" are installed and the general professionalism of the installation contractor.

The difference in quality of craftsmanship can be vast. One contractor may only bury the main water pipes and zone pvc 3" deep or so (just below the sod!) while a more professional installation contractor would properly bury the pipes to a depth of at least 5". If water pipes are not winterized (which is often the case here in South Carolina), shallowly buried pipes run more of a risk of bursting, costing you a significant amount of grief and money as well as damage to the lawn or even the house. Other quality of installation issues include:

Whether the contractor takes the time to tap into the water main AT THE WATER METER (or simply cut corners by tapping in at places that are more convenient and quick for them such as water spigots)
Whether the contractor primes the pipe before gluing and whether they have a qualified "helper" to properly glue pvc mains together (many water main breaks or leaks in our experience are due to improper gluing or a "bad connection" due to misalignment of the pipes)
Wires for the control panel not shrouded - these wires are often in a very visible area in a garage or laundry room and should be properly enclosed in shrouding, mounted to the wall, not loose, dangling, and unsightly.
Proper planning of trenches before digging up the yard - a good sprinkler installer has a clear picture of where all the trenches, backflow control valve and zone valves, and other buried components should be.

The quality of components and materials is also a huge factor. Brand names such as Rainbird, Hunter, Toro, or Nelson should be insisted upon. They are more expensive than off brands, but in the long run, when it comes to potentially expensive sprinkler repair prices, it can be worth the money. Also, how old are and how long have the pvc pipes been laying around? Many larger contractors stockpile alot of pvc pipe in advance...and consequently have some old stock that may be used on your sprinkler system. Insist on fresh, all new materials.

If you contract with a company or a "professional" who installs an irrigation system in your lawn without installing a BACKFLOW CONTROL valve or device, they have more than likely broken the law. What a backflow control valve does is it prevents contaminated water (lawn water with fertilizer or grubworm chemicals leeching from the turf sucking back through the sprinkler heads or pipe breaks!) from entering into your household, potable water system or into your neighborhood's system. Leaving the backflow valve out in an estimate makes that contractor's quote at least $250 cheaper than their competitors. Other options that are installed on quality systems may consist of: automatic fertilization system connections/provisions, winterization quick connections, main line shutoff valves and Seal A Matic heads in low spots to prevent leak downs.

How professional is the contractor? When they answer the phone, are they courteous? Are the terms of the work clear to both parties? Would you trust these people on your property? These are all significant issues that you should be prepared to evaluate when deciding on who to do business with. If, for example, you have children within ear shot of the workers - are the workers communicating with foul language or otherwise setting bad examples?

Craftmanship, quality, options, professionalism are all items that should be evaluated before contracting to install a sprinkler system at your home or commercial site. The prices of contractors often tells the story...if the price is unusually low, its probably for a good reason (such as cutting corners). If its too high of a price, it very well could be that the contractor doesn't know how to accurately price irrigation (not to say that they wouldn't do a good job). Most of the time, the average yard in Lexington, S.C. would call for a 4 to 5 zone sprinkler system with a cost in the $2300 range.

How to repair a broken PVC pipe

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:58:00 +0000

If you have a lawn irrigation system and you have to maintain it, sooner or later you are going to have to know how to repair a broken pvc pipe. There are several ways that you can do this. You can dig up about a 5 foot length of the pipe, exposing it to where you can lift it up, bend it, then connect it with a coupler or you can do the 4 elbow method. You can use a pvc pipe expansion coupling or a compression coupling. These are all great ways to solve the problem but a new product out makes all of these methods seem obsolete - the new fix is called the Pipe Dream Coupler.

This new broken pvc repair coupler works like this: You remove the dirt surrounding the broken area of the pipe, cut out the bad part, then slip the coupler on one end of the pipe then slip it towards and over the other pipe that you're connecting...that's it. You would, of course, apply primer and glue to both ends before you start slipping pipes over each other, but other than that its a quick, easy and reliable way to repair pvc pipe.

The other methods of repairing sprinkler system pipes that I mention work fine depending upon the application, but I do plan on using this new method where applicable.

If you have a sprinkler system problem in Lexington South Carolina let me know, I can help!

Happy Gardening,
ash

Sprinkler System Component Definitions

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:32:00 +0000

If you are curious about the various Sprinkler System Component Definitions, I have updated my website to include some helpful descriptions of the various components. It is important to know some of these components in order to understand how your sprinkler system works, how to manage it somewhat on your own, and how to describe the problems that you may encounter to a repair technician.

Sprinkler System Valve Location & Wire Tracing Service

noreply@blogger.com (Lexington Sprinkler Repair) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:36:00 +0000

If you have ever thought about trying to perform a Sprinkler System Valve Location & Wire Tracing Service on your own, you know how difficult and frustrating this task can be without the proper know-how and tools. Countless hours can be spent trying to locate a broken or leaking valve or tracing a sprinkler system wire for breaks or faults in the wire. To do such a task, you will need a wire tracing device, sprinkler repair experience and knowledge of how lawn sprinkler irrigation systems work.

How to locate a sprinkler valve or trace a buried wire - Basically, you are going to trace the wire that controls the valve you are looking for from the control panel to the hidden location. The irrigation zone valve that you are looking for will usually be buried, sodded over, or mulched over. You would power up the wire that you are tracing from the control panel with your transmitter, then follow the "ping" that the buried wire makes as you walk it over with your receiver. You can trace the wire to the valve, following the ping, until the ping becomes a solid beep. When you reach a point that gives your receiver a solid beeping signal, you have located the valve.

What happens if the wire and/or valve has been completely severed from the system? Often times when there has been a pool installed over a zone or a wall has been installed over a zone, they will sever the irrigation lines and wires. If they do that, it is best to have them leave the wires exposed on both the valve side and the control panel side. If these wires are simply buried after being broken, there may be no way to locate the valve, especially if the valve is completely removed. In this instance, instead of trying to locate the valve, wiring, and pvc pipes for that zone, it is usually just as cost effective to install a new zone.

Many homes that are aging in the Lexington South Carolina Area may at some point experience this type of issue. It is best to prevent this type of occurance where the valve cannot be located. In order to prevent problems:

Have a sprinkler system repair & Installation contractor come out and map your system
Mark the spots where your sprinkler valves are as well as your backflow control valve
If you ever have any construction or landscaping done that affects the sprinkler system, have the contractor flag any spots that would be affected and address those faults immediately.