How to Disconnect a Sprinkler System

A sprinkler system helps you maintain a green lawn year-round.

A sprinkler system saves you the time it would take to manually irrigate a vegetable garden, flower garden or lawn by watering the desired areas at the appropriate time. Your sprinkler system's customization settings ensures that your plants get the water they need. Sprinkler systems, however, are not foolproof. If your sprinkler system malfunctions, causing it to spray continuously, you must disconnect the system at its power source. You must also disconnect your sprinkler system to replace parts or make repairs.

Instructions

1. Turn off the sprinkler system at the control module.

2. Locate the emergency control box for your sprinkler system if turning the standard control module off does not stop the water flow. Depending on the type of system you own, the emergency cut off valve will be contained in a square or oval-shaped box on the ground.

3. Open the box. Turn the valve inside the box counter-clockwise to stop the water flow.

4. Locate the sprinkler system's main control valve. The main control valve can be located anywhere on your property, but is generally located close to the ground in an out-of-the-way area. Open the main control valve cap.

5. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the main control valve. This disconnects the entire system.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkler system emergency cut off valves are often located near the property's water meter.

References

• Houston Landscape Images: Troubleshooting – How to Shut System Off
• Irrigation Direct: Sprinkler System Basics
• Ace Hardware: Installing a Sprinkler System

Resources

• Clark Public Utilities: Lawn Irrigation Safety