How to shut off water to the Sprinkler system

Sprinkler systems are a network of pipes that supply and spray water to specific places where they are installed. They are used for various purposes in residential and Industrial areas. Sprinkler systems are designed to work in a specific process and you should know how they function as they are a common element of living spaces nowadays. First, we will discuss some of their functions which are as follows: –

• Table of Contents

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  Fire Control 

• Irrigating Crops 

• Agricultural Drips 

• Cooling down and cleaning surfaces

• Gardening

• Industrial Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems were mostly used in the past to control fire breakouts in factories and living spaces but with the advancement in irrigation systems, they are now used in drip irrigation systems which is an efficient process of cultivating crops in fields and farms also. 

There are lawn sprinklers that are used to maintain the grass grounds and plants in residential areas. In industries, they are used to cool down machines and equipment and also for washing purposes. We should also know how to shut off water to a sprinkler system and the process is quite simple and important to know even if you are not a professional. 

Why you need to shut water to Sprinkler systems 

The systems need to shut down for different reasons. It may be due to any leakage in the pipes or a sudden sprinkler burst resulting in a water flow from the heads which can damage electrical equipment and other material, especially in warehouses and data centers. So, to control and stop the water supply it is necessary to shut the water supply to the system. 

How to shut the water to the Sprinkler system?

Water is supplied to the Sprinkler system from the main valve from the city supply to the Sprinkler valve which is grounded by the backflow valve. To shut the water to the sprinkler system you should turn the backflow valve to 90 degrees or perpendicular to the water pipe so the water supply is blocked.

 The water supply is on if the valve is in the parallel direction of the water pipe. This is the case when the backflow valve is working in proper condition otherwise you need to shut the main valve which gives water supply to the area or the valve which supplies to the rest of the water pipes.

The valves are usually labeled with a sprinkler system tag that makes it easy to identify while operating. 

In another case, if there is some fault or a leakage in the sprinkler system itself you need to replace the solenoid or diaphragms for which you have to shut the water supply also. Firstly, we need to switch off the control panel of the system and unplug all the switches of the panel. Then we need to shut the main supply to the irrigation system to safely change the diaphragm of the sprinkler system.

The third step is to change the diaphragm in the valve but first, you need to switch off the solenoid valve and unscrew the diaphragm from the valve.

 Then you also need to pull out the solenoid valve. Remove the old diaphragm and the rings to see if there is any build-up or debris in the valve.

 Clean the ring and replace it with the new diaphragm. Fit the rings and diaphragm in the valve properly. Cover it with the lid of the diaphragm and screw it to tighten the valve again. Then arrange the solenoid valve you took out of the valve in the diaphragm cover and twist it to turn the solenoid on.

Finally, now you can turn the main valve on to see that there is a supply to the sprinkler system. You will see that there is no leakage now after switching the solenoid on from the diaphragm of the system.

How to check the water supply to the Sprinkler System

The way to check whether there is leakage in the valve is by checking the shut valve taps installed outside the supply. The water will run through the taps if there is leakage in the system otherwise if there is no water running in the tap it means that the shut valves are working in order.

This might take a few minutes to check and you’ll see if it is working after opening the shut valve taps. The sprinkler systems are also shut off in freezing temperatures to make sure that there is no water in the pipes. Now there are sensor systems installed in the sprinkler system that automatically sense the freezing in the pipes under cold temperatures. As a result, the sprinkler is turned off and the water does not flow out. 

The last thing you can do to shut the water to the sprinkler system is to shut the water supply next to the water meter which will directly cut off the supply to every pipe in the area. You need to shut the valve with special levers that twist to about 180 degrees with the help of special keys mostly available at all hardware stores.

Following these easy steps can help you save from any loss due to excessive water flow or damage to your space. Make sure that you over-turn the rusty levers and twist the solenoid with excessive force otherwise, you will have to replace the units which can cost you a lot. If there is a breakdown in the valve other than any diaphragm replacement do consider a professional as a priority.

Location of the Shut valves

The location of the shut valve is mainly underground with a firm plastic lid on top and you can locate it near the water meter or supply pipe in the main ground outside your house. If it’s inside it is going to be either in the basement, parking, or the utility outlet where the water source is located.

Also, there are several draining screws on the backflow valve present which drain water when you unscrew them with a screwdriver. An important thing to remember when you are winterizing the sprinkler system is to keep the ball valves in the backflow preventer at a 45-degree angle so that they do not block and freeze during freezing temperatures. Don’t shut the sprinkler system as the fall starts but wait for the temperatures to drop down because the ground might need water supply before it starts freezing.

Conclusion

It is important to learn the techniques to shut and open the supply valve of the sprinkler system in any case even if there is no hazardous situation. Changing temperatures can lead to freezing or the leakages can cost you on the water meter. 

So to avoid all the hustle keep an eye on the working of the sprinkler systems and keep changing the diaphragm in case of any leakages which will also save you from costly repairs. You can also consult a professional who drains the systems and do Blowouts from the drip system if you don’t have an idea how to do it by yourself.  There are a lot of companies that provide services at a good cost so it is recommended for you to consult your irrigation expert in case of any leakage which is beyond replacing small units by yourself.