How to Manually Turn on a Sprinkler Valve

Manually turning on a sprinkler valve can be an essential skill for homeowners and landscapers alike, especially when faced with the need for immediate watering or troubleshooting irrigation issues. This process not only helps ensure that your plants receive adequate hydration but also allows for better control over your watering schedule.

In this guide on how to manually turn on a sprinkler valve, we will walk you through the steps to manually activate your sprinkler valve, ensuring effective and efficient water management for your garden or landscape.

Why Manually Turn on a Sprinkler Valve?

There are several reasons why you may need to manually turn on a sprinkler valve. These include:

Troubleshooting:

If your automatic sprinkler system is not working correctly, manually turning on the sprinkler valve can help identify the problem and determine if it needs repairs.

Watering Schedule:

Manually turning on a sprinkler valve can be useful when you want to water your plants outside of your automatic irrigation system’s pre-set schedule. This is especially helpful during periods of drought or when certain plants require more frequent watering.

Emergency Situations:

In case of an emergency such as a burst pipe, manually turning on the sprinkler valve can help shut off the water supply and prevent further damage.

8 Steps on How to Manually Turn on a Sprinkler Valve

Step 1: Locate the Main Water Valve

Before you can manually turn on your sprinkler valve, it’s crucial to first locate the main water valve for your irrigation system. This valve is typically found close to where the water line enters your home or near the main water source in your yard. Look for a shut-off valve that operates the water flow to your sprinkler system; this is usually a round or lever-style valve.

Ensuring that the main water valve is in the ‘on’ position is essential for the proper functioning of your sprinkler valves and subsequent steps in the activation process.

Step 2: Identify the Sprinkler Valve

Once you have located the main water valve and confirmed that it is in the ‘on’ position, the next step is to identify the specific sprinkler valve that you wish to activate. Sprinkler valves are typically housed in valve boxes, which may be found buried in the ground or positioned above the ground. These boxes are often marked with indicators or labels, but if not, you’ll need to follow the water line from the main supply to find each individual valve.

Look for a circular or rectangular box, often made from plastic or metal, which contains the valve mechanism. Inside, you will typically find a solenoid (a small cylindrical component) and other parts that control water flow through the system. Once you’ve identified the correct valve, you can proceed with the next steps to manually activate it and begin watering your landscape.

Step 3: Turn Off the Automatic Controller

To manually activate your sprinkler valve, it’s important to ensure that the automatic controller is turned off. The automatic controller operates the sprinkler system based on a pre-set schedule, and keeping it on might interfere with your manual operation. Locate the controller, which is typically mounted on a wall inside your garage or near an outdoor outlet. Once found, simply turn off the system by either switching it to the “off” position or unplugging it.

This step ensures that the controller does not send signals that could disrupt the manual activation process, allowing you to take complete control over your watering session. After the automatic controller is turned off, you are ready to proceed to the next step of manually turning on the sprinkler valve.

Step 4: Remove the Valve Box Cover

Most valve boxes are fitted with a cover that protects the valve mechanism from dirt, debris, and other elements. To access the valve, you will need to remove this cover by unscrewing it or lifting it off its hinges.

Be careful when doing so as there may be wires or pipes connected to the lid that you’ll need to maneuver around carefully. If needed, use a brush or cloth to clean away any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on top of the box before proceeding. 

Step 5: Locate the Manual Bleed Screw

In most sprinkler valve assemblies, there is a manual bleed screw designed to release air from the system and facilitate the flow of water. To locate the manual bleed screw, carefully examine the valve mechanism inside the valve box; it is generally found on the top or side of the valve body. This small screw is often made of metal and can either be a flathead or Phillips head type.

Make sure to have a suitable screwdriver on hand for this step. Once you’ve identified the manual bleed screw, you’ll be able to proceed with manually turning on the sprinkler valve by releasing the air, which helps avoid air locks that could prevent the water from flowing through the system.

Step 6: Turn the Manual Bleed Screw

Using a screwdriver, turn the manual bleed screw counterclockwise until it is fully open. This action will release any trapped air in the valve and allow water to flow through the system. You may hear a hissing sound as the air escapes; this is normal. Ensure that you keep turning the screw until no more air comes out from the top of the valve or when water starts to come out steadily.

It is important to note that manually turning on the sprinkler valve in this manner will not turn on all the sprinkler heads in your system. Instead, it only activates the specific zone or area of your landscape that corresponds to the particular valve you are working with.

Step 7: Close the Manual Bleed Screw 

Once you have heard the air escape and witnessed a steady flow of water from the valve, it’s time to close the manual bleed screw. Using the same screwdriver, turn the bleed screw clockwise until it is tight, ensuring a secure seal. This step is crucial, as leaving the screw open can lead to continuous water leakage or pressure loss within your irrigation system.

After securing the bleed screw, it’s advisable to check for any visible leaks around the valve area. If you notice any leaks, you may need to tighten other connections or components. Once everything is secure, you can move on to the final step of manually turning on your sprinkler valve.

Step 8: Repeat for Other Sprinkler Valves

If you have multiple sprinkler valves in your system, you will need to repeat the same steps outlined above for each of them separately. Remember to turn off the manual bleed screw and remove any excess air from each valve before proceeding to the next one. Once all valves are turned on, you can leave your irrigation system running for its designated watering time or manually turn it off when necessary.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed all eight steps required to manually turn on a sprinkler valve. With this knowledge on how to manually turn on a sprinkler valve, you can now take full control over your irrigation system and ensure that your lawn and landscape receive the appropriate amount of water they need to thrive. Remember to regularly maintain your system and check for any issues, such as leaks or damaged components, to keep your sprinkler system running efficiently. Happy watering!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why Do I Need to Manually Activate My Sprinkler Valve?

A: Manual activation of a sprinkler valve is necessary in cases where the automatic controller is not functioning correctly or when you want to water your landscape outside of the pre-set schedule. Additionally, manually activating a sprinkler valve allows you to have complete control over the watering process and ensures that your system is running efficiently.

Q: Can I Manually Activate My Sprinkler Valve During Rainy Days?

A: It is generally not recommended to manually activate your sprinkler valve during rainy days as this can lead to over-watering and potential damage to your lawn or landscape. It’s important to regularly check weather forecasts and adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly to avoid wasting water and potentially harming your plants.

Q: How Do I Know if My Irrigation System Needs Maintenance?

A: There are several signs that may indicate your irrigation system needs maintenance, including uneven water distribution, visible leaks, unusually high water bills, or a malfunctioning automatic controller. It’s crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your system to prevent any issues and keep it running efficiently.

Q: Can I Adjust the Watering Duration When Manually Activating My Sprinkler Valve?

A: Yes, you can adjust the watering duration when manually activating your sprinkler valve by using the manual bleed screw to control the flow of water. You can also adjust the duration through your automatic controller when it is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

In summary, manually turning on your sprinkler valve is a straightforward process that ensures your irrigation system operates effectively, especially in situations where automatic controls fail or adjustments are needed.

By following the outlined steps on how to manually turn on a sprinkler valve—locating the manual bleed screw, releasing trapped air, and securely closing the screw—you gain valuable control over your watering practices.

Regular maintenance and attention to your system can prevent issues and promote a healthy landscape. Remember, a well-cared-for sprinkler system not only conserves water but also enhances the vitality of your plants and lawn. Happy gardening!