In search o how to keep the sprinkler valve box dry? The sprinkler valve box is a major component of the sprinkler system. It encloses the manifold, which circulates water to the valves and the valves themselves.
Sometimes, the valve box can be on the ground and covered with a lid. Other times, it can be above the ground level. If your sprinkler valve box is located below ground level, it may be more prone to getting wet due to rainfall or excess watering.
It is important to prevent water and dirt from entering your sprinkler valve. Excess water in the valve box may cause irreversible damage to your sprinkler system.
A few factors can cause your sprinkler valve to get wet. However, it is possible to make the box safe from damage.
In this article, we will provide useful tips on how to keep the sprinkler box dry.
Keep on reading to find out!
How Does The Sprinkler Valve Work?
Having a basic understanding of how the sprinkler valve works will help you operate it to prevent damage. Moreover, it will help to keep you safe as the equipment has an electric unit.
That said, here are the simple steps by which the sprinkler valve works:
- When the water from the main system enters the diaphragm, it exerts pressure on it.
- There’s a space between the bonnet and the diaphragm called the upper chamber. Water passes through a small hole in the diaphragm to the upper chamber.
- Next, water flows from the upper chamber to the bonnet and the solenoid—the main unit that allows the valves to be controlled using an electronic method.
- When the valve is closed, the metal-loaded piston in the solenoid covers the hole where water is supposed to pass through, thereby stopping the water flow.
- Unless the water in the upper chamber is released, the valves will not open.
How To Keep The Sprinkler Valve Box Dry
One of the ways to maintain your valve box is by keeping it dry. This will ensure that it works perfectly and lasts longer.
Here are 3 tips to achieve this:
1. Avoid Placing The Box On The Floor
When the sprinkler valve box is on the ground, it quickly gets wet. Keep your valve box in a slightly high place to prevent water from flowing into it.
If possible, place the valve box on a tall piece of concrete nearby. And if not, use a strong object such as a brick to guide it.
2. Cover The Box
Create a protective barrier around the valve box to prevent water from entering it. Keep on monitoring the box so that if the cover Is no longer there, you can put it back in place. Aside from preventing moisture from draining into the sprinkler valve, a covering will keep the box insulated, especially when freezing.
3. Repair Cracked Parts
Once you notice a part of the valve box is cracked and leaking, don’t hesitate to fix it. If the damage is extensive, it will be best to replace the box.
Without fixing this major problem, water will continue to enter the box and may cause the valves to rust. Moreover, the sprinkler system may stop working entirely within a short time. Prevention is the cheaper alternative in this situation.
How Do You Clean Your Sprinkler Valve Box?
Inspecting and cleaning your valve box regularly will prevent it from malfunctioning. Create a regular schedule for cleaning the box and stick to it. Not only will the sprinkler system last longer, but it will continue to work perfectly.
Here are simple tips for cleaning your valve box:
- Switch off the power source that controls the sprinkler system and turn off the water supply.
- Remove the lid that covers the valve box.
- Take the spring and diaphragm out of the valve.
- Using a soft, clean cloth, wipe off all the dirt and debris.
- After cleaning all the parts of the valve thoroughly, return all the components one after another.
Simple Tips For Draining Your Sprinkler System
When winter approaches, it is important to drain your sprinkler system to prevent freeze damage. There are a few ways in which you can perform this simple task. But it all depends on the type of drain that was installed in your sprinkler system.
If your system is manual-draining, the sprinkler heads will most likely have check valves. Still, you can check the manual that came with the equipment to be certain.
Knowing the type of drain in your sprinkler system will determine whether you’ll use automatic or manual drain valves for it.
Now let’s move on to how to drain your sprinkler system.
Using Automatic Drain Valves
- Close the main valve to the sprinkler system and wait. The pressure inside the sprinkler system will fall, causing water to drain automatically.
- Locate the drain cap in the system and open it to remove trapped water. The drain cap is between the backflow device and the main valve.
- Put the drain cap back in its position.
- Drain any remaining water by lifting each sprinkler head.
Using Manual Drain Valves
- Find the manual drain valves; they are the points where water accumulates when you shut the system off.
- Next, close the main valve to the system to stop the supply of water.
- To drain all the water from the pipes and sprinkler heads, keep all the manual valves for each zone open for some time to prevent it from freezing.
- Remove each sprinkler head to drain any leftover water out.
- To prevent snow from entering the drains, remember to close them back.
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Final Thoughts
If you have a sprinkler system, it is important to use a sprinkler box. They help to keep your valves free of dirt, water and other materials that can cause damage to your sprinkler system.
As we’ve discussed in this article, it is better to prevent this equipment from being damp all the time. From the tips we’ve provided, we are certain you now know how to keep your sprinkler box dry.
Keep the box above the ground, create a protective barrier around it, and fix all the cracks. By following these simple tips, your sprinkler system will continue to work perfectly and also last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sprinkler Valves Get Wet?
Yes, sprinkler valves can get wet once in a while due to some factors. However, you should not leave the valves in the water indefinitely because their metal parts will rust quickly.
In addition, seal and waterproof the wires in the sprinkler valves, not only for safety purposes but also for the equipment’s durability.
Why Does My Sprinkler Leak Water When The System Is Turned Off?
When there’s a blockage in the device that operates the valve, there will likely be a leak. There’s also a chance that the valve is weak and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Another possible reason for the leakage is low head drainage.
Leaky valves are easy to notice because water will not stop flowing out of the sprinkler, even after you’ve shut it off. Always check your sprinkler system every month so that you can quickly notice when there’s damage to any part of it.
What Happens If I Don’t Winterize Sprinklers?
If you don’t winterize your sprinklers, the water in the valves, sprinkler heads, and pipes will freeze. There will be an expansion in these parts, causing them to crack. When this happens, your sprinkler system will likely get damaged.

Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below