These unsung heroes of hydration last HOW long?!
One of the biggest advantages of installing an automatic sprinkler system is that you can set it and forget it—that is, until it needs repairing or replacing. From your sprinkler heads to your controller to your irrigation valves, each part of your system has a certain life expectancy. For valves, that life span is about 10 to 15 years, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to replace them at some point while living in your house. Below, we’ll explain how long sprinkler valves typically last and the signs that you need a new one.
Typically, sprinkler valves last between 10 and 15 years. However, this life span can vary depending on a few factors, including the type of valves you have and how often you use your sprinkler system. A well-maintained sprinkler system means a well-maintained sprinkler valve with a longer life span.
Sprinkler control valves, also known as sprinkler valves or irrigation valves, are a vital part of your irrigation system. There are a few different types of sprinkler control valves (including manual and automatic versions), but for this guide, we’ll focus on the most common type: solenoid valves. These valves run on electricity and are part of an automatic sprinkler system.
As a bit of background, modern sprinkler systems are split into separate zones, each of which corresponds to a different part of your yard. Within each zone, a sprinkler valve opens and closes to control the flow of water to that particular zone. Every irrigation valve works with multiple sprinkler heads so that they can distribute water across the zone.
So, how does a sprinkler valve know when to turn the water on and off? Inside each valve, there’s an electrical component called a solenoid. It receives messages from your irrigation system’s controller, which tells it when to open and close the valve based on your preferred sprinkler settings.
After years of use, your irrigation valves sustain a lot of wear and tear. As a result, they might stop working, become less efficient, or show other signs of damage. Here are some of the most common indicators that it’s time to swap out your sprinkler valves.
Low water pressure: If your sprinkler system’s water pressure is weaker than normal, a clogged valve could be to blame. However, low water pressure isn’t always related to valve problems, so it’s best to get an expert’s opinion if you have this issue.
Leaky sprinklers or valve boxes: Sometimes, valves can get stuck open, often due to a problem with the solenoid or debris caught in the valve. If this happens, you might notice water collecting around your sprinklers or in your valve box.
Sprinkler heads won’t pop up: Alternatively, you might have a valve that refuses to open. In that case, the sprinkler heads might not come out of the grass when they’re supposed to because the valve isn’t sending enough water their way.
Excessively wet patches of grass: Is one part of your lawn extra wet or mushy? You could have a leaky valve in that zone.
If you’re dealing with any of these issues, it’s a good idea to call a local sprinkler repair and installation pro. Not only can they identify and fix the problem, but they can also provide ongoing maintenance to keep your system in good condition and help prevent expensive repairs down the road.
The process usually takes an hour or two and involves shutting off your water supply, disconnecting the wiring on the existing valve, and swapping it out for an exact replacement. Your pro may also need to cut and glue PVC piping. If you don’t have experience with wiring and cutting piping, it’s best to contact a professional.
While they’re important, valves only represent one part of your irrigation system—so what’s the life span of some other common sprinkler system parts? Let’s take a look.
Valves can last up to 15 years, but how long do sprinklers as a whole last? With the right care and attention, an irrigation system can last 20 years or more. If yours isn’t working properly, sprinkler repair costs usually range from $130 to $410, with most people paying around $270.
Need to add a new irrigation system or replace your current one? The average cost to install a sprinkler system is $2,540 but can run between $1,670 and $3,550.
Sprinkler heads are the most visible parts of your irrigation system, which makes them vulnerable to all kinds of damage, including from lawnmowers, pests, and harsh weather. So, just how long do sprinkler heads last? High-quality ones can last between 10 and 15 years, while less-expensive versions might only work for a few years.
Replacing a sprinkler head is a fairly straightforward DIY job—just make sure to buy the right type of sprinkler head and consult your user manual for specific instructions. On average, changing a sprinkler head costs between $3 and $30 without professional help.
Several things can happen when a solenoid valve goes bad. For one, you might notice puddles in your yard or wet spots around your sprinklers or in the valve boxes. Alternatively, the sprinklers in a particular zone might not turn on at all if the solenoid valve in that zone is bad.
You might, depending on where you live. Backflow preventers ensure that water only flows in a single direction so that the dirty water from your home and irrigation system doesn’t contaminate your fresh water supply. Many municipalities require you to have a backflow preventer if you have a sprinkler system. But even if you don’t legally need one, installing a backflow preventer can give you peace of mind that your dirty water isn’t mixing with your clean water supply.
No, you shouldn’t leave your sprinkler valves open in winter. Before the first hard frost of the year, it’s important to winterize your sprinkler system, which involves opening your valves and draining any water inside. This helps prevent your system from freezing and cracking during the colder months. When the water is gone, make sure to close the valves for the season and insulate exterior components.
