Question
Several years ago, we had an irrigation system put in by a professional landscaper.  Last summer, the main PVC pipe broke, right where the backflow valve is.  I fixed that, but some dirt got into the line, causing one of the valves to stick partially open.  I fixed one of them, but I can't find the second valve to fix that.  Are there any easy ways to find a buried valve?  Most of ours are in a well with 6" pipe around, rising to about 4" above ground, but the offending one isn't where I thought it should be, and I don't see it at all...

thanks

Answer
Hey Jay, when we cannot find an automatic valve, we use a wire/valve locator. what you would do, is disconnect the wire from the controller going to the valve that you are trying to find. Then you would hook the wire locator lead to this wire, and with a wand from the locator,trace the wire out to where the valve is located. Generally when the wand is waved over the valve, the signal strength goes up on the locator (because of the solenoid on the valve), and this will enable you to pinpoint the valve. Check with a local irrigation supplier, generally they will have a locator you can rent. Good luck and have a great day.