Question
Bought house 9 years ago, one zone does not work, previous owner did not tell me where control box was. I know the control box has to be in front  of the house. Where would it be and how deep in the ground would the box be.

Answer
Hi John,
Usually the valve box is located close to the water source, like pump or backflow.  Probably it is cover with dirt, mulch or sod, should be only a few inches deep. If you hit, gentle, with a shovel you will ear when hits the plastic cover.

You also can rent an valve locator in any irrigation store, here in Florida cost $45 a day.

Regards
Guillermo