Question
A sprinkler system was installed on our hillside a number of years ago (5).  It is linked to a Toro control which has been unplugged as we thought it would stop the water flow.  In the box, there are three (3) values marked Rain Bird. However, it appears that one of the six stations may be continuing to run as at the foot of the retaining wall there is always a puddle of water.  And, the ground around and in the box is damp. How do we stop all water flow from the value box?  We have mandatory watering in the state now and really need the water to stop flowing.  Not to mention the water bill we are receiving.  We would rather use the Rainbird's that you stick in the ground again.  Help!

Answer
Dear Mj, I hope this helps. Normally when a system is installed, there should be a shut off valve just for the sprinkling system valves. You might have to do some investigating to see if you have a shut off valve. If you can't find this valve, or there is no valve, you need to find where the line running to the automatic valves was connected to the main line. To do this you can dig up the line at the valve box  and keep digging a hole down to the line about every 2 to 3 feet until you trace it back to where it is connected. At this point you can either cut a valve into this line, or cap the line off, so no more water is being fed to the automatic valves.If you no longer want to use the system you can just dig down to the main pipe feeding the valves by the valve box, and put a cap on this line so no water gets to the valves, like you asked, either way you will stop all water flow to the valves. Good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks and have a great day.