Question
how many ways are their to wire valves? from the vlaves to the controller


Answer
One common way and one not so common way.
One of the wires from each valve is connected to a "common wire" usually the white wire. The other wire on the valve has 1 separate wire to it, "hot wire". This is the common way most irrigation systems are wired and controlled. Sometimes 2 or 3 valves maybe wired to the same hot wire. This is done to activate all of the valves on that zone together. If you see sprinklers coming on in a number of areas around the property, that is probably what was done. Assuming there isn't a malfunction of the controller or wiring.

The only variation is a relatively new system which uses only 2 wires and has a decoder which turns on the valve. Each decoder has a unique "phone number", so to speak. The controller calls a particular decoder and tells it to activate the valve. If your working on one of these I would suggest a professional. They are very unforgiving of mistakes.

Hope this answer your question.

Matt