About Sprinkler Stop-And-Waste Valves
Have you ever heard of an irrigation sprinkler stop-and-waste valve? Many homeowners do not know what this term is, even if they have sprinkler systems of their own. While it’s common not to know what a stop-and-waste valve is, it’s important to learn as this can help protect your home and ensure your plumbing system works.
In this article, experts explain how these systems work, the location of stop-and-waste valves on your property, and the cost of sprinkler stop-and-waste valves.
What Are Sprinkler Stop-And-Waste Valves?
Sprinkler stop-and-waste valves are a key feature on a sprinkler system and are used to keep the sprinkler from freezing over in the winter. They can also be used as the main cut off valve for the sprinkler system.The main cut off valve is underground with a T-shaped piece of hardware on top. This is called a T-bar and the quality of its construction is important because some break easily if made out of cheaper plastics.
This allows you to cut off the water for the sprinklers, creating an isolated section from the rest of your house. This allows you to still use the plumbing in your home without running water through your sprinkler system. It’s always important to prevent your pipes from freezing as this can cause burst pipes during the winter season.
Where Are Sprinkler Stop-And-Waste Valves Located?
Sprinkler stop-and-waste valves are located where the main water line is. They sit under the ground and have a T-shaped piece of hardware on top. The technician in charge of installing the sprinkler stop-and-waste valve should make a cut in between the water main and the house, usually closer to the water line or closer to the road.
It’s beneficial for you to know where your stop-and-waste valves are located on your property for multiple reasons. The first is that you may need to do maintenance, repairs, or replacement on the valve and hardware. You may need to switch off the water for the sprinkler system in the fall to keep the pipes from freezing over.
Sprinkler Stop-And-Waste Cost Analysis
Sprinklers can be one area of the home that is very wasteful of water if they are malfunctioning. If the sprinkler stop-and waste valve is not working properly you can actually be losing money.This is why it is so important to fix broken sprinkler stop-and-waste valves as soon as it happens. Most stop-and-waste valves last for about 20 years before they need replacement, so if yours is around that age it is time to start thinking about upgrading before the outdated equipment ends up in a plumbing emergency.
If the water can flow steadily through even in the “off” position, the stop-and-waste valve is worn out and needs replacement. When it comes to replacement and repairs, leave it up to technicians who are trained on how to get the job done right.
About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C
B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C have been a family-owned business servicing the St. Michael, MN area since 1982 with comprehensive plumbing services. For timely home services including maintenance, installation, and emergency services, give B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C a call.
