Locate the Stop and Waste Access

The stop and waste access is often hidden by grass growing over it. Locate this before proceeding.

Alternative Shutoff Types

Some systems may have a regular ball valve located in the crawl space of the home instead of a stop and waste valve.

If there's a backflow preventer, turn it off before the main shutoff. The handle positions indicate whether valves are open or closed.

Slowly turn the water on by twisting counterclockwise. Note that a stop and waste valve only turns 1/4 turn.

Use the first test cock to flush any debris from the line. Open it using a flathead screwdriver.

Turn the #2 shutoff slightly on to allow the system to fill slowly.

Find all sprinkler valves and valve boxes on the property.

Shut off any open drains or hose bibs.

Set all valves to the closed position by turning the solenoid and bleed valve clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten.

The center stem on most valves is a flow control, used to adjust water flow, not to turn the valve on or off.

Once the system is fully pressurized, open the #2 shutoff fully for the rest of the watering season.

Set the sprinkler timer to the Auto position. Adjust the timer settings as necessary for your watering needs.