Stop and Waste Maintenance Salt Lake City Utah
Sprinkler System
Stop and Waste Valve Service and Maintenance
We offer full-service stop and waste maintenance and inspection as part of our sprinkler spring turn-on service and sprinkler winterization service.
Stop and Waste Maintenance
You could be wasting gallons of water and causing long-term damage to your landscaping if your irrigation system stop and waste valve is leaking. The stop & waste valve of your sprinkler system is the main shut-off valve and draining mechanism used to protect your sprinkler pipes during the winter and properly turning it on and off, as well as maintaining it in peak condition, is the most important thing you can do to maintain the lifespan of your sprinkler system. We offer a complete range of services for your stop and waste valve, from seasonal turn off/turn and maintenance checks to valve repair or replacement and installations.
If you think you may have a stop and waste problem, have it checked and repaired by a professional. You'll save money, protect your assets and enjoy peace of mind.
What is the Stop and Waste Valve?
The stop and waste valve is an isolation valve that connects to the water main pipe leading to your home to supply water to your sprinkler system. The stop and waste valve is typically located several feet underground, below the frost line, and is turned on or off with 4-5 foot long ‘t-bar’ valve key. A drain pad located under the valve is part of the valves function and enables efficient drainage out of the sprinkler system.
To understand what this valve does, we can dissect the meaning of its name: “stop” refers to stopping water from your water main pipe from flowing to your sprinkler system. In the fall, the stop and waste valve is turned off, stopping water flowing into the irrigation system. Likewise, in the spring, the stop and waste valve is turned on. “Waste” in plumbing terms refers to drainage and indicates that the stop and waste valve enables the draining of the sprinkler system.
Locating Your Stop and Waste
Locating the entry point to the stop and waste valve can be difficult, as it is usually located a few inches underground. Generally, the stop and waste will be located near where your main water line, buried in accordance with the depth of the water line that runs to your property. To access the valve with the t-bar valve key, you will need to find a plastic cap covering the access tube that may be located a few inches under the grass or ground. If you don’t already know where it is, this will require probing the ground in the vicinity where you believe the main water line runs. We are experienced at finding difficult to find stop and waste access points and are happy to assist.
How to Use Your Stop and Waste
Your Stop and Waste valve is turned on or off by inserting the 4-5 foot long t-bar valve key into the access tub until it latches onto the valve knob, and you’re able to twist it. The valve has a stop that allows the valve to only be turned within a permissible range. Twist right ¼ turn to turn off, and turn left ¼ turn to turn on. The ease of turning the valve on or off varies based on the type, quality and condition of the valve. It may be necessary to exercise some care when twisting the valve, as poor quality valves can snap if twisted with too much force.
Upon turning off your stop and waste valve, water should drain from your sprinkler system into the drain paid. Water may be a temporary appear in the access tube as water drains out, but too much water or persistent water in this location can be a sign of a failing stop and waste valve.
Top Signs Your Stop and Waste Valve Needs Attention
Telltale signs of a stop and waste valve that has failed or is failing:
Sprinkler Main Shut-off Valve Leaking or Water in Valve Access Tube
If you notice that water flows continuously from the access tube used to access the valve shut off with the t-bar valve key, this indicates a failed stop waste valve. As mentioned above, water appearing temporarily at the time the valve is shut off is not a cause for concern, but continuous water, even in small amounts, indicates a failed valve.
Sprinkler Main Shut-off Valve is Difficult To Turn On/Off
Failing stop waste valves can become difficult to turn on or off. This can be a more difficult symptom to assess, since the ease of twisting different valves varies considerably by quality/brand,etc.
You can expect a commercial-grade stop and waste valves to last 20-30 years or beyond, but poorer quality versions can fail considerably sooner. With proper care and maintenance, you can enhance the lifespan of your stop waste valve.
If you have noticed any of these signs with your stop & waste valve, please give us a call. We will be happy to inspect and recommend appropriate an repair or replacement.
How we maintain your stop and waste - let us handle it!
As part of our standard spring sprinkler turn-on service, as well as our sprinkler winterization turn-off service, we will turn your stop waste valve on and off. Given our wide experience with stop waste valves, we are well equipped to find lost stop waste access tubes, and operating stubborn valves. We also are careful to do so in a way that does not damage your drain port.
The time of spring sprinkler turn on and sprinkler winterization turn off is the perfect time to assess the health of your stop waste valve. As part of our standard process, we will check for leaks in the stop and waste valve and ensure that the access tube to the stop waste valve is findable, and remains angled correctly and has no obstructions to access.
By taking the proper steps to maintain and properly operate your stop waste valve, you can be confident that your irrigation system will be properly protect during the winter and can operate properly and efficiently during the warmer parts of the year.
Having a Stop & Waste Emergency?
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We provide Sprinkler Repair and Stop & Waste Valve Services in the following cities & neighborhoods in the Salt Lake City Utah Area
Salt Lake City
Sugarhouse
Avenues
Yalecrest / Harvard Yale
East Bench / St Marys
Sunnyside
Bonneville Hills
Wasatch Hollow
Capital Hill
Westpointe
Downtown
Central City
East Central
Ballpark
Fairpark
Liberty Wells
Holladay
Millcreek
Murray
Sandy
Draper
Canyon Rim
Zions Park
Olympus Cove
Cottonwood Heights
South Salt Lake
Oakdale
Jamestown
Wildwood
Smithfield
Alta Vista
Little Cottonwood Creek Valley
Park City
Jeremy Ranch
Summit Park
Midway
Heber City
Silver Summit
Snyderville
West Valley City
West Jordan
South Jordan
Herriman
Bluffdale
Magna
Glendale
Rose Park
Jordan Meadows
Poplar Grove
Fairpark
Taylorsville
Kearns
Oquirrh
Riverton
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