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Emergency
Shut-Off Guide
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American Irrigation Repair

 Emergency
Shut-Off Guide

Recommended Tools

Having these items on hand can make locating and accessing your shut-off valves much easier:

  • Flathead Screwdriver
    (for probing grass or prying open box lids)

  • Channel-Lock Pliers or Vise Grips
    (for stiff or hard-to-turn handles)

  • Shovel
    (for locating hidden valve boxes or clearing out debris)

After-Hours Emergencies

If you cannot stop the leak yourself and it is outside normal business hours, contact your local municipal water provider immediately. Most utilities maintain 24/7 emergency personnel to shut off water at the main meter.

Active leak?

Here are step-by-step instructions ton what tools you will need and how to safely turn off your sprinkler system and protect your property.

First Step

What You’re Looking For

    • Locations:
      Shut-off assemblies are typically housed inside ground boxes (often green) or located above ground (frequently wrapped in insulation).

    • Key Components:
      The handles attached to the brass backflow assembly are your main shut-off controls.

    • Golden Rule of Valves:
      Parallel to the pipe = ON
      Perpendicular (90 deg) to the pipe = OFF

    Second Step

    Choose Your Valve Type & Turn the Water Off

      Below-Ground Valves

      ⚠️ Be Aware: Below-ground valve boxes often fill with dirt or debris. You may need to carefully dig out dirt to access the handles.

      Step 1: Find the Valve Box

      Look for a green rectangular box (typically $12 \times 18$ inches) near or behind your water meter close to the street. If covered by grass, probe gently with a long screwdriver or shovel.

      Step 2: Open the Box

      Lift the lid. Use a screwdriver to carefully pry it open if stuck.

      Step 3: Locate the Handles

      Look inside for two shut-off valves (handles are commonly blue or yellow).

      Step 4: Turn the Water OFF

      • Lever Handles:
        Turn either handle a full 90 degrees until it is perpendicular to the pipe        . (Use channel-lock pliers or vise grips if the handle is stiff).

      • Circular Valves:
        Turn clockwise until fully closed        .

      Note: Closing either valve stops the flow, but you can close both for extra security.

      Step 5: Confirm

      Watch the leak to ensure the water stops flowing.

      Above-Ground Valves

      ⚠️ Be Aware: Above-ground valves are often wrapped in insulation or placed inside protective covers. You may need to cut or remove tape/insulation.

      Step 1: Find the Backflow Preventer

      Locate the brass backflow device near the water meter, along the side of the house, or inside an enclosure.

      Step 2: Remove Insulation/Cover

      Remove protective coverings to expose the valves.

      Step 3: Locate the Handles

      Find the two shut-off valves on the brass assembly (usually blue or yellow handles).

      Step 4: Turn the Water OFF

      Turn either handle a full 90 degrees until it is perpendicular to the pipe.

      Step 5: Confirm

      Allow remaining trapped water in the lines to drain out, then verify that the active leak has stopped.

      What to Do If the Water Doesn’t Stop?
      Step 1

      Double-Check the Valve handles

      Ensure the handles are rotated a complete 90 degree. A partial turn will still let water pass through.

      Step 2

      Turn Off Your Main House Lines

      If the irrigation valves are fully closed but water continues running, the leak may be on your main household plumbing system rather than the irrigation setup. You may need to shut off the main supply to the entire home or turn off water at the meter.

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