How Long Do Sprinkler Valves Last? Average Life Span and Impacting Factors

One of the biggest advantages of installing an automatic sprinkler system is that you can set it and forget it—that is, until it needs repairing or replacing. From your sprinkler heads to your controller to your irrigation valves, each part of your system has a certain life expectancy. For valves, that life span is about 10 to 15 years, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to replace them at some point while living in your house. Below, we’ll explain how long sprinkler valves typically last and the signs that you need a new one.

How Long Does a Sprinkler Valve Last?

Typically, sprinkler valves last between 10 and 15 years. However, this life span can vary depending on a few factors, including the type of valves you have and how often you use your sprinkler system. A well-maintained sprinkler system means a well-maintained sprinkler valve with a longer life span. 

What Is a Sprinkler Valve and How Does It Work?

Sprinkler control valves, also known as sprinkler valves or irrigation valves, are a vital part of your irrigation system. There are a few different types of sprinkler control valves (including manual and automatic versions), but for this guide, we’ll focus on the most common type: solenoid valves. These valves run on electricity and are part of an automatic sprinkler system.

As a bit of background, modern sprinkler systems are split into separate zones, each of which corresponds to a different part of your yard. Within each zone, a sprinkler valve opens and closes to control the flow of water to that particular zone. Every irrigation valve works with multiple sprinkler heads so that they can distribute water across the zone.

So, how does a sprinkler valve know when to turn the water on and off? Inside each valve, there’s an electrical component called a solenoid. It receives messages from your irrigation system’s controller, which tells it when to open and close the valve based on your preferred sprinkler settings.

4 Signs It Might Be Time to Replace Your Sprinkler Valve

After years of use, your irrigation valves sustain a lot of wear and tear. As a result, they might stop working, become less efficient, or show other signs of damage. Here are some of the most common indicators that it’s time to swap out your sprinkler valves.

• Low water pressure: If your sprinkler system’s water pressure is weaker than normal, a clogged valve could be to blame. However, low water pressure isn’t always related to valve problems, so it’s best to get an expert’s opinion if you have this issue.

• Leaky sprinklers or valve boxes: Sometimes, valves can get stuck open, often due to a problem with the solenoid or debris caught in the valve. If this happens, you might notice water collecting around your sprinklers or in your valve box.

• Sprinkler heads won’t pop up: Alternatively, you might have a valve that refuses to open. In that case, the sprinkler heads might not come out of the grass when they’re supposed to because the valve isn’t sending enough water their way.

• Excessively wet patches of grass: Is one part of your lawn extra wet or mushy? You could have a leaky valve in that zone.

Who Handles Sprinkler Valve Replacement?

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, it’s a good idea to call a local sprinkler repair and installation pro. Not only can they identify and fix the problem, but they can also provide ongoing maintenance to keep your system in good condition and help prevent expensive repairs down the road.

The process usually takes an hour or two and involves shutting off your water supply, disconnecting the wiring on the existing valve, and swapping it out for an exact replacement. Your pro may also need to cut and glue PVC piping. If you don’t have experience with wiring and cutting piping, it’s best to contact a professional.

Life Spans of Other Sprinkler System Components

While they’re important, valves only represent one part of your irrigation system—so what’s the life span of some other common sprinkler system parts? Let’s take a look.

Irrigation Systems

Valves can last up to 15 years, but how long do sprinklers as a whole last? With the right care and attention, an irrigation system can last 20 years or more. If yours isn’t working properly, sprinkler repair costs usually range from $130 to $410, with most people paying around $270. 

Need to add a new irrigation system or replace your current one? The average cost to install a sprinkler system is $2,540 but can run between $1,670 and $3,550.

Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads are the most visible parts of your irrigation system, which makes them vulnerable to all kinds of damage, including from lawnmowers, pests, and harsh weather. So, just how long do sprinkler heads last? High-quality ones can last between 10 and 15 years, while less-expensive versions might only work for a few years.

Replacing a sprinkler head is a fairly straightforward DIY job—just make sure to buy the right type of sprinkler head and consult your user manual for specific instructions. On average, changing a sprinkler head costs between $3 and $30 without professional help.