Zones not working - Where are the valves?

I have a 19 year old house. Two of the lawn's four zones do not work althought the controller puts out the required voltage as expected.

I found the primary wiring joints unprotected and buried in damp clay soil, behind the garage where the controller is located eek: great job!).

Problem is how can i locate the valves to check them out? I suspect they too are buried without a box to protect them. Would a metal detector work?

Any ideas and help much appreciated.

Hi,

I would suggest trying to find your water main or your pump outlet and trace that. to the valve manifold (even if the install was shoddy, the water is all presumably coming from one source)

If there's no manifold and they tee the water source to various yard locations and put valves all over, you've got a bit more of a challenge to locate all the valves.

Bottom line, the electricity has to get to the valves for them to operate. If you can't find that, you can be sure that you will find the valves if you trace the water source all over. Might be some digging though.

Yes, a metal detector will be very useful. You can also rent a valve locator at the local supply house.

Or, if you're good, Turn on the zone, then crawl around listening to the tell tale whine...but you'll get wet.