Replacing a valve is an easy-to-moderate job that requires some experience joining PVC pipe with solvent cement.

When selecting the new valve, ensure the PVC adapters fit the valve sockets before leaving the store.

Check with your local building department for height requirements.

Lawn irrigation valve box exposed showing pipe and valve with wires

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The valve is closed when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.

You must connect the wires to the new valve in the same way.

When you’re ready, disconnect the wires from the sprinkler valve.

Materials and tools to replace a lawn irrigation sprinkler valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Cut as close as possible to the old fittings to conserve pipe length.

The new sprinkler valve will be only slightly lower than the old one.

Tighten the adapters with tongue-and-groove pliers but be gentle to avoid cracking the parts.

Water shut off valve

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Let the PVC solvent glue dry for about two hours.

Check the valve and all connections for leaks.

Verify that you installed the wires correctly by making sure the timer works with the new valve.

Low-voltage wires disconnected from sprinkler valve in exposed valve box

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

One or two sprinkler valves can by a relatively easy job for an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer.

But replacing all of the valves can be a time-consuming job.

Sprinkler valves cost from $17 to around $100, depending on the manufacturer.

PVC irrigation pipes cut through with yellow pipe cutter to remove old valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Most valves cost in the $20 to $40 range.

PVC MIP adapters cost just $1 or $2 each, and only two are needed.

Sprinkler valves can be replaced on an as-needed basis or about every 10 to15 years.

New PVC male adapters inserted into sprinkler valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

PVC primer and solvent glue added to outside of pipe ends to install new valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Wires connected within new valve for testing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris