Stop and Wastes: What the Heck are They?

What is a “cornerstone”? The Oxford dictionary defines it as: An important feature on which a particular thing depends on or is based. When applying this logic to an irrigation system, we can simplify the setup with 4 fundamental parts. These “cornerstones” are as follows; a stop and waste, backflow, manifold, and an irrigation clock. Today, we are going to focus in on the first key part of your irrigation set up …the stop and waste! (Que in cheering crowd …woooo!) So, without delay, let’s get to it.

As our title asks, “What the heck are they?”

A Stop-and-Waste is a ball valve that attaches your main waterline to your irrigation system, and it prevents water from freezing in the lines. When closed, they prevent any water at all, from flowing into and through your irrigation system. Furthermore, it will drain any water present. So, in the simplest terms, its your main on/off switch.

Now, Stop-and-Wastes are often confused with Curb Stops. Which is understandable, as both of these valves work as the main gateway for water to enter another pipe system (the primary system being a municipal waterline). BUT there is one major feature that makes the two completely different. Depicted to the left, is a side-by-side comparison.

As you can see, Figure A is a picture of a Stop-and-Waste. Whereas, Figure B illustrates a Curb Stop. At present, I’m sure you have already noted the difference. Stop-and-Wastes have a bleeder port on its side that allows access water to drain out of your system, when closed. Thus, preventing water freezing in it during cold months. …Curb Stops do not.

Since that has been officially cleared up, let’s move onto where a Stop-and-Waste is located within your system. Our next picture in the line-up shows just that.

As previously noted, your home receives its water from a municipal mainline (…unless your home’s water runs on well water. Then disregard this…) The first valve, the Curb Stop, controls the water flow to your home. More times than not, your home’s Curb Stop is located close to a side walk, road, or the end of a driveway. An irrigation pipeline bisects the main waterline down flow from the Curb Stop. This is where your systems Stop-and-Waste comes in. This valve will always be adjacent and somewhere behind the main one. 

If you’re lucky, both valves will be within sight of each other. But, if you’re not so lucky, look for a PVC pipe that is sticking up above ground, and has a removable cap on top. (The pipe and cap are often white, or black in color.) Remove the cap, and shine a light down the hole. Stop-and-Wastes are installed anywhere from 2 to 5 feet below ground, the pipe will extend all the way down to the valve.

Turning off your Stop-and-Waste requires a special water key; most hardware or plumbing stores will carry them. Simply insert the key end into the pipe, and put it over the valve’s handle. Then turn the key till the handle is completely perpendicular with the valves flow direction. It is important to make sure that it is completely perpendicular, or the valve will continue to leak water into your system.

Because Stop-and-Wastes are a little harder to get to, due to it being a few good feet below ground, turning it off, or on is only needed in a couple of instances.

1. Winterization - Maintaining your irrigation lines during cold weather is important because water trapped in your system can freeze. When water freezes it expands, which can cause damage and breaks within nearly every part of your system. Turning off your system’s water supply allows you to blow out any remaining water within the system.
2. There is a leak, or break within your backflow. Backflows are a secondary shut off valve. But, if there are repairs that need to be accomplished to that apparatus, then water needs to be shut off at the stop and waste.

Stop-and-Wastes are the gateway to your irrigation system. Knowing what they do, where it is, and how to use it helps you prepare for the potential of breaks, and allows you to be more independent (and save more money…) with your system’s annual maintenance.