You’ve just installed a beautiful new patio or driveway, enhancing your outdoor space. But as the concrete sets, you notice something strange—green tops sticking out from the surface. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Those green caps are likely valve covers, or even worse, sprinkler heads that weren’t properly moved before the concrete was poured. Let’s explore why this happens, why it’s a problem, and how you can avoid it.
What Are These Green Tops?
The green tops you see are probably valve covers. These provide access to the underground valves that control your sprinkler system. While they need to be accessible, they definitely shouldn’t be stuck in your concrete. Sometimes, you might also see sprinkler heads popping out. Neither of these scenarios is good for your lawn, your sprinkler system, or the look of your new concrete.
Why Weren’t They Moved?
There are a few reasons why this might happen:
- Lack of Planning: Sometimes, the contractor didn’t plan for the sprinkler system or thought it wouldn’t get in the way. But this oversight can lead to big problems.
- Saving Time and Money: In an effort to cut costs or speed up the project, someone might skip the step of rerouting or capping off the sprinkler components. But this shortcut can lead to expensive repairs later.
- Miscommunication: If you or the contractor didn’t fully discuss where the sprinkler parts are, they might get overlooked during the concrete work.
Why Is This a Problem?
- Hard to Reach: Valve covers are meant to be accessible for repairs. If they’re covered in concrete, fixing them later becomes a costly and difficult job. The same goes for sprinkler heads stuck in concrete; you won’t be able to adjust or replace them easily.
- Damage Risk: If the sprinkler pipes ever leak, water could get under the concrete, causing cracks or making it uneven.
- Water Flow Issues: Sprinkler heads trapped under concrete can cause water to build up beneath the surface. This can weaken the concrete, leading to shifting, cracking, or major structural issues.
- Ugly Look: Green valve covers and sprinkler heads sticking out of your smooth concrete aren’t the look you were going for. It can ruin the appearance of your new patio or driveway.
- Higher Costs: Fixing these issues after the fact is much more expensive than dealing with them beforehand. It could mean cutting through the concrete, moving the pipes, and repouring the affected areas.
How to Avoid This Problem
Here’s how to make sure your new concrete looks great and works well:
- Map Your System: Before any concrete work starts, have your sprinkler system professionally mapped. This will show where all the valve covers and sprinkler heads are so they can be properly moved or adjusted.
- Move or Close Off: Depending on the layout, you might need to move sprinkler lines or close off certain heads to avoid problems with the new concrete. Make sure a qualified irrigation professional does this to keep everything working smoothly.
- Hire Experienced Contractors: Choose contractors who know how to work around sprinkler systems. They should check for valve covers and sprinkler heads before pouring any concrete.
- Clear Communication: Make sure everyone— you, your contractor, and your sprinkler system specialist— is on the same page. This helps avoid any mix-ups that could lead to problems later.
Conclusion: Protect Your Investment with Proper Planning
Investing in new concrete work is exciting, but it’s important to think about what’s underneath. By taking the time to properly move valves and sprinkler heads, you can avoid the hassle of green tops sticking out of your concrete and prevent costly repairs down the road.
At Whale Done Sprinklers and Irrigation, we specialize in making sure your sprinkler system is handled correctly during any home improvement project. Whether you’re planning to pour concrete or need to adjust your current system, we’re here to help. Give us a call, and let’s make sure your outdoor space looks perfect and works beautifully.
Until next time, here’s to well-planned projects and beautiful outdoor spaces!
