How to Reroute Underground Sprinkler Wires Without Digging

Having a properly functioning underground sprinkler system is essential for keeping your lawn and garden healthy and lush. But over time, the wiring under the ground can become damaged or need to be moved. The prospect of digging up your yard to access the wires can be daunting. Fortunately, there are methods to reroute underground sprinkler wires without all that back-breaking work.

Locating the Existing Wires

Before doing anything else, you need to identify the path of your existing sprinkler wires. Here are some tips for locating them:

Check the blueprints - If you have the original plans for your sprinkler system, they should indicate the layout of the wiring trenches. This will give you a general idea of where to investigate.
Use a wire tracer - A wire tracing tool can detect electromagnetic signals from the wires and help you mark their path. You can rent these for a reasonable price from most hardware stores or irrigation supply centers.
Look for wire access boxes - Many systems have small round or rectangular access boxes along the wire path that allow you to locate and access the wiring. Check along sprinkler line runs and near control valves.
Follow the control valve wires - Wires connecting to anti-siphon valves above ground can lead back to wiring trenches. Use these to trace paths.

Planning the New Wire Route

Once you've mapped out your existing wire route, you can determine the best path for the new rerouted wires. Here are some planning tips:

Choose the shortest route - Try to choose the most direct path to limit the length of wire needed. Shorter wire runs are easier to install and less prone to damage.
Avoid obstructions - Steer clear of trees, patios, sidewalks, and other obstacles that would make installation difficult or could damage the wiring.
Utilize unused space - Look for open lawn areas away from existing wiring that can accommodate trenched wiring.
Connect to control valves - Make sure your new wire path has access to any control valves it will need to connect to.
Consider future changes - If you expect to expand or alter your system again later, plan a route that leaves room for additional wiring.

Installing New Wiring Trenches

Time to start digging! Here are some tips for cleanly installing your new wiring trenches:

Use a special trenching shovel - A shovel with angled blades will neatly cut a v-shaped trench for wiring. Remove any large rocks or debris as you dig.
Dig to adequate depth - For most regions, you'll need to trench 12-18 inches deep to allow room for the piping and prevent damage.
Run piping alongside wire - Install new piping next to the wiring trench if needed to reroute sprinkler heads. Use gravel or sand in the trench to bed both.
NEVER kink or sharply bend wires - Make sure to keep wiring loose in the trench. Tight bends can damage the wiring over time.
Backfill with care - Fill the trench gently and pack the soil to avoid settling. But don't overly compact it, as that can also harm wiring.

Connecting and Testing New Wiring

You're on the home stretch now. Just make the new connections and test the system:

Splice into the existing wires - Use waterproof direct burial wire connectors to tie the new wires into your original wiring.
Connect any extra zones - If you added any new sprinkler zones, attach their wiring to a control valve and connect valve wires.
Check for secure fits - Tug on each connector gently to ensure a tight, water-resistant connection. Loose splices can cause system failures.
Program the new zones - Update your sprinkler controller programming to include any new stations or rerouted ones.
Test each zone - Turn the system on manually zone-by-zone to check for leaks, clogged heads, and ensure proper coverage.

With some careful planning and strategic trenching, you can successfully reroute your sprinkler wiring without disturbing your entire landscape! Maintaining those wiring trenches over time will prevent having to dig everything up again down the road.