Irrigation Flow-Sensor Vault Pads for Pinellas Yards

Newer Pinellas irrigation systems add a flow sensor so the controller can shut a zone down when a head breaks. The sensor is usually a plastic body in a valve box, set in a side yard that later gets mulch, turf, or a paver walk. Once the box lid disappears, the only clue is a high water bill.

A pad that keeps the sensor serviceable

We set a small paver pad or a flush collar around the valve box so the lid stays at grade. The box is not buried in bedding sand, and the wire splice is looped inside the box rather than pulled tight under the field. If the walk or drive crosses the sensor line, the pipe and wire go in a sleeve before the base is compacted.

• Keep the lid flush. A raised box is a mower strike and a trip edge.

• Do not lock the box under a soldier course that has to be torn out for service.

• Sleeve sensor wire where it crosses a driveway or patio.

• Pitch the pad away from the box so irrigation water does not sit on the splice.

Reclaimed-water staining is common on these pads. A darker border hides the rust-colored spray better than a light field. The sensor itself should stay accessible to the irrigation tech without a call back to the hardscape crew.

PaverForge Hardscapes builds flow-sensor vault pads, valve-box collars, and other irrigation hardscape details for Pinellas yards. Call 727-490-9798 or book at paverforge.com/book-online.