Stop-and-Waste Valve Installation

A Stop-and-Waste Valve is installed below the frost line so it can be used to shut off water and automatically drain (or "waste") the remaining water from the line, protecting it from freezing.

Here are the key benefits of installing one:

1. Freeze Protection

• After shutting off the water, the valve’s “waste” port automatically drains water from the line, preventing damage from freezing and bursting pipes.
   
• Especially useful in colder climates like Colorado, where frost can penetrate deep into the ground.
   

2. Convenient Winterization

• Eliminates the need to manually blow out lines with compressed air for short runs (though long irrigation systems may still require it).
   
• Makes seasonal shutdown quick and simple.
   

3. Protection for Outdoor Fixtures

• Extends the lifespan of hose bibs, yard hydrants, sprinkler lines, and other outdoor water connections by keeping them dry during winter.
   

4. Reduced Repair Costs

• Prevents expensive repairs from cracked lines or busted sprinkler systems caused by trapped water expanding in freezing weather.
   

5. Easy Water Control

• Lets you shut off the water supply to an outdoor zone without affecting indoor plumbing.
   
• Useful for repairs or replacing outdoor fixtures without shutting water to the whole house.
   

6. Low Maintenance

• Few moving parts, buried below frost depth, and designed for long-term reliability.

Here’s a clear installation overview for a stop-and-waste valve so you know what to expect:

1. Locate the Supply Line

• Identify the outdoor water line you want to protect (often the irrigation or yard hydrant line).
   
• The valve must be installed below the frost line (typically 18–24 inches deep in Colorado) so it stays insulated from freezing temperatures.
   

2. Shut Off Water Supply

• Turn off the main water supply to the line.
   
• Open an outdoor faucet to relieve any pressure and drain water from the system.
   

3. Excavate the Area

• Dig down to the frost depth at the point where you want to install the valve.
   
• Make sure there’s room to work around the pipe.
   

4. Cut and Prepare the Pipe

• Use a pipe cutter to remove a section of the existing supply line.
   
• Clean and deburr the ends to ensure a proper seal.
   

5. Install the Valve

• Position the stop-and-waste valve with the waste port facing downward.
   
• Connect it to the line using the correct fittings (PVC, PEX, or copper, depending on the pipe type).
   
• Ensure all joints are sealed and secure.
   

6. Test the Installation

• Turn on the water supply and check for leaks while the valve is open.
   
• Close the valve to ensure water shuts off and the waste port drains properly.
   

7. Backfill and Finish

• Once tested, backfill the hole with soil, keeping the valve handle accessible through a valve box if needed.
   
• Replace any landscaping disturbed during digging.