Can you find sprinkler heads and valves using a metal detector? I know that it SHOULD work THEORETICALLY because heads have springs in them. I'm asking if you tried doing it or not. Was the detector able to pick a signal from them? Thanks so much.
Yes the can, keep disc lowest setting or use all metal mode. Then when you find one, see where it disc's out at for future searches. You may find a property iron marker in your search cus they put the heads and the lines near the property boundaries.
Jon
Sure can! Many times I've been commissioned to locate sprinkler heads, grave markers, soccer boundaries...etc. Run the machine wide open and dig mid-tones (at least on my machines). I also use those orange marker flags you get from Lowes to mark the head placement and sprinkler row lining. This extra touch always gets me referrals. Good Luck!
Agree with everyone and I have done it too. The valve box cover is usually a few inches under the soil so use a probe once you get a signal. You're probably trying to find the valve box because the heads for that zone won't operate. The problem is typically a bad electrical connection at the common wire connection to the valve so once you find the valve box, remove the electrical connector, twist the wires together and re-connect the connector.
Take a trip over to the dowsing forum...no seriously..with a pair of rods fashioned from coat hangers you have a decent chance at finding the buried water pipes. Takes an open mind and a methodical search pattern.
I only say that because my dad is pretty good at it.