I thought a picture might help. See attached. The bright white fitting on the other side of the filter is a 20GPM pressure reducer. I guess my question is better stated as, can either the control valve or the pressure reducer malfunction in a way that would lead to very little pressure/flow in the drip system. If this isn't the problem and a major leak is more likely, I dont want to mess with this setup. I confirmed that turning the valve off doesn't result in the flow stopping. If I have to replace this, is it safe to assume there is live pressure on the other end of the control valve and I will need to turn off the water to the house to switch it out.

{{gwi:326716}}

jr,

You are right in your logic. Do the less expensive items for first.

1. Install a shut-off ball before all the valve. Test this line to see what flow and pressure you have going into the valve.
2. replace any valve that don't work. Most likely they are stuck half open and restricting flow as you suspected.
3. Unless your water is from a well or lake, get rid of the filter.
4. Do you have a controller? If so, can you turn on the auto valves manually from the controller? If not, can you manually turn each valve, in not replace it.
5. GL Aloha