How to Repair a Sprinkler Valve
- Step 1 - Check the Sprinkler Heads for Damage. If the sprinkler head is clogged, dented or scraped, the valve inside it...
- Step 2 - Turn Off the Sprinkler System and Water Supply. Shut off the sprinkler system controller before beginning any...
- Step 3 - Remove the Solenoid. Release the sprinkler valve solenoid —a thin cylinder with a wire...
How to tell if your sprinkler system needs repair?
To Winterize:
- See if your system has auto-drain valves. ...
- If you have manual drains, you'll need to use an air compressor with pressure between 50 and 100 PSI. ...
- Open the valve manifolds to allow any remaining water to drain.
- Hook up the air compressor and run air through each zone in your system until you've cleared all zones of water.
How much does it cost to fix a sprinkler system?
How much does it cost to repair sprinkler system? The average cost to repair your sprinkler system is $75 to $250, with most homeowners paying $212. Most sprinkler repairs involve replacing sprinkler heads at $5 to $20 per head, or replacing valves at $20 to $40 per valve, not including the cost of labor of about $75 an hour by a professional plumber.
Should I repair or replace a sprinkler system?
You may need to call a pro if you have one of the following concerns:
- obvious broken or damaged parts
- dry spots in your yard, despite cleaning sprinkler heads
- zones that aren't turning on
- water bubbling around heads
- equipment more than 20 years old
How to fix sprinkler valve that wont shut off?
What To Do if Your Sprinkler Valve will Not Shut Off
- Turn off the water supply. If you’re noticing a leak, a geyser, or your sprinkler system simply won’t turn off, step one is to turn off the water supply. ...
- Replace the solenoid. In many cases, the reason your sprinkler system won’t turn off is the solenoid. ...
- Speak with a professional. ...
How do you repair an above ground sprinkler?
0:458:01Fixing a broken lawn sprinkler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing you do is cut the lawn on either side and fold it back here you don't need to cut theMoreFirst thing you do is cut the lawn on either side and fold it back here you don't need to cut the whole thing out just cut a line on either side with the shovel.
How do you fix a sprinkler that won't turn?
How to Do ItDisassemble the sprinkler head. ... Take off the filter at the bottom of the head. ... Rinse the filter in a bucket filled with clean water to wash out debris.If this doesn't work you'll need to have the sprinkler head replaced. ... If it does work, make sure the head is properly adjusted when you re-install it.
What causes sprinklers to stop working?
Nozzles may be clogged. Sprinkler heads might need adjusting. Your timer may be set wrong. Sprinkler heads or pipes may be broken.
How do you fix a sprinkler head that won't pop up?
0:135:18Sprinkler Head Won't Pop Up - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo ahead and turn the water on in this zone in particular. If it's just one sprinkler head go ahead.MoreGo ahead and turn the water on in this zone in particular. If it's just one sprinkler head go ahead. And sort of wiggle the head of the sprinkler. Around and try to pull it up.
What is the best lubricant for sprinkler heads?
A spray of WD-40 Specialist Water-Resistant Silicone Lubricant on the water connections keeps it in great shape for subsequent reuse.
How do you fix an oscillating sprinkler that won't oscillate?
SolutionsCheck for crimps and kinks in your hose and fix where necessary.Try opening your tap more to increase the amount of water flowing to your sprinkler.Try a different model oscillating sprinkler. It may be that the overall water pressure on your home system is too low.
How do I know if my sprinkler valve is bad?
Signs of issues in sprinkler valve:Water not turning Off: If you notice that water is not closing off from the sprinkler, then there seems to be an issue in the diaphragm valve. ... Leaks of water: ... Broken Sprinkler Head. ... Stuck Valve. ... Wiring: ... Irregular Watering:
How do I know if a sprinkler solenoid is bad?
Signs You Have a ProblemThe Water Won't Shut Off. If you have this problem, it's very likely the solenoid. ... Low or Uneven Water Pressure. The solenoid controls the water pressure. ... Water Leaks. There are many points in a sprinkler system that can leak. ... Current Testing. ... Valve Inspection. ... Parts Replacement.
What happens when a sprinkler valve is faulty?
When a valve is faulty, everything down the line is affected. Replacing valves can be a rather involved process that requires cutting of the PVC pipes leading up to the valves. Some sprinkler kits don't have a separate valve set.
How do I winterize a sprinkler system?
To properly winterize your sprinkler system: Do not leave the timer pressurized. Remove the timer from the hose bibb, then drain and store it in a clean, warm, and dry location. Drain water from the entire system to prevent damage from freezing. Blow out remaining water through the system's blow-out port.
Why isn't my sprinkler valve turning on?
If you've already ruled out that the sprinkler valve isn't turning on due to water supply issues, then the fault might be a solenoid. A solenoid is like a little door within the valve that opens and closes in milliseconds.
Why isn't my sprinkler head popping up?
If your sprinkler heads aren't popping up or turning on, or if they have inadequate water pressure, the problem may lie farther up the line with the valves. The valves act like traffic controllers, opening and closing as needed to send water to pre-determined areas of the lawn.
How long does it take to replace a solenoid?
You'll find inexpensive replacement solenoids in most home centers, hardware stores, and, of course, through online retailers. The repair takes about five minutes. After shutting off the water and disconnecting power, remove the faulty solenoid's two wires. Turn the faulty solenoid counterclockwise to remove it.
What kind of polyline do I use for sprinklers?
Many of the popular sprinkler kits use a flexible polyline. Take this to the home center to purchase the correct repair materials. You should be able to find a replacement line, along with brass or plastic adapters to connect the replacement to the existing line.
Does a sprinkler system keep plants fresh?
Your sprinkler system does a great job of keeping your lawn and surrounding plants fresh throughout the year. But any exterior system is subject to the stresses of outdoor life including temperature fluctuations, water pressure, tree roots, and burrowing animals. Plus, any in-ground automatic sprinkler systems' sensitive electronics can fail ...
How do I disassemble a sprinkler head?
Disassemble the sprinkler head by unscrewing the top from the canister. Rinse away soil and debris in a bucket of water. Remove the screen basket from the bottom of the head, then clean it with water. Adjust the watering range of the sprinkler head before installing it. Make final adjustments with the water running.
How to repair a damaged pipe?
Cut out the damaged section of line. Place a clamp on one of the line ends, insert a slip coupling, then tighten the clamp. Place a clamp on the second pipe end, expand the coupling while inserting the nipple into the pipe, then tighten the clamp. Step 5.
What happens if your watering system is not turning on?
Your watering system is divided into a series of zones. Generally, if you have a zone that's not turning on, you have an electrical problem. Make sure the zone wires are firmly attached to the terminals in the controller, the transformer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker at the main panel is on.
How to release a sprinkler valve?
Release the sprinkler valve solenoid—a thin cylinder with a wire protruding from each end—from the sprinkler head by unscrewing it in a clockwise direction. A plunger is located near the solenoid. Check that the plunger can release and retract freely.
How to release tension from a diaphragm?
Squeeze the spring gently between your fingers and release it: it should release the tension instantly. Rinse off the diaphragm with fresh water to remove any particles or debris. If either the diaphragm or spring is damaged, replace them with new parts.
Can you run over a sprinkler head with a mower?
Sprinkler valves can suffer damage when you run over the sprinkler heads with your mower or lash them with the weed slicer. Here are tips on repairing sprinkler valves to prevent future problems.
Why does my sprinkler system leak?
DO make sure to check valves. Sprinkler leaks are most often caused by faulty valves. These plastic parts help direct the water from its main source to the rest of the yard through what’s known as a valve assembly or manifold.
What happens if your sprinkler heads are clogged?
Clogged sprinkler heads impact the distribution of water across the lawn, potentially leading to patches that are drier and browner than others. Making sure sprinkler heads are clean and clear will keep the whole system running properly.
Why do sprinklers need waterproof connectors?
To do so, add waterproof connectors to protect the sprinkler system wiring from the elements.
How many volts does a sprinkler system use?
Standard sprinkler systems operate on 24 volts, or “24 VAC” on a multimeter, although a range of 22 to 28 is acceptable. Multimeter tests are not difficult to perform, although electric repair work of any kind may be best left to an electrician, or in this specific case, to an irrigation specialist. Photo: istockphoto.com.
What happens if you damage a controller wire?
DO repair damaged wires. Damaged wires will prohibit the controller from “talking” to the valves and making them open or close on schedule. Sometimes, normal wear and tear will deteriorate wiring, or there might be other more immediate causes, such as tampering critters or the elements.
What is a good sprinkler system?
Quality sprinkler systems are easy, water-efficient means to keep your yard green and lush. Their programmable and scheduled irrigation, combined with strategic sprinkler head placement ensure evenly distributed watering across the lawn. Depending on the season and need, the system can be altered to provide optimal watering in the new conditions. But they require their own maintenance in order to, in turn, continue to care for the lawn.
What happens when a pipe leaks?
Pipes are subject to normal wear and tear as well as other unfortunate accidents, such as a burst of water pressure or a confrontation with a garden spade or shovel. As with a leak, you’ll want to pay attention to water flow throughout the lawn and watch for any inconsistencies in certain areas.
How to repair a split pipe?
Step 1: Cut Out the Bad PVC and Dry Fit Your Solution. Cut out the section of PVC that you wish to replace. If you're repairing a split pipe, ensure you remove enough pipe to include the entire split. In this instance, I only wanted to remove a small bit of pipe, but ended up removing about 4-5" in order to accommodate the elbows.
How long does it take for PVC pipe to drain?
Once you've cut into the PVC for the first time, allow some time for the line to drain. Depending on weather, this could take a few minutes, or even overnight. Cut short straight PVC sections that will fit into the elbows with almost no pipe showing.
Can you glue elbows into existing pipe?
Once you're happy with the dry fit, you can glue the first 2 elbows into the existing line. In the picture, you can see that I've glued an elbow on each of the exposed underground pipe parallel to the existing line. You can do it this way or angle the elbows up or down, as long as they are parallel to each other.
