How to Repair a Sprinkler Valve
- Check the Sprinkler Heads for Damage If the sprinkler head is clogged, dented or scraped, the valve inside it may be out of commission as well. ...
- Turn Off the Sprinkler System and Water Supply Shut off the sprinkler system controller before beginning any repair so it can not initiate a watering program. ...
- Remove the Solenoid 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. ...
- Unscrew the Top of the Sprinkler Valve Housing The housing will have either a bonnet top fastened down with two or more screws, or a jar-type top with ...
- Examine the Diaphragm and Spring Check for any tears, rips or holes in the diaphragm, and look over the spring to see it has no nicks, scrapes, warped ...
- Inspect and Clean Clean the rest of the valve housing, removing pebbles, mud, sand and any leaf or grass residue. ...
- Replace any Damaged Parts and Reassemble the Sprinkler Valve Once you find and replace any damaged parts, put the sprinkler valve back together as it was. ...
- Restore the Water Supply and Test Your Repair
How to replace a sprinkler system controller?
Remove the fuse by grasping it between the thumb and index finger and pulling until it comes free. Inspect it visually to see if the tiny metal filament inside the glass tube is intact or broken and replace the fuse if necessary. There is often a spare fuse taped to the inside of the controller box which can be used.
How to manually turn off a sprinkler valve?
- Locate your home's water valve.
- Remove the nut locking down the main cutoff valve cover if necessary.
- Put one hand on the cover and the other hand on the valve box and try to separate them.
- Turn on the flashlight and clear cobwebs with your screwdriver or channel locks.
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
How to fix a leaking sprinkler control valve?
Steps for How to Repair a Sprinkler System
- Shut off the water to the sprinkler system.
- Remove lid from valve box and clean out mud from inside of box with hand trowel.
- Pack valve box with dry rags to absorb water.
- Twist out the low-voltage solenoid valve, then wait for excess water to drain out.
- Unscrew the bonnet from the top of the valve using a Phillips screwdriver.
How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler valve?
- Head: $3–$30
- Valve: $13–$150
- Backflow preventer: $125–$900
- Pipe: $0.65–$3
- Connections: $0.65–$8
- Timer: $40–$450
- Wiring (per foot): $0.50–$1.50
How do you fix a sprinkler valve?
0:3313:41Fixing A Sprinkler Valve "Quick Fix," No Glue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the tops on the sprinkler valve that's already down in the ground. And it needs to have itMoreWith the tops on the sprinkler valve that's already down in the ground. And it needs to have it replaced because the valves leaking it won't shut off with the timer. So.
How do you replace a sprinkler valve without cutting it?
0:234:54Sprinkler Valve "No Cut" Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically what we're going to do is remove the top of this brand-new valve and replace the old partsMoreBasically what we're going to do is remove the top of this brand-new valve and replace the old parts on the valve that's in use that. Way I don't have to cut any of the PVC.
How do you fix an irrigation solenoid valve?
0:211:26Replacing the Solenoid: Rain Bird Residential Valve TroubleshootingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst shut off the main water supply to your irrigation. System disconnect the wires to the solenoidMoreFirst shut off the main water supply to your irrigation. System disconnect the wires to the solenoid. By cutting them or by unscrewing the wire nuts. Turn the solenoid counter clockwise to remove.
How do you replace a single sprinkler valve?
0:387:47How to Replace a Sprinkler Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut go find a local irrigation supply store a place that sells to contractors. You can pick upMoreOut go find a local irrigation supply store a place that sells to contractors. You can pick up something like this it is basically a direct replacement. It's a much much better valve.
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 long do sprinkler valves last?
10 to 15 yearsOne of the components that you may need to replace regularly are the wires, often due to improper installation and corrosion. Valves will give you 10 to 15 years of service, while controllers 5 to 10 years.
How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler solenoid?
The average cost to replace a sprinkler solenoid is between $85 and $150. This includes the cost of parts and labor.
What causes a sprinkler valve to not shut off?
If your irrigation system does not turn off, you need to isolate the problem. This starts by checking the main water line and the controller. If those are working, then you need to locate the valves and check to see whether they are dirty, the diaphragm is torn, or the solenoid is broken.
How do you clean a sprinkler solenoid?
0:132:37Cleaning the Diaphragm on a Hunter Valve - Quick Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore cleaning your valve it is extremely important to understand that you need to turn your mainMoreBefore cleaning your valve it is extremely important to understand that you need to turn your main water supply. Off simply turn your ball valve or whatever main shutoff you have to your irrigation.
Is it easy to replace a sprinkler valve?
Replacing a valve is a fairly easy job that requires basic plumbing supplies, though it does require some experience with joining PVC pipe with solvent cement. The most important part of this project is getting an exact replacement part for the sprinkler valve.
What are the three types of main sprinkler valves?
There are three basic types of valves used in irrigation systems – gate valves, ball valves, and electric valves.
How do you replace a sprinkler valve diaphragm?
0:402:09How To Replace A Sprinkler Valve Diaphragm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your main water supply turned off your now okay to go ahead and remove the top of your valve.MoreWith your main water supply turned off your now okay to go ahead and remove the top of your valve. Be careful when removing the top of the valve to not lose the components that are inside.
How do you replace an above ground sprinkler valve?
0:412:28City of Roseville California - Sprinkler Valve Replacement.mov - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore removing the old sprinkler valve turn off the irrigation isolation valve. Next open theMoreBefore removing the old sprinkler valve turn off the irrigation isolation valve. Next open the bleeder valve to release any residual water pressure from the lines and then disconnect the wires
How do you replace a sprinkler valve diaphragm?
0:402:09How To Replace A Sprinkler Valve Diaphragm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your main water supply turned off your now okay to go ahead and remove the top of your valve.MoreWith your main water supply turned off your now okay to go ahead and remove the top of your valve. Be careful when removing the top of the valve to not lose the components that are inside.
How do you install a sprinkler valve on an existing system?
1:0117:33How to add in a lawn sprinkler zone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing I need to do is dig the trenches for the new sprinklers. All. There's only about 70MoreThe first thing I need to do is dig the trenches for the new sprinklers. All. There's only about 70 feet of trench that I need so that's why I'm digging it by hand instead of running a trencher.
How do you replace a sprinkler valve manifold?
1:394:52How To Replace A Sprinkler System Valve Manifold - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFinally remove the old assembly. And excavate the area wide. And deep enough to hold the new valveMoreFinally remove the old assembly. And excavate the area wide. And deep enough to hold the new valve box the top of the valve box should sit level and a couple inches above grade. Since.
What does it mean when a sprinkler valve is broken?
A malfunctioning or broken sprinkler valve may make itself known with an area of dry grass that indicates the valve isn't turning on properly. Conversely, when a group of sprinkler heads don't turn off when they should, it also hints at a problem with the sprinkler valve. Addressing a sprinkler valve repair at the first signs ...
Why is my sprinkler valve not turning on?
Valve Not Turning On. When a sprinkler valve is not turning on, it can be due to an electrical problem, a water supply issue, or a failed solenoid. A good place to start is by ruling out a water supply problem. To do this, check the other sprinkler valves to ensure they are getting water and turning on as usual.
How to remove solenoid from valve body?
Remove the solenoid from the valve body by turning it counterclockwise, and set it aside. Remove the screws that are holding the bonnet in place. Carefully remove the bonnet, spring, and diaphragm, taking note of how they are positioned so you can re assemble the valve in exactly the same way.
Why does my valve not work when activated manually?
If the valve works when activated manually, the problem is likely due to a bad wire connection or a bad solenoid on the valve. Check the wires first. Make sure there is good contact at the point where the system wires connect to the solenoid wires and that there are no cuts or breaks in the wires. If the wires look fine, move on to ...
How to install a new solenoid?
Install the new solenoid by turning it onto the valve clockwise until it is hand-tight or it clicks into place.
What to do if your valve is damaged?
If it is damaged, replace it with a new one. Be sure to position the diaphragm in the same way as it was before, taking special care to align the dia phragm openings with the screw holes in the valve body. Position the spring and bonnet back into place .
Can you replace a solenoid in a sprinkler valve?
Replacing the solenoid is an easy sprinkler valve repair. Home centers and sprinkler equipment suppliers carry replacement solenoids for specific valve brands and models. To ensure an exact match, bring the old solenoid with you to the store.
How to find a sprinkler valve?
If you don’t have a diagram of your sprinkler system design, there are a few different ways to find a sprinkler valve, such as looking near the water source, backflow preventer, around the perimeter of the house, and in shrubbery. Once you’ve narrowed down the area, you can use a screwdriver to carefully probe the ground to find the equipment. You can also ask your local home store about buying or renting a solenoid activator or a valve detector.
Why are valves important in sprinkler systems?
Valves are important parts in any sprinkler system because they control the water flow by opening and closing. If your in-ground sprinkler system isn’t working properly, a malfunctioning valve could be the reason.
Why do you need to do preventative maintenance checks on sprinklers?
Preventative maintenance checks may also help you hold down sprinkler system costs by saving money on wasted water due to leaks and other operational issues.
What causes a valve to fail?
Sometimes the source of valve problems may actually be an electrical or wiring problem. If you think this might be the situation, check to make sure that all the wires are making good connections and contact. Look for cuts, breaks, damage, or fraying in the wires. Always shut off the power source at the control box and take extreme care when working with any electrical component. Call a qualified electrician if you have any questions or are not sure how to proceed.
What are the different types of valves?
There are also different valve types, such as mechanical, electric, hydraulic, or a combination. Before you start working on your valves, consult your installer to find out what kind of valves your system uses.
Can you replace a solenoid valve?
Solenoid valves have coils of electrical wire that are magnetically maneuvered by your system’s controller to open and close. If there’s a problem with this type of valve, you may be able to just replace the solenoid rather than the entire valve.
