Broke My Sprinkler System Trying to Fix it

12 years ago

Hi all,

I know nothing about sprinklers systems other than what I found on the internet last night so I am hoping someone can provide me some guidance. My old sprinkler system was bubbling at one of the heads when the system was off and I found that the cause could be a blocked valve. I opened the valve box and unscrewed the PVC valve cover and did not find any blockage. When I went to put it back on and turned on the water the sprinkler would not shut off.

I was thinking it was a faulty solenoid so I turned on each zone individually and heard a click as well as the water running through it. That lead me to think it was a bad diaphram so I took it apart again but it seemed fine (see pics below).

I took apart a second valve and now that zone won't shut off either so I'm sure I am doing something wrong. I put the diaphram and spring on the solenoid cap (the diaphram fit in a groove) and it still will leave the zone open no matter how much I tighten it down.

My theory now is perhaps the diaphrams were so old that once I removed the cap they no longer were able to maintain a seal but I am really grasping at straws.

Any thoughts on what could be causing the issue?

[B]Valve Box[/B]

[IMG]http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac186/spta97/IMG_4449.jpg[/IMG]

[B]Valve Assembly[/B]

[IMG]http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac186/spta97/IMG_4452.jpg[/IMG]

[B]Solenoid[/B]

[IMG]http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac186/spta97/IMG_4457.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac186/spta97/IMG_4459.jpg[/IMG]

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Comments (4)

lehua49
12 years ago
S,

Dig all the dirt out around the valves so we can get a better look. What brand and how old are the valves? How old is your controller? If the valve stays open then you have pressure moving by your diaphragm. I would just buy all new valves and do a control box makeover or have someone else do it. If the valves are old you will be fooling with them for years to come. Same goes for the Controller. Aloha
Ejacob
12 years ago
http://store.wiker.net/agricultural-equipment.html

The website above has sprinklers posted. They have always been very helpful for me you might wan to give the manufacturer a call maybe he can help you.

E
Thomas55555
12 years ago
Recommend you go to either Lowes or Home Depot. Each has a section with massive amounts of sprinkler stuff, BUT, they also have information available as to how various home systems work. I suggest that you talk to the local feller who is responsible for that section and talk to him about the system, how it works, let him show you, then tell him about your problem. The odd's heavily favor your leaving with both the knowledge and how to fix it.
buterbn
12 years ago
Are the solenoids tightened all the way?