Sprinkler Valve Troubleshooting Guide

noname · Posted: 06/16/2007 9:21 AM Post subject:

Sprinkler Valve Troubleshooting

This is a guide to sprinkler valve problems. Before creating a new topic to ask questions on why your valve isn't working, take a look in here and save the forums from more clutter.

This topic will cover:
Your valve won't seal around the top
Your valve honks
Your valve leaks air out the barrel
Your valve won't seal while you're pressurizing the cannon
Your valve won't fire; air just leaks out of the pilot
Your solenoid won't actuate the valve
Your sprinkler valve has a guide rod and you don't know where to mod it from
How much pressure can my valve take?

Make sure you scroll down and read through the section of help you need, before starting a topic. This topic will be updated if there are any other problems brought to mind later.
"P" stands for "problem", and "A" stands for "answer."

P: Your valve won't seal around the top.
A: Make sure all the screws are in and tightened down. It should seal. If it doesn't take it back and E-mail the manufacturer.

P: Your valve honks.
A: You need a better pilot valve. For small sprinkler valves, a blowgun is usually enough. For larger valves, a 3/8" or 1/2" vall valve should suffice.

P: Your valve leaks air out the barrel.
A: You may have a defective diaphragm, or it may be dirty. I have found the diaphragm would not seal when wet either. Take the valve apart, wash the diaphragm with mild soap, then dry it thoroughly. Use grease (white lithium grease is perfect) on top of the valve and as lubricant. The valve should seal. If it doesn't, and the diaphragm is defective, contact the manufacturer.

P: Your valve won't seal while you're pressurizing the cannon.
A: You may have an equilization hole that is too small. You may also have a leak in the top of the valve, so the valve is constantly being piloted. You can expand the equilization hole with a needle or a tiny drill bit. If there is a leak in the top of the valve, use sealant or epoxy to seal it. You may need to create a vacuum in the cannon to suck in the sealant. Your valve may also be on backwards. Check that the arrows point towards the barrel. Also, the manual bleed switch on the solenoigh may be up or partway up, keeping the valve from sealing.

P: Your valve won't fire; air just leaks out the pilot.
A: Your equilization hole may be too large, or the diaphragm may have a hole in it. This would cause air to leak through the diaphragm and make it keep equilizing. If there is a hole in the diaphragm, throw it away, or make your own diaphragm for it. If the equilization hole is too big, plug part of it or cover part with epoxy or other strong material.

P: Your solenoid won't actuate the valve.
A: The solenoid may not be able to vent the valve fast enough. Modify the valve to fix it.

P: Your sprinkler valve has a guide rod and you don't know where to mod it from.
A: You can usually put the brass fitting into the valve next to the guide rod. A few members have modified the valve where the guide rod is, and have bent the guide rod so the diaphragm doesn't fly off.

P: How much pressure can my valve take?
A: I have pressure tested the Orbit WaterMaster to 250 psi, water pressure. Using air pressure, the diaphragm ripped at around 200 psi; and the valve body was not damaged.

Thanks to those who have read through this whole topic, or have realized that you don't need to create a topic to answer your question.
~Tim C