Sprinkler Valves

21 years ago

I am renting in Anaheim Hills, CA. The house has 6 zones, each controlled by an antisyphon valve. I've never replaced the 3 in the front, but I've replaced two of the 3 in back quite a few times. Each time it was individually. The third valve in back hasn't been touched. The backyard valves have been working fine for a couple of months, now, but yesterday morning none of the back valves would let water to the sprinkler heads. I could hear the timer start each valve but no water to the heads. All three zones at the same time.

Any ideas? I can't believe all three valves went out at the same time. If there is an obstruction, why all three valves?

Thanks

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Comments (4)

The_Mohave__Kid
21 years ago
Well start from the beginng. Do you have water at the three valves ? Turn any one of the three valves on manually and see if there is water pressure at the valves. Perhaps the water to the valves has been turned off ??

Good Day ...
lkmacb
Original Author
21 years ago
Mohave,

Yea, I've got water to the valves. Let me update everyone, though. I played with the solonoid on Valve 1, took off the cover of the input valve and looked at the diaphragm. Put it back together. Tried Zone 1, no joy. Tried Zone 2 and Zone 3....Both worked. Tried Zone 1 again...Joy. Next morning, No Zone 1...Yes Zone 2...Yes Zone 3. Next morning Zone 1 Yes...Zone 2 No....Zone 3 Yes.

NOW,
As Zone 2 was having water come into the valve but not out, I went to the kitchen to make another pot of coffee. I'm looking at the backyard while at the sink. When I turn kitchen faucet on BINGO...Zone 2 starts working. What do I need to know about water pressure?
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The_Mohave__Kid
21 years ago
Eek ..

Something is kooky .. could be you and / or your system !! LOL

"As Zone 2 was having water come into the valve but not out"

Only seen that happen once .. when a block wall mason tried to repair an irrigation system and plumbed the main into the laterals.

In your case could simply be be water draining back to the valve ...

"I turn kitchen faucet on BINGO...Zone 2 starts working."

As kooky as that sounds it could be .. running the tap water decreases the water pressure in your system allowing the diaphragm to open. Water pressure is what keeps your valve closed but there is often a spring that assist the valve in closing. Is the spring missing ?? .. something is wrong with the valve so there is just enough water pressure to shut the diaphragm and turning on the sink pushes it over the edge just enough so it opens. Perhaps a leak somewhere on the valve.

I can only guestimate what is giving you all this trouble .. sounds like :

1. Bad luck .. more then a single valve can go bad at times. Even new valves can sometimes go bad.

2. Taking apart valves is not your line of work. It can be a bit tricky to get valves together after taking them apart .. believe it or not .. I use to make quite a few dollars refixing valves that do it your selfers spent all weekend trying to fix.

3. More bad luck ??

This is a good time to call a pro ????

Good Day ...
coho
21 years ago
Sounds like you might have intermitant dirt in your solonoid ports. Use the link to learn how to trouble shoot and fix your problem.

Here is a link that might be useful: Do it your self