Checking for a broken Sprinkler valve

[@diamond6256]

I like your setup. Above ground all together.

[@ashleyjohnson8513]

Thank you so very much for your thorough, informative video. I cant stress enough how long I've been searching for a video just like this. I'm new to the whole irrigation system and your video has helped me to understand and (hopefully) troubleshoot what is wrong with our system. If necessary to call in a professional. Thank you so very much!

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Glad to be helpful in your irrigation quest. We have many more helpful videos on our Channel, hope you took a minute to Subscribe so we will remain “bookmarked” as a favorite channel.✌️

[@diamond6256]

This setup is so nice, all in one place. I am still trying to locate all of my valves.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Ya, sometimes that can be difficult if you live in a cold climate as they bury them in boxes to prevent freeze damage. If you’re unable to find them, you can contact a irrigation company to wire tracing.

[@mkm01231]

Last post on the Lawn Genie's very tightly stuck caps was two years ago. I am installing eight new Lawn Genie L7034 valves now, and amazingly, Lawn Genie/Toro has still not addressed the problem. Fortunately, before installing the new valves, I used my bench vice to break the caps loose. It took a lot of force to break them loose. Enough force that I'm sure even using a strap wrench would have caused water line breaks if I had waited until after they were installed. Once the caps were off, I found manufacturing debris stuck on the rubber diaphragm that left an indent on the rubber sealing surface. This, and lack of response by Lawn Genie Customer Support makes very disappointed that I bought their valves.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Yep, I feel your pain ☹️ so not necessary to be that flippin tight. Thanks for the advice btw. 👍

[@mikewiltfang7479]

Another hint about those stuck caps. A strap wrench or even an oil filter wrench that fits actually works better than channel lock pliers, and won't chew the plastic up either.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Funny you mentioned that as I’d given that a thought as well.Thank you for the great comment and advise I’m sure that will be helpful to others as well. Don’t forget to Subscribe to our Channel if you get a minute🤙

[@ShyRage1]

If you want to find a leak. Just take the caps off and see what one leaks. That's the easiest way to find it.

[@frisk151]

Thanks Gary!!!

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

You’re very welcome, we have lots more helpful content on our Channel, hope you’ll consider Subscribing.✌️

[@nessbethjanaban9953]

hello sir I'm here watching how are you support your talented

[@josevillafranco4916]

Yes I have 6 zones on zone number 2 when that station comes on it has about 11 heads to that station we'll they barely go up there was one I didn't know was there cause it was 4 inches under ground I checked cylendoy,ND flush it out ND still th same tomorrow I'ma change the val which I hope is the problem but I notice which I never seen before the double check is shooting out a little bit water not much what can be the problem

[@josephnorcalusa1710]

Helpful information, thank you for sharing !

[@mikewiltfang7479]

Rather than sticking my hand and lower arm in between the pipes to prevent torquing the valve riser pipe when removing a stuck cap, I'd use a piece of 2×4 or something similar and provide counterpressure on the end with my free hand. But that's just me. Whenever possible, I avoid assuming awkward positions with my arm stuck in unusual places. I'll leave that to veterinarians who specialize in pregnant cows. 😝

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Haha great advise and funny cow joke too 🐄 😂

[@ahmedalkayssi3882]

Great explanation!! It would be very helpful if you can make a video about how to add another valve.. And how many sprinkles can be used per valve run?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Thx for the nice comment, the number of Sprinkler per valve will depend on your GPM (gallons per minute) and type of sprinklers used. I will try to explain this info in detail in a future video. Great suggestion on the adding a valve video too. Be sure to Subscribe to our Channel and tap notifications, to see when we add those videos and have Channel Giveaways too.

[@OfficialSergioAcedo]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Glad to be of some help, good luck with your repair. Don’t forget to Subscribe

[@martinmartin3150]

Great info thx do more videos your explanation is GREAT

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Anonymous source you’re welcome glad to help out.

[@ThickCutBacon]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

More than welcome, don’t forget to Subscribe to our Channel it really helps us out with KZbin😉

[@bridgetfarebrother2667]

Hi I just won’t to say you really explain your how to do the sprinklers.for people like me who don’t know how to do this

[@EllynManoso]

Ones again sir mega love shout out to you in god bless you always #commander vlog

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Ellyn thank you, Commander Vlogs works hard and it’s always nice when someone recognizes your hard work and rewards you.

[@BretMuckdogs]

Thank you for this video.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

You’re very welcome, don’t forget to Subscribe to our Channel we have lots of other helpful videos.✌️

[@susanison4304]

I’m still trying to figure out what is the defective part the valves or that the sprinkler heads are all leaking water after it shuts off maybe 6 inches into the air but it’s all six heads are doing that so I’m thinking it’s a bad valve I’ve never had a problem with this and I’ve had the sprinkler system since about 2008

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

The sprinkler heads in the lawn might leak for a few minutes after they shut off but it shouldn’t be 6” in the air unless they’re on the bottom on a big hill. The video shows you how to check the valve after the system stops running.

[@marilynalvarado8675]

How do you re-connect the wires? Husband untwisted all of the wire nuts because he thought a valve was leaking instead of testing it or turning that one for the front yard off. Ours are the genie ones you used in your video.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Here is a link to my video on how to re- wire a set of valves. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGSaYopti5qCsLs

[@andreylevchenko3436]

Great explanation. Thank you

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Andrey Levchenko, you're more than welcome. Be sure to subscribe, so you don't miss out on any new videos we add. I'm also going to be having a give away at 100 subscribers for 10-Rainbird 1800 series lawn sprinklers.

[@dldennis5]

Still confused. I have a whole bunch of these. Must I unscrew each one to check for leak? Also, when I tightened all of them, the water meter stopped running for a whole day. Now, started out slow & then back to leaking fast. Help!

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Yes, you need to remove the lid as in the video, splash the water out with your finger. Which ever one full right back up is your problem valve. When you say you tightened them the leak stopped. What exactly were you tightening ? Please be as specific or descriptive as possible. Btw, if you want none of them to work simply find the shut off for them usually near the water main (sometimes it’s right next to the valves down in the ground.

[@evks82]

what if you put cement in the surrounding pipes instead of the rocks is that ok?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

@@evks82 I wouldn’t recommend that, because if you ever need to replace the entire valve you might need to gain access to the piping below ground. The concrete makes that very difficult with little to no space to get tools below ground to cut pipes. Hope that answered your questions. Take a minute to Subscribe to our channel it really helps us grow.

[@stoneaged5064]

What if you open the cap and theres no water at all? I changed out the solenoids and used the main controller to send power to the solenoid and i can hear the electricitiy vibrating or buzzing a bit but there is no water flow? Where should i check?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Have you double checked to see if the water to all of the valves is “on”? You can verify that but manually turning on the valve from the small bleed screw on top of the valve. Let me know if you still have questions. Please take a minute to Subscribe to our Channel we have lots more content.👍

[@MrDetectorist]

i have a submersable pump and my irrigation system will not run through the whole cycle. It seems to have a hard time pushing up the heads and they will not stay up through the whole cycle. Could this be one of the problems, bad valve?

[@russellprice808]

Very helpful video

[@yogibearstie]

When my sprinklers stop water flows out of the the top of lawn valve. Is that normal? Problem is water is accumulating around the valves. Newer Rainbird valves by the way. Other than that no issues, but its a muddy mess, and I found no leaks after digging out pipes. Also, we have very strong water pressure, so should I turn down the value and turn up the heads to prevent this dumping of water.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

yogibearstie completely normal! It should stop after a few minutes

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

yogibearstie I wouldn’t turn down the valve (it won’t help with high pressure. High pressure can get through a pin hole. You might be forced to install a spring loaded pressure check valve on the outgoing side. It requires pressure to open it for water to flow or to sprinkler but once they shut off it won’t let water out the breaker lid.

[@dennislew6375]

What does it mean or needs to be done if the irrigation shut off knob for water keeps turning without turning off the water or increase water flow in the sprinkler valves? The three sprinkler valves were working up until the gardener

[@ambientaircon]

I have a lawn genie exactly like that but it will not flow water through, already checked the solenoid and its good. What's the next step in trouble shooting please?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Replace, watch my video showing how to do that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4ubgXiEhM2gq8U

[@ambientaircon]

@@garyssprinklerrepair that video shows you how to diagnose a leaking valve, that’s not the problem I have. My valve doesn’t leak it just doesn’t flow water, I’d rather learn how to troubleshoot it rather than just replace the valve?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

You could try replacing the diaphragm, on it but by the time you end up buying every part and replacing them, you have spent as much or more $ plus time than just replacing the entire valve. Your call, I gave you a link that shows how to do that if you need it.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Thanks for the video. Side note: do they not require back flow preventers where you are?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

aguyandhiscomputer hi, they don't require back flows here unless the valves are below grade. These are anti-siphon valves so they designed to prevent back flow, providing they are above ground. I recommend at least 8" in height. Great question, thanks for watching.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Aguyandhidcomputer hi, don't forget to subscribe for future videos and when we reach 100 subscribers we will be giving away 100 Rainbird 1800 series lawn sprinklers.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Gary's Sprinkler Repair Subscribed. Sweeeet

[@MrAustinteacher]

My question, and I haven’t found an answer despite watching a kazillion videos..thanks for these by the way! 😁 What do I do with that black handle there that has on and off on it. Do I leave that closed or open it..if I open it too much it comes off.. I understand everything else I need to do, but I’m not sure about that black handles right there above the area you were working on.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Good question, leave it off, that’s a manual (on/off). The timer turns them on and off as you know already. It just saves time walking back and forth to the timer if your already near them.Hope that clarified things for you if we helped please Subscribe to our channel to save us for future questions.😉

[@AM2PMReviews]

Oh I see... I can manually turn my drip system on with those but they should be off... maybe it’s not turning on because of the solenoid is not working?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Correct or the wiring has a possible issue.

[@AM2PMReviews]

Gary's Sprinkler Repair I will check but I wonder how I can turn off the water to the system and then replace the entire thing. They are about 15 years old so I bet it’s just easier to replace the whole thing.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Depending on the your budget, you could just swap the top, or the entire thing.

[@averageguy1261]

Do you like a particular brand and model?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Rainbird commercial grade

[@sebd1171]

I hear air coming out of that backflow when the valve is off. Is that normal?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Take the vacuum breaker lid off and use your finger to splash the water out of the middle section, if it fills back up then you have a bad valve.

[@sebd1171]

@@garyssprinklerrepair Thanks. I did, and yes. Valve is leaking 🤣

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Glad to help out, hope you get a chance to Subscribe to my channel it really helps. Have a Great New Year btw.

[@marilynalvarado8675]

Why does back of sprinkler valve drip water or run down pipe?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

The side that has the wires on top should not be leaking. The side with the flat lid will leak AFTER the valve shuts off for a few minutes if the area it waters is higher than the valve, that is normal. It shouldn’t however be leaking during operation or hours after they have run. Hope that answered your question, don’t forget to Subscribe to our Channel.👍

[@Liam-xt5jw]

my screen is blinking OF2 and the current time. what does that mean?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

I’m not sure what timer you have Liam, you might have a short on zone 2

[@dennislew6375]

tried to manually turn on the sprinkler system. I'm not sure if he tried to manually use this knob to increase water flow but now it doesn't appear tighten when turned. It just keeps turning. The sprinkler valves are now really vibrating loud and doesn't appear water is now flowing properly through the irrigation system. Water barely drips out now and wondered if this water shut of knob is broken and now needs to be replaced. Any assistance in resolving this is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

If we’re talking about the flow control, turning it to the left will open valve flow. Not the electrical solenoid, btw! Turn manual on of to “off” on all valve. Use the timer to turn them on or off. Let me know if you want more assistance 😁

[@dennislew6375]

@@garyssprinklerrepair I don't know if I did this correctly but it I did turn the flow control to the left and turned the sprinkler manually on. I just heard the louder then usual noise coming from the valve (solenoid)? You mention about turning manual to odd on all valves. Where is that on the valve and what does this look like? Also, thank you for responding m.

[@dennislew6375]

Sorry, louder than usual and turned manual off on the above message.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

What brand valve do you have? If you want to run the sprinklers with the timer they need to all be off outside (referring to their manual on/ lever) There should be a master valves that comes from the home to give all the valves their water, ensure their source water is fully open.

[@dennislew6375]

@@garyssprinklerrepair The valves I have are Richdel. (1) 3/4 valve an (2) 1" valves. The main water valve to the house is fully open and the flow valve (I believe is broken) keeps turning continuously right and left. The 3 solenoids are all turned right to the off position. I've tried all 3 stations to manually turn on on the automatic position on the control panel and no water comes out (water dribbles out). Each valve turned on separately is very loud and water dribbles out of the sprinkler. Maybe the flow valve flow is broken in the almost closed position.

[@djsimoneit7003]

Why is that double union regulator not set with both unions? Did that get soldered in?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

The male adapter on top was soldered in place then the bottom union tightened things up. The builder of the house did it that way, no idea why. Possibly a spacing issue?

[@djsimoneit7003]

@@garyssprinklerrepairI'm surprised that passed inspection because they sell single union/fip regulators too. It'll be fun changing that out when it fails since it'll have to be cut out because of the lack of space.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Ya, don’t know why they don’t just take a few extra minutes so homeowners don’t struggle with future repairs.

[@erlpen2016]

i see that that your water connection for the sprinklers comes right after the pressure regulator...do you know if there is a reason for that? i was just told that it should come before the regulator that way you can get full pressure for the sprinklers...if you know anything about it would you let me know? thank you...i am in socal also...

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

besamemucho5 after the regulator if you’re on high pressure city water. If you’re on a well that’s low pressure like 55 psi already then before is ok. Very observant btw, hope you get a chance to Subscribe to my Channel.

[@JuanSandovalPlumbing]

nice video

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Juan thanks, glad you liked it we have almost 35 video on my Channel. Be sure to Subscribe and tap the bell icon to ask questions and see new content. Plus we do Giveaways too. Tomorrow will be the next one🎉

[@averageguy1261]

I noticed the grey PVC pipe. Is there a reason why?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Yes, the grey pipe is schedule 80 it’s the strongest pvc pipe for pressure and is intended for sun exposure.

[@averageguy1261]

@@garyssprinklerrepair I've learned something new, thanks!

[@stephaniechristy9402]

I feel so defeated. My lawn sprinkler valve busted and flooded the back yard and neighbors yard for over 8 hours. My water bill is going to be hundreds. Is there such a thing as regulating the pressure for the grass sprinklers? Should I just replace the valve? I fear this happening again I can’t afford this 😩

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

If you're blowing the breaker lid or fittings off the valve it would be a good idea to have someone check the PRV (pressure regulator valve)on your home if they're plumbed off the house. Often they are plumbed directly off the street or below the house PRV so, they don't benefit from it to lower their pressure. Try calling a plumber 1st (most do free service calls) and get the PRV checked and how the irrigation is plumbed in relation to that. Most plumber consider a PRV failing at 70 PSI and failed at 80. Hope his helps. Try contacting your City Water Dept. adv. them of your water issue and that you hired a licensed plumber to fix it. See if they have a 1 time forgiveness program.

[@alx2025]

Good info bro, basically fingering the wet valve.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Alex Sagittarius, thx for watching and interjecting a bit of humor. Be sue to subscribe and hit notifications as we’re having a giveaway at 100 subs.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Be sure lol

[@networth8754]

I replaced a diaphragm on my Hunter SRV 1" Valve due to the fact it was leaking. I installed a new solenoid as well. I removed the old diaphragm which was split with a new one and all was fine until the next morning when I woke up and the zone where I replaced the diaphragm was running wide open (all sprinkler heads) with the sprinkler system shut off (unplugged). Any ideas?

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Did you just replace the diaphragm and solenoid ? Or replace the entire valve (cutting it off the pipes and replacing)

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

It’s possible the valve body has a crack in it, and is only active with the valve running. Look on the valve body for any white lines. If you see any thorn the valve on manually using the solenoid and see if they become leaks if so replace the entire valve. I’m assuming your on city water btw not well or ditch water. They provide algae and sand that can lodge itself in the solenoid port and prevent the valve from closing.

[@networth8754]

@@garyssprinklerrepair I replaced the diaphragm and solenoid. The zone will run continuously without the controller plugged in for power.

[@networth8754]

@@garyssprinklerrepair Thanks

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Did you get it figured out?

[@visigother]

good vid but Falung Gong's endless advertisement for the Epoch Times on You Tube are annoying, since they are the epitome of "fake news" right up there with Alex Jones.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Ya, haha I know it’s annoying that’s KZbin I have no control over the ads. 😁

[@gabriellaaamarie]

My dog chewed on all the wires including the wires that lead to the control box... help!!

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Gabriella Pedroza I have a video on my Channel “Gary’s Sprinkler Repair” The video is Wiring Sprinkler Valves Check it out if you still need help I’ll explain further.

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Gabriella Pedroza if you can Subscribe to our Channel and tap notifications (the bell) we do monthly Giveaways you’ll be entered automatically!

[@garyssprinklerrepair]

Gabriella Pedroza thanks for Subscribing, keep me posted if you need help with the wires