Easy Sprinkler Valve Repair Hack | Step by Step Tutorial, No Cutting or Glue!

If you notice a sprinkler head that's constantly leaking, the problem is most likely with the valve. And it doesn't necessarily mean you have to replace the whole valve, rather do a simple fix! This is a no-glue or cutting solution!
Valves I like:
amzn.to/43TFh6N
Valve repair kit (Rainbird):
amzn.to/4cz5Amy
Downstream Pressure regulator/filter:
amzn.to/3vHjK4e
In this video tutorial, we go through an easy to understand step by step process of opening up your sprinkler anti syphon valve and cleaning the diaphragm from debris. Small pieces of sediment can prevent the diaphragm from fully sealing, which can cause water to slowly leak by into the system. This is why you may notice a soggy or wet spot around some of the sprinkler heads.
To access the diaphragm for cleaning, first shut the water off to the valves. Then, open up the bonnet on the rear of the valve. The first thing you will see is the rubber diaphragm. Carefully remove it and inspect it for debris. Then clean it off and set it back in place. Re install the bonnet back onto the valve and slowly turn the water back on.
This generally solves the problem of a slow leak in the sprinkler head. And you saved time and money by not replacing the whole valve. This can work for Rainbird, Hunter, Superior, Toro, Orbit, Irritrol or any professional valve that allows you to remove the bonnet.
I hope this video was helpful!
-Dom
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Music Credits
Intro
Dominic Masiello
Lunareh
Celestial Being
MZVDOIAQ6SBSM9KF
Lincoln Davis
Lime
TVWEY4NG76IXC8AC

[@JM-k-art]

Ive watch about 10 videos to see if anyone could explain the correct way of repairing a valve and this one is the best. Ive been in the Irrigation industry for 35 plus years. Not bad sir

[@ready-set-camp]

Really do appreciate the kind words. And thank you for watching! 😎

[@EdRosario-o5b]

Thank you! Just moved into a new house. Know NOTHING about these systems and you helped me fix the problem. Prob saves me some money too 🎉🎉🎉

[@BudgetPlants]

EXCELLENT!! Love hearing that. So glad to be of some help. And thanks for watchin 😎

[@Mr.Torres-Mr.Towers]

Yup if you call anyone they’ll charge you at min 200 to simply look at it.

[@davidmarquardt7725]

Love your explanations. Clear and concise and geared towards pretty much any DIY person. Thanks.

[@BudgetPlants]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Makes it all worth while 😎And thank you for watching!

[@LastHumansGarage]

i learned something new

[@chrish5366]

Thank you! Save me lots of time and $ to replace the whole valve.

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome!! That’s what I like to hear!! 😎

[@unforgettable8092]

You just saved me so much time. Thank you!

[@BudgetPlants]

Glad I could help! 😎

[@OGRH]

The bottom of that diaphragm looked like it was starting to deteriorate. On that one I would've probably went ahead and swapped that part out for a new one... good video though, & you're right, most of the time that'll do it.

[@stevenbrown5210]

Your mom is deteriorating

[@jesseparbhu6125]

Thanks allot, I have the underground one but the same things applies, thanks to your video I was able the repair my system confidently and not break anything in the process and save on a costly repair. ❤

[@BudgetPlants]

Hey Jesse.. that’s fantastic to hear!!! I love being able to provide some helpful info for folks! I appreciate you taking the time to comment and let me know it worked for you! 😎

[@rolac6109]

Nice work 👍🏽 , I would flush the valve while it is open to make sure small rocks and debris aren’t sitting in the main side pipe.

[@BudgetPlants]

Absolutely a great insight. Thanks for sharing 😎

[@michellegenest9946]

That was so helpful! Thank you!

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome!!

[@PURE_LUCIDITY]

If I have to buy the whole unit (which I will), might as well replace the whole unit, instead of unscrewing the top part and replacing the diaphragm only. For that you can buy only the diaphragm and just replace only that part. The whole unit is $30 -$35, and diaphragm is $$8 - $11. It’s easy to replace the whole unit by cutting off the old pipes and use the recommended pvc male adapter and reglue them together with the new ones. The irrigation valves that are over 10 years old, definitely need to replace the whole unit. Ours started leaking recently. The summer heat in Southern California broils everything that is under the sun. Solenoid on our system doesn’t even turn. Probably it’s melted in. 😂

[@SergioToscano-ou2jk]

Nice I fixed it already thanks to your video

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome!! 😎😎💪

[@Rorip53]

Thank You So Much...watched this Video...went to My Mom in Law's yard...done in a few minutes....😊😊😊😊 She is now upset that I didn't charge Her....lol...a 90 yr old mad at a 70 yr old

[@BudgetPlants]

AWESOME!! Feels good to get some DIY stuff done 😎

[@RJT11]

Awesome video! Thank you.

[@BudgetPlants]

Hopefully it helped! Thanks so much for watchin 😎

[@ralphcurran8147]

Great info, thank you

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watching!

[@mv-db4463]

Note: When replacing/ re-screwing the bonnet back on, use a "STAR" pattern to secure the bonnet screws OR you will likely (now) get a leak at the bonnet.

[@NayaCarson]

What does this mean

[@mv-db4463]

A "Star" pattern is simply alternating which screws you tighten, HOW far you tighten them at a time, and in which order you tighten them. Googles something like "how to tighten screws in a star pattern". Hope this helps!

[@BudgetPlants]

That’s great insight!

[@OGRH]

To the contrary... you will very very unlikely (now) get get a leak on the outside of the valve, if you do not use a star pattern. Sorry bub, but this is simply not true... it's an ancient irrigation wives tale. Maybe it used to be true, when they were using a different type of gasket or something, but I challenge anyone, at least on these DV series RB valves, to NOT do a star pattern and come back to say I'm wrong... So long as two screws are first secured across from eachother, you can tighten the rest in any order you want. I hope this helps.

[@mv-db4463]

@@OGRH fine don't do it - your problem not mine.

[@marioguzman3611]

Thanks

[@MclubAchannel]

Water back flow of the valve from the vedio, is that meaning to replace the valve inserted of replacing the diaphragm? It happen to me after I replace the diaphragm, i am wondering what cause that happen.😢😢😢😢

[@bobbymartinez5524]

Saved my sanity!

[@BudgetPlants]

Glad to be of service 😎🙏🏼

[@oeff7744]

Wow awesome tip thank u!

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin! 😎

[@HRTsAFyre]

You're awesome. Nice tips. Thabk you

[@BudgetPlants]

Thank you!!

[@charmingnaturerk2855]

Nice sharing ✌

[@andyv8889]

Thank you. I really like you in Charles in Charge.

[@BudgetPlants]

Yeah those were the good ole days. I’m mostly just in charge of plants now. They don’t talk back 😎

[@BattleForTheHotel]

great video.

[@BudgetPlants]

Cheers! 🍻

[@kennewman126]

Great video! Well done! Good info!! :)

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin! 😎 Really appreciate the kind words 🙏🏼

[@Todd_S]

You're lucky on that one.

[@joelee7678]

My lowest elevation sprinkler head only leaks about 4-5 minutes after the system shuts off. I presume the remaining water is draining out. Is this normal or a valve problem?

[@BudgetPlants]

There’s often this situation at sites where there is elevation change. Hunter makes a pop up body that has a built in check valve. Try changing out the heads on that zone for these: amzn.to/3VFMZ1T

[@ManuelM61]

Do i keep the valves in the "ON" position or "OFF" after installation?

[@BudgetPlants]

Leave the solenoid off if you have a timer. The timer will trigger the valve on.

[@dskrpncs]

I have 2 zones that have poor pressure. When I open them manually with the bleeder they still have low pressure. I dont believe that it's a root pinching the line as I dont hear any pinches anywhere in my yard. Thoughts of what may be causing this??

[@BudgetPlants]

Oh man could be a few factors.. if those two valves are particularly old and other newer ones don’t have the same issue, you may be dealing with old galvanized lines which could restrict pressure as the interior of the pipe become corroded. Do you have any other valves on the property? How are they functioning? And were these two old valves always low pressure or has this changed over time?

[@dskrpncs]

@@BudgetPlants they worked fine last year. Everything in this lawn is poly or PVC...no galvanized

[@BudgetPlants]

There could maybe be a break in the line somewhere that is out of sight or underground. Maybe take a look around the property to see if that’s the case. Look for spots that may be over saturated or sinking. Also check if there is a shut off valve dedicated to the irrigation valves. That may have gotten turned down if anyone has worked on the valves. Also see if there is a pressure regulator that maybe got adjusted. These would be all the things I’d look for first before replacing the valves. If none of these are the issue, try replacing just one of the valves first as a test.

[@Jesteraron]

I’ve never seen those little wrench caps that go on top of the solenoid of the valve. Yours came with your valves? I’d love to buy some to throw on top of my solenoids. I just replaced all my Rainbird valves. Any idea where I can pick up those at?

[@BudgetPlants]

Yes!.. they generally come with the valve when you purchase at a landscape supply place such as Ewing Irrigation and Landscape.

[@Jesteraron]

@@BudgetPlants Gotcha. Bummer they dont come on them when I got them from Lowes/Home Depot. I was hoping I could buy them separate since I already got them at HD. Guess Ill just use a wrench. ;)

[@DD-OO]

I’d like to know how to find the valve/solenoid in my yard. You mentioned it sits at the highest point? But can’t find it or a lid anywhere. Heard it’s expensive just for the tracking device or to have someone find it. Advice?

[@BudgetPlants]

Hey! So even though anti-siphon valves SHOULD be installed above the highest water e-mentor/sprinkler, that’s not always the case. But that would be the first place to start looking. And generally speaking, they are most often located near where the main line enters the house or by a hose bib. Now, there can also be banks of valves (manifolds) strategically located throughout the yard if the lot size is larger. And not every system will have anti-siphon valves. In-line valves would be located underground typically in a valve box. All in all you will have to do some hunting as there is no one set location that valves are placed in the landscape.

[@treyz9148]

What about a sprinkler head that leaks on my sidewalk when it’s running? I have Hunter MP Rotators watering this area in front lawn?

[@BudgetPlants]

It could be a few things… A crack in the sprinkler head body. Low pressure causing a bad seal between the body and the pop-up riser. Or maybe the simplest thing, the head may just need to be tightened.

[@JB-pb9xv]

If it's leaking or spraying out excessively, a riser or sprinkler is broken or cracked. Otherwise adjust the sprinkler or its a low spot collecting and spoiling water there. Could just be the seals on/ in the sprinkler body. If you buy the same identical sprinkler, even any size if it's just the cap or seal around the cap piece. You can just swap that out, without having to dig up or replace the whole sprinkler.

[@WEarmo]

i smash like button. i ding dong notification bell.

[@BudgetPlants]

Atta boy!

[@WhitePOWERranger1]

I wish mine were above ground, mine are in a pit.

[@reoufo55]

Is the fix the same in a drip system valve?

[@BudgetPlants]

Yes indeed.

[@HeartHealthyVegan]

The diaphragm isn’t coming out

[@BudgetPlants]

There are some valves in which the diaphragm cannot be removed. This is usually the case on less expensive valves. It may be worthwhile to replace the whole valve if it’s not functioning properly. Go for Hunter or Rainbird

[@lesliephillips6044]

My valve is underground. Not simple.

[@BudgetPlants]

Maybe a tad more difficult to access, but the same repair principle applies.

[@ZerothRoundPick]

Geez. Putting irrigation system components underground sounds like a cruel and unusual punishment for future generations, considering how easily and often the components will need to be repaired or replaced.

[@glarios5839]

Great video! Thank you

[@BudgetPlants]

Thank you!! 🙏🏼 😎