How an ORBIT Jar-Top Sprinkler Valve Works

[@halfglassfull]

Thanks. in 18 years I never had a valve leak until the other day. An older Orbit valve won’t stop allowing water to pass. Thought solenoid was bad but new one did not solve problem. Now thinking the diaphragm is either dirty or worn. This video makes all the difference it understanding how such a small hole functions to handle high pressure and greater volume of water. Going to reinspect the internals before throwing more parts at the problem! Thanks again.

[@dankelley9361]

Genius for sure, I’m amazed that with such little movement of the diaphragm that the valve works so well!

[@bupright]

Amazing engineering in a $12 item!

[@windsunh2o]

Thank you! I've always known there was something special and mystical about how these valves work and now I finally understand. I was intimidated, yet you made it very clear.

[@bupright]

Glad to help!

[@bmail3]

You're a saint. I can not understand why Orbit doesn't put those diagrams and explanation in the darn manual. Mahalo.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Because they want people to just buy a whole new valve instead of trying to repair an existing one.

[@rodneycackermann800]

Thank you for making this video. With your help, I identified the solenoid as being the reason why the valve did not shut off.😀

[@bupright]

You're welcome. I'm not sure I did the best job explaining it, but I thought the design of the thing is just brilliant.

[@danstauffer7572]

Absolutely, your's is the clearest and best explanation of how this valve works. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! I'm going to watch it several times! 🤠👍

[@lucasmnguni8475]

Thanks your drawings and explanation has simplified the valve operation

[@bupright]

Thank you.

[@lizabet6668]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and providing such helpful diagrams. I installed my sprinkler system several years ago, yet every year forget exactly how to make them work with the timer. I twist the solenoids open and then the water pressure valve, and then twist them closed, try alternating them, etc… all of this because I never understood HOW they work. Now that I know, the mechanism makes sense and I don’t think I’ll be confused next spring! I also think I’ll be able to replace a coupe parts with more ease than I initially anticipated. Much appreciated!

[@bupright]

Thank you for watching!

[@randyjohnson5179]

Very good explanation. How the larger area above with input pressure presses the diaphragm down with high force. But never use a hand screw jar type valve. One forget using these green orbit parts.

[@JackFrostDesign]

YOU ARE AMAZING! What a great video. Yes the Orbit mechanism is genius...but so are you. Thank you for the video, diagrams and sharing you knowledge.

[@brimdi242]

Thanks for explaining what the stainless steel tube is for. Also your diagrams are extremely helpful..

[@bupright]

I went back and watched that video a week or two ago. I felt like I could have done a better job explaining it, but it is what it is. The entire concept is so simple, yet so ingenious...

[@JR-kk6ce]

Great explanation.

[@waynepowell567]

Excellent. Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post this. Stay safe.

[@bupright]

Thanks, will do!

[@IOU2I]

Thanks for this video! I need this and was wondering just how it would work. I’m looking at the battery version.

[@treyhaberman]

Great explanation

[@bjerstad]

That was an excellent explanation! Very helpful. Thanks!! 🏆

[@bupright]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jj-eg5up]

Thank you for the video. I have a question. One of my valves started humming and the sprinklers are having trouble rising. If i back off the small screw the pop up fine, but then water will leak after the cycle. So, how can i fix this valve? I really dont want to take it out of the system durr8ng the summer.

[@bupright]

Buy another valve, and replace only the guts of the old one. Do not try to replace the body.

[@AlbinoJedi]

I just replaced my valves as the new homeowner but now one won't work. Unscrewing the bleed valve let's water through to sprinklers and I've confirmed the solenoid is actuation when voltage is applied. But valve won't open when solenoid is active.

[@ottomatic3123]

I've always wondered how these things work. I didn't have a clue, but now I do.

[@PatBob5150]

Great diagrams, great explanation, thanks!

[@bupright]

Glad you liked it

[@johnmontana18]

When input is from the bottom, does it matter which side is the output?

[@jayf2487]

Can this system work under ground in a box? I was told a lot of times sprinkler valves need to be 6 inches above sprinklers

[@ITWorksSoftware]

I just wanted to know how to adjust the water flow. Is there a flow control knob on these valves?

[@bupright]

No.

[@andresrealpe5324]

Did the Splinker reduce the presure? For example if the inlet is 50 psi the outlet will change (40 psi) ?

[@Susan70003]

I have one station that will not turn on. 5 other stations do come on. All have continuity at the watermaster timer. I have to go out to the inground box and turn the dials for station number 1 to come on. idk what else to check for in troubleshooting?

[@randyjohnson5179]

Maybe a bad solinoid or diaphragm. Solinoid should be 27-60 ohms. Check when unhooked with a multi meter.

[@shellykirk8672]

Why won’t my water faucet turn on no water comes out front and back yard hooked up to orbit sprinkler system just moved here don’t know why water in backyard doesn’t come on

[@432b86ed]

Superb explanation Sir. THX

[@karenholzschuh6974]

How can I disassemble this orbit 's battery operated timer so that the water will flow through it. I do not need the timer any longer. But I don't want to replum around it. Can i disassemble it and if so will the water then flow through it?

[@randyjohnson5179]

Drill a hike in the diaphragm.

[@paulcardenas1998]

Great video!👍

[@rossitherhodie5659]

So what that little black plastic screw on the top. May as well have trouble shot at the same time. But Thanks for explaining.

[@bupright]

If I remember correctly, the bleed screw does two things. The first is to bleed the air out of the valve after you have disassembled the valve and let air in. The second is that you can activate the valve and let water pass through by merely opening the bleed valve (no power required). This reduces the water pressure on the top of the valve and allows the diaphragm to flex upward, letting the water flow through.

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

For a one inch inlet and outlet, it sure seems like a lot of restriction in those small orifices. Mine buzzes when on but still seems to work fine. Maybe an insufficient electrical connection.

[@heavymod9476]

Thanks so much for this

[@harveymcclung6642]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@bupright]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikecelmer9698]

Well, going nuts trying to figure out why the valve identical to this one will not close. So far, I have replaced the diaphragm, the solenoid is working and flushed the valve. Still will not close, I will throw a new solenoid at it.

[@heavymod9476]

Dealing with this situation. Using iridol parts and unsure why it won't close. I'm wondering if solinoid position is an issue. Did you resolve this!

[@UtahSustainGardening]

I am used to taking valves apart and I can honestly say that my orbit valve was so crappy that it was stuck in place. I will be replacing all of them with better quality parts in within 18 months.

[@다시시작해-k7x]

orbit 3/4 57460 voltage is ac 24v ???????????? 57280 difference???

[@e.a.p3174]

the orbit valve is an old Richdel. Orbit is a discount brand, not many professional contractors install it. Sold mostly at Home Depot. Why not spend $10 or $15.00 more and buy a professional grade valve, rather than screwing around with a mediocre product?

[@bupright]

I'm not a professional, just interested in how some things work. I do have two of these Orbit valves that have been been working fine for nineteen years, but their operation was so baffling to me that I decided to get one from HD to try and figure them out (and have a spare for whenever!). I appreciate your comment, thank you.

[@Susan70003]

It's true. Orbit bought out Rainjet and then discontinued the rainjet sprinklers, One of the best sprinklers made. They just bought the competition so you couldn't have the quality product any longer. When the patent runs out someone should give us back rainjets.

[@jj-eg5up]

Shut up. Good lord.