Sprinkler Valve Does Not Shut The Water Off | SprinklerSupplyStore.com

[@mistertee4453]

Truly appreciate this video! This video saved me another 3 hours of work. After installing 3 valves, the 4th one won't shut off. I did the easy solenoid check and found no problems. After watching this video, I unscrewed all the screws and and found a piece of rubbery material inside which kept the diaphragm from closing, although I flushed the line before the installation. Thank you again for sharing, very helpful.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Great news Mister Tee, well done! Appreciate your feedback.

[@area.man.]

All of my zones were leaking. I popped off the tops of my weathermatic silver bullets and found little bits of solder on each of the diaphragms preventing them from closing. I made a union fitting last year to just take my backflow section inside each year and some of the solder from the inside of the pipes found their way to the valves. This video saved the day.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Wow, good on you to figure it out! Thanks for the kudos and let me know how we can help you in the future.

[@Scott-cq9xt]

Gave you guys a call, and you were kind enough to take the time to talk to me on the phone. Just wanted to say thank you.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

😊 thank you Scott 😊

[@David-xu6xw]

Thanks, this video gave me all the info I needed to fix my sprinkler system. It saved me a $300 service call.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Excellent. So glad it helped and good for you making it happen!

[@elkskiutah8204]

Whoa! So a sprinkler service call in your area starts at 300$? I'm not charging enough then.

[@matthewpfiore]

Great video! I've got the very same weathermatic valve for a leaky zone in our yard. The lowest head in a relatively flat zone weeps continuously and I've tried just about everything. In speaking with a neighbor, apparently the previous homeowner was constantly messing with it as well. Troubleshooting steps: 1) First, I started by replacing the head. It's on the edge of the driveway so figured I had hit it. Continued to weep out of the top of the new head. 2) Then I dug up that head and raised it above the other heads, water started to weep out of another head in the zone. Took the head off and clearly water was flowing (zone was off). Not flowing hard but more than just residual water from the previous cycle that ran that morning. 3) Figured it might be a leaky valve. There were older weathermatic silver bulllets in the valve box, so I replaced the problem valve with a new one. ---> Still weeps out of that valve!!! 4) I opened up the new valve and checked the diaphragm and solenoid and they look clean. As I mentioned, they are new but figured I would check just in case something in the line clogged them up. No dice. At this point it seems like the only potential sources might be: -- Bad luck? New valve is bad? -- Electrical problem and the valve just isn't getting a strong enough signal to close all the way? I really appreciate any advice / insight you might have on this! Thank you!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

What happens when you shut off the main water supply? That will help determine if it’s a valve issue, or drainage after the system turns off.

[@elkskiutah8204]

New valves do sometimes seep. But? Another cause I found once seemed like a leaky valve but wasn't the valve on that zone. Customer had tried everything. Replacing the seeping heads. Not sure why people think this can stop a seeling flow? He replaced the valve. He had action mechanical fitting so a relatively easy job to change the valve. I changed the valve and still seeping. Can't be 2 bad valves in a row can it? I go over to a nearby valve box and manually turn on each valve for 30 seconds then waiting for 3 minutes. When I turned on one valve the seep increased. It was easy to see because I had taken a hanging pot drip line out so it dripped onto the patio. Sure enough he has connected 2 zones together via a 1/4" drip line in his recent waterfall hill installation he and his brother did. So this valve didn't supply enough pressure or really flow rare to pop up the heads on the other zone but the pressure increased enough to override the check valve heads he had installed. He was thrilled. So many times homeowners waste so much time and effort before hiring a pro.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

@@elkskiutah8204 Wow! Two zones connected downstream-great catch! You are right; I'm sure this happens more often than is realized. Kudos.

[@elkskiutah8204]

@@Andy_Humphrey what made it hard to find was that is was only connected by the 1/4" drip line. so the sprinkler heads didn't pop up or even spray at all jsut charged up and seeped.

[@Joe-wr5is]

Great info, one of the best videos on troubleshooting approach out there. My 17 yr old Toro jar top valve on zone #8 on my yard irrigation system was sticking open all of a sudden, eliminated electrical being cause first, then I changed diaphram and solenoid and cleaned lower part out good. No luck. So I bought a whole new valve, removed all parts including spring, and installed them in body of zone #8 valve. Bingo, that did the trick. Not sure if conclusion is that spring was weak or perhaps the tiny o-rings were misaligned, nonetheless I didn't have to dig further and remove the valve body as it is glued to pvc inlet and outlet. Thanks!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you, Joe! So glad that know your relentless pursuit paid off. Happy sprinkling! -Andy

[@elkskiutah8204]

I have had this happen several times. Just replacing the diaphragm doesn't do it. My feeling is the tops get warped from freezing and just don't seal. Same happens on popup bodies that leak around the top seal.

[@briano3030]

Sprinkler Nerd Andy has just saved me a ton of money on service calls for my aging system. When I opened my utility box, all I saw was a nest of wires and pipes. Now I know what they are. The repair looks like a simple procedure compared to many other home repairs, and I do have a rudimentary knowledge of plumbing. Since it's winter and I just discovered the small drip, I have plenty of time to fix the system. Videos like this send me to the links and I'm heading over to Sprinkler Supply Store once I have a list of the parts I need. With several zones on my system I'm going to do preventive maintenance on all of them. Thanks!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for the kudos @briano3030 - it’s not rocket science - just sprinkler science - good luck!

[@kriscolton1879]

Oh my gosh! Thank you. I'm a 58 year old grandma. I've been calling around and everyone keeps saying I can't fix this myself. A friend was trying to explain the different components but i just couldn't understand. Your video made this so much easier. I know I can fix this. Well as soon as it stops raining. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Can you post a video on how to change a rainbird impact sprinkler can please? You're a life saver.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Kris! Thanks for your kind feedback and future video idea. Happy to help in the future. - Sprinkler Nerd Andy

[@PhoenixSunshin]

you are amazing!!! I researched all kind of documentation and all of them kept saying that it is the diaphram, but you said to check the controler. I removed cable from station 3 and sure enough it shut off!!! you saved me a trip to home depot and replacing the whole valve which would have taken so much work!!!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

You’re welcome! Glad it helped. Sounds like the controller was still sending power to station 3. If station 3 was the only station with the issue, you might double check the program settings. Reach out to us if you have questions. -Sprinkler Nerd Andy

[@elkskiutah8204]

These controllers do fail. If one ever acts up in any way, doesn't do the command I say or display acts funny I suggest the customer gets a new one and WiFi while I'm at it.

[@nesco7615]

Bro thank you so much I did it today and there was a piece of the glue that was dried off on the diaphragm. It was not letting it close. They are pretty new. so thank you brother your video help me solved it

[@Andy_Humphrey]

We're glad that we could be of help, and please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything else that we can help you with!

[@barrys.1824]

Nice jacket. Good information for the average DYI guy.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks Barry! What else would you be interested in seeing?

[@christianpfluger5190]

That’s was so well explained and makes perfect sense. Really appreciate the clarity of the troubleshooting process!!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for the kudos!! Send me/us a txt if we can help you with anything else: 833-343-4590 -Andy

[@DM-hd4xm]

Excellent explanation of how to troubleshoot a valve issue, thank you very much, it helped a lot.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesrichard6458]

Something to always keep in mind also if you have a brand new valve or you know the valve is in good working order but still won't shut down you may have too high of pressure in your supply main line to the valves causing them to not shut down, in that case you need to regulate the flow of the PSI coming into the valves with a pressure regulator

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for commenting James

[@nicolaevriscu5090]

What pressure should be before the valves?

[@elkskiutah8204]

Hunter and rainbird specify 150 psi max. But that is more due to the valve plastic failing IMHO. Higher pressure actually puts more force on the sealing diaphragm. I commonly see 100-120 psi at customers houses. Things work ok but so much misting.

[@CaptCrunch71]

Good info...mine won't shut off UNLESS I physically tap the control...will check for debris and/or water solids..maybe some lime away works?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Apologies for the late response, when you say physically tap the control, what do you mean?

[@XycofoxDarkchild]

Hey man.. just so you know, the orifice that fills the upper part of the valve needs to be flowing to close a valve also (hydraulic pressure). Anything that prevents the pressure to build up on top of the diaphragm (ie, Solenoid not closing, diaphragm filter (on 1" Orbit & Rainbird models), or broken/leaking bleeder screw) can cause the valve to hang open. Debris that sits on the ring in the body of the valve you pointed out only causes "leaking" valves, aka when a home owner says one zone drips all the time when the system is on.

[@XycofoxDarkchild]

Check this out to get a better understanding. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6PSnIt-nd2Fidk

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks, good old Bernoulli’s principle in action!

[@keithwilkinson2781]

Excellent presentation. You just saved me $200+

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you! Beginners luck, I suppose. This was my first video. Glad it helped, and I'm here if you need anything in the future.

[@noname-gp6hk]

Thanks for the tips lad, I got some ideas on my next steps now.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Great!

[@elmandalorian6671]

Excellent video 📹!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you!

[@viktoriapeterson489]

Thank you. I might be able to save some big money here by taking the non-functioning valve apart as you show. Good pictures. Wish the question at the bottom would disappear though.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Viktoria, thanks for your comment and constructive criticism. We'll keep it in mind for future videos!

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

Great video but one issue not mentioned, which was my problem. My RainBird valve has a bleeder screw. It had been left open, and I had to screw it clockwise all the way to prevent a slow dribble at the closest head once the valve shutoff after running. This issue is kinda mentioned by the comment from Xycofox and other places in the comments.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you, Tom, great point! It is easy to forget the details sometimes. Appreciate you chiming in.

[@patrickladeau1725]

Thank you so much for this excellent troubleshooting video!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

My pleasure, Patrick. I’m here for your next sprinkler adventure! -Andy

[@williamdavidson4576]

Great, easy to understand video. Thank you.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks @williamdavidson4576 - l let me know what else you’d like to learn about.

[@ElliotSachs-tm6jt]

Thank you. Excellent presentation!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks! We’re here if you have any questions about your system.

[@JK-jf3je]

Hi Awesome video! I have a zone for the flowerbeds that won't turn off. Long story,, but I want to keep that zone shut. If I cut the wires to the solenoid, will that valve stay shut? Thanks a ton and hope you would respond to this. Jay. 🙏

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Jay, absolutely, I’m happy to respond. Sprinkler valves are known as “normally closed”, meaning, they are always in the closed/off position unless the controller activates it electrically. If that specific valve will not turn off, even when the controller is powered off, there is likely dirt/debris stuck in the valve, preventing it from closing all of the way. The only way to fix this typos of leak is to clean out the valve. Cutting the wires will not fix the problem, because the problem is not an electrical issue. After you resolve the issue, if you would like to keep the valve off indefinitely, I recommend that you remove the hot wire (colored wire) from the controller terminal, instead of cutting it. One other option is to check that the solenoid is tight - turned all the way clockwise - If the solenoid is not tight, this could cause the way not to close (can’t recall if I mentioned that in the video).

[@JK-jf3je]

@@Andy_Humphrey that's awesome Andy. Yes I was thinking of disconnecting the colored wire at the terminal. Thanks for responding!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Cool. Let us know what you find when you clean out the valve!

[@elkskiutah8204]

But valves can still leak.

[@jocularpaddy]

This has been very helpful, thanks very much.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you. My pleasure! We’re here if you need assistance. -Andy

[@nicolaevriscu5090]

What pressure of water should be before the valves? Thank you

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Great question. Every valve has a specific operating range. For instance, a Hunter 1" PGV valve has a recommended pressure range of 20 to 150 psi, and a flow range of 0.2 to 40 gpm. Feel free to contact us if you need help find this information for your valve. Additionally, you should consider the pressure recommendations for the sprinklers you have on your system. Rotor type sprinklers typically require 40-50psi, while spray head type sprinklers require 30-40psi.

[@popaki9484]

I have a leak in my yard. I found the valve boxes with solenoids but not valve to shut off a zone. I found what seems like pressure regulator but not backflow shutoff valve. Any advice?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

HI @Kali M. You are on the right track. You'll need to find the valve that activates that zone and there is probably debris inside which is causing it not to close all of the way. Or, you may have a broken pipe, etc. Depending on how large the leak is, you might consider turning off the main water supply coming form your home. We'd be happy to look at pictures if want to send them to us. We could at least help you to identify what you're seeing. You can send them to us at: info at sprinkler supply store do com. - ANDY

[@popaki9484]

@@Andy_Humphrey I can send you pics of the valves that activate the zones. One seemed to have a little water on the top and the others seemed bone dry. If that valve was faulty I would think the sprinklers would be on. But if it’s doing it’s job wouldn’t it keep the water from flowing to the cracked pipe?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

When debris is stuck is the valve, the valve can slowly weep. Is the leak located near a sprinkler, or is it out in an open area? If it is near a sprinkler than the valve is probably not closing and is slowly weeping/leaking, causing water to slowly seep out of the sprinkler, even when the zone valve is off. If the leak is out in an open area than your probably have a leaking pipe.

[@popaki9484]

@@Andy_Humphrey it seems like it’s in an area but the sprinklers are close by. A gentleman who works on landscaping has a look at it. He confirmed I don’t have a backflow shut off valve but recommended after fixing the leak, to install a master valve and a somewhat backflow valve he can build. He said the master valve would take care of any future leaks. Hmmm

[@Andy_Humphrey]

@@popaki9484 That is great, and he is correct. Adding a Master Valve will keep the system OFF unless irrigation is scheduled to run. So if you have a leak, it will only leak while the system is actively running. The problem is that you may never know when you have a leak because you will no longer see it. The master valve doesn't fix the leak, it simply prevents the leak from running 24/7. The absolute best solution is to add a Flow Sensor & Master Valve. You will likely need to upgrade your controller, however, this will allow you to be notified if there is a leak, and the master will automatically shut the system off, and then send you a text message. Some controllers can even report which exact zone has the leak, or if the leak is on your mainline pipe. This option is the best, however, not cheap. Ask your Irrigation Specialist about this. It could be outside of their typical scope of work, or something where the cost/benefit to you isn't worth it. Adding a just Master Valve would be a good idea. Glad you're on the lright track! -Andy

[@dldennis5]

Where do I find the valve & solenoid? I've nplugged. During TX freeze, thought the system was completely off, but I cap one head off, & another leak happens! I am on a slope, but what is happening? It is an old system, here when I bought house.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi. Can you provide a bit more information? I'm not totally following your description.

[@elkskiutah8204]

Seeling valve, try new diaphragm. Then top of valve, last resort whole new valve. Sometimes the body's base sealing ring gets pitted.

[@vne5195]

Weathermatic valve diaphragms have two ultra-small (0.5mm?) holes in the diaphragm. When these holes get plugged, by debris or biofilm, the valve will slow the flow rate, but will not stop the flow when you try to shut it off. When this happens, the valve may make an annoying squealing sound when you try to shut it off. Clear the plugged holes with a small drill bit or piece of wire to temporarily restore the valve function. While replacing the diaphragm is a longer term solution, replacing the valve with one that is NOT from Weathermatic may be the best long solution. The Weathermatic Actuator Assembly, located under the solenoid is another cause for failure of Weathermatic valves. You can reach the actuator by spinning the solenoid off. Good luck finding Weathermatic parts at your local hardware store. I agree that it's probably better to just buy a whole new valve when you need a Weaternatic part.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

This is 109% NERD. Thank you for sharing.

[@jolly7728]

Very nice explanation! Many thanks.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you, Jolly! Happy Sprinkling, -Andy

[@1celestial]

Greetings, if you have a three head zone, and only the middle head continues to drip wayer, could it be on the low end of the pipe even though its in the middle of the three heads. These are shrub spray heads. Thanks in advance

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Absolutely, it could. Sometimes it is very hard to see a less than 3% grade difference. If it is just one sprinkler dripping water after the zone turns off, the best option would be to put a check valve in the sprinkler. Or, put a check valve in all the sprinklers, it’s not expensive and easy to do. Let me know if we can help find the check valve for your specific Sprinkler

[@GM-yq5wk]

Hi my sprinkler won’t run off howler it’s not the timer etc I released the little screw thing by hand and bleed it and they shut off!! Yayyy Thank you Now do I need to replace the valve or whole section if it stopped and if so when replacing the rebuild kit do I need to turn the water off at mains to replace??? Thank you 🙏

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Glad it helped. Yes, turn your water off at the main, or at your backflow. Then try to bleed as much of the water out as you can by opening another valve that will help empty the pipe.

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

My Orbit valve has a solenoid with a small arm below the solenoid that you turn to move the solenoid instead of grabbing on to the solenoid. I can't remove the solenoid because the arm only allows me to only turn the solenoid about 3/4 of a turn before it comes into contact with the valve housing. What can I do?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

See if the arm can slide up. There should be a way to remove it. Can you reply with the exact Orbit model.

[@raymi9612]

Hey, I bought a Rainbird 100 DVF valve and it does not close. Is there any chance the reason is low water pressure?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Perhaps, although it is rated to as low as 15psi. Can you share more details about what you are experiencing? Happy to help you troubleshoot it. -Andy

[@raymi9612]

@@Andy_Humphrey For now I just wanted to test it, so I connected it in my bathroom to a 1/4" size hose. The valve is 1" in diameter. I assume I had a big pressure loss because of the larger valve diameter. Is winter now, so I can't test it in the backyard on the 3/4" larger pipe.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Yeah, that's tricky. You may not enough enough flow from the 1/4" hose for the valve to properly work. Have a good winter!

[@hchacko]

I have an Orbit Controller and valve. I have several problems - 1) Water flows continuously, even in the OFF position. Saw the video about how to fix that. Next problem when I use my controller in the manual setting with a timer, water still flows but when i turn the switch to ON the water stops and when I turn it to OFF the water starts again. Timer continues to work and water starts to flow again when the time runs out. Is this CRAZY or what - do I need to replace the solenoid or thee entire valve?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

@hchacko crazy for sure, sounds like it has a mind of its own. Might not be the valve. Best to check with a multi-meter to see if you have voltage coming off the controller. Is your system by chance battery powered? When you say, water continuously flows, it is enough that the sprinklers are on, or just a leak?

[@hchacko]

@@Andy_Humphrey Thanks for the quick response - controller is connected to AC power and has a back up battery. as soon as I turn my main water supply on, it flows through the valve to my sprinkler heads - to stop the flow I press the ON button in the Manual setting - and if I turn the manual setting to OFF - water starts to flow again - really strange indeed.

[@michaeld.3779]

I've found that the solenoids fail on these units more often than debris being present inside the valve. The actuating tips at the bottom of solenoids wear over time. After a few years, the solenoid simply needs to be replaced. This is especially true with Lawn Genie brand. Just buy a new solenoid. Unscrew it by hand and install a new one. It doesn't matter which of the solenoid black wires go to the two electrical connections where you removed the old wire nuts. Solenoids are relatively cheap at the box stores, and any novice can replace them.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for sharing! Crazy that box stores don’t sell (because it doesn’t exist) a universal solenoid with adapters for all valves.

[@elkskiutah8204]

Solenoids do fail but diaphragm cause more seeling valves 10/1

[@josephkarl7080]

I have a station that won't work. It is getting power to the solenoid as I can hear it starting but no water... also have another station that won't turn off! Different junction for both (front and backyard are separate).

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Interesting. My apologies for the delayed response, if you haven’t corrected this, feel free to schedule a support call.

[@arymonem]

Very good video. Thank you sir.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

My pleasure @arymonem

[@EuroYank]

Another pesky problem and sometimes not obvious is local water pressure. The water pressure in my town is 90+, so unless you have a pressure regulator installed on the main line, your sprinkler valves may leak.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Yes, that's definitely another possibility!

[@johnmarkvanzee]

My rain bird system turns on but one zone constantly stays on while it runs through the various zone. Even if I unplug the zone it still will run regardless. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Johnmark - it sounds like a defective diaphragm allowing water to pass through the valve even though it's supposed to be shut off. You can replace just the diaphragm, or just purchase the same brand and make of valve and use the insides of the new valve to replace the insides of the old valve. That way you can essentially replace the valve without having to actually remove it from your system. Let us know how it goes!

[@scottdietrich7566]

Outstanding video. Thank you…

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you, Scott! Standing by to assist if you need any support with your system.

[@rodeslinger571]

Great info - thank you much!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks!

[@jm213213]

I don’t use the sprinkler system anymore and I have a leak where these valves are underground. Can I take each one out and just cap off right there?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Likely, yes. If you are in a cold climate you may need an access point to drain the system or a valve to open to blow air through it. If you don’t use it (at all) anymore you might consider shutting the water off inside your house and decommissioning the system entirely.

[@himus1]

Swapped the entire valve but it still doesn't shut off . I flushed it too . Is there a chance that it's water pressure related ?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

This could be a few issues and I’m happy to help if this is still an issue for you. How does this problem zone compare to all of your other zones? Smaller, bigger, etc.

[@NeedleNoseable]

This was an incredibly helpful video. I have those exactSilver bullet valves. There are 4 heads (in 2 different zones) that will not turn off. I have unplugged my control box. I have looked for and cleaned out debris on diaphragms and solenoids, then replaced the diaphragms, yet the problem persists. I can not detect a crack in the valve body (ie there does not seem to be any leaking water). What else could be the culprit? Does it matter what direction the little lever in the solenoid port should be at (ie 12:00 or 3:00?) Thanks for any ideas!!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

You are the right track. Sounds like the problem is not electrical. You could try replacing the solenoids. Perhaps the plunger/pin inside the solenoid is sticking up. Before you purchase new solenoids, you can try switching a solenoid from a known/good valve first, as a test first. If that fixes problem then you can purchase new solenoids. Worst case, you may have to cut the valves out and replace them. Not difficult, just a pain. Yes, the lever on the valve should be in the closed position. 3 o’clock (I think). The lever is used to open and close the valve manually by hand.

[@mattbullard07]

@@Andy_Humphrey for toros, are the manual handles supposed to be on or off?

[@gmacreef]

The levers are a manual open/close for the solenoid plunger also known as a bleed. When up, the solenoid will be in the open position allowing water to flow. It should be down during normal operation. Also you should check for the presence/condition of the tiny Exhaust O ring that connects to the underside of the top cover. That is what my issue ended up being after checking the diaphragm a bunch of times.

[@bunnydeath1]

Super helpful, THANKS!!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Our pleasure, we’re here if you need future assistance!

[@gozillatrade5178]

I have 2 above ground new rainbird valves that won't shut off 1/2 the time. Tried different timers, valves will continue even wires disconnected. Tried replacing valves a few times and air bled. Could it be that the flow rate is too slow and need to adjust for more water spray?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Yes, flow rate or pressure could be the cause. If your valve has flow control (handle) try turning it half way down, this will make it easier for the valve to close.

[@pinkxie2251]

how to wire ac 24v solenoid? my solenoid only has one wire connected, the other one is not connected to anything.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Sounds like something has come undone. There are two wires that run to a solenoid, and they can be wired in either order, because it’s AC current.

[@imkkpnkzta1971]

That happens to my valves all the time, what I do is I turn the valve all the way on and off with the cross handle or knob and some times that works. but Your right,

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Great point! Sometimes just by cranking on the flow control you can fix a stuck valve.

[@tonytran9929]

Hello, My Controller Is WM9 had been discontinued , How can I get the Manual to set up the program ?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Tony. It sounds like you are looking for the manual to the Weathermatic WeatherMate controller. Below is a link to download the manual from our website. If you need help programming it, please respond here and we can schedule a time to program it together. Here are the 4 quick tips to remember: 1) Set the Time and Date, 2) Set a Run Time, 3) Set a Start Time, 4) Set the Schedule [Days of the Week]. cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1987/5531/files/Weathermatic_WeatherMate_Irrigation_Controller_Manual.pdf?v=1654687482

[@stevefisher3072]

My sprinkler is leaking - I’ve checked for dirt in my toro ez flo valve at the main box but couldn’t find any dirt or debris . I then replaced the whole valve and body but still have a leak at my sprinkler !! Any suggestions ?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Steve - Could be a couple of things. Is it just one sprinkler, and does it leak after the zone turns off? If yes, it is likely caused be low head drainage (due to gravity) and can be fixed by adding a check valve to the sprinkler or replacing the sprinkler with different model that has a built-in check valve.

[@patrickhodge4975]

Thank-you.

[@jimh8080]

What can I do if I am having to clean out debris every multiple times a week because the well pump seems to be pumping small sand particles through the system that keeps getting into all my valves? Is there a way to prevent the sand from getting to the valves or a kind of valve that won’t be affected by small sand particles?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Jim. Absolutely! The best option is to put a filter on the mainline of your system. The filter can be installed any place before the first zone valve, however, they are typically installed close to the well, or at the beginning of the system. There are many filter options and some that are specific for sand. If you would like assistance please reach out and we’ll look at options with you. Depending on the size of your system (water flow) this option might do the trick: sprinklersupplystore.com/products/lakos-131348-twist-ii-clean-filter-in-line-tee-1-in-npt-plastic-clear-60-mesh-with-polyester-screen

[@loober122]

None of these things he mentioned helped. My valves are cleaned, new, turned off the sprinkler box, & three out of 8 stations still keeps running.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi @loober122, it's Andy here. Happy to help. If power is completely off, and the valves have not closed, they are being kept open due to a mechanical malfunction. This is typically debris, even small debris under the solenoid, as well as oversized valves that hydraulically cannot close, and improperly tuned valves that have flow control. Feel free to contact us and we'll do the best we can to help you remotely.

[@billb295]

You said valves are 24V AC ? Was that a mistake? There DC.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Correct, Bill. Standard irrigation valves are 24v AC. Solenoids that are used with battery operated controllers use DC. What model valve & controller do you have? -Andy

[@dark_bear937]

What system was this video and how do you size the diaphragm to know what size is needed

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Alanna - the valve in the video is a newer Weathermatic Silver Bullet valve. Diaphragms are specific to the make and model of your valve, so you want to make sure that you have that info when trying to search for a replacement diaphragm. If you're unsure, you can always send some photos over to our customer service department and we'll be happy to take a look for you and make sure that you receive the correct diaphragm for your valves.

[@anthonymartorano8434]

When I shut the control off the sprinkler keeps running. When I tried another Zone and the sprinkler came on and then I shut it off it's everything shut down

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Anthony. This sounds a hydraulic issue with the valve. I'd recommend cleaning out the valve (diaphragm) and/or adjusting the flow control handle if your valve has that. You can contact our support department and we'd be happy to chat with you.

[@mxcollin95]

Great video! Thanks 👍

[@Andy_Humphrey]

My pleasure, thank you! We’re here for any future questions you have.

[@timjones1779]

When powering off your sprinkler timer, remember they usually have a 9V backup.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Excellent point, Tim. Typically, the purpose of backup battery is to save the time and date in the event of a power outage - and with some older model controllers, the programming could be erased as well, so it would be a good idea to replace the battery before unplugging the controller. However, the backup of battery is not used to operate the AC solenoid valves, so it will have no effect when troubleshooting the system.

[@tomgreen3281]

my zone comes on, sprinklers come up and there is water for about 5 seconds, then sprinklers stop and go back into the ground and the screen on the controller goes blank for about 5 seconds and the process repeats itself.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi, Tom - this sounds like some sort of issue with the controller itself. We'd suggest calling the tech support number for the manufacturer and having them help you trouble shoot the controller and see what's up.

[@joedroider7879]

Replace solenoid with solenoid from same model valve. When solenoid goes bad, it shorts. It won't stay open thus shutting valve off.

[@elkskiutah8204]

A controller sending out electrical current when off is super rare.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

100%

[@petelanzone484]

hard to see when you have that banner of "Q: Why does the sprinkler valve not shut the water off?" On the screen. Pro tip.. have it disappear in the first 5 - 10 seconds of when the video starts ....

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for your feedback Pete. This was one of the first videos I ever made - I knew nothing - and cobbled this together. Would to have your feedback on more recent videos. Thanks!

[@mikebonge7206]

good idea

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thank you!

[@jerrywilliams5801]

Sprinkler valve won't always shut off.when i touch the wires the water goes off.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi Jerry. Can you share more information about which wires, and where exactly are you touching them? Happy to help.

[@JR-kk6ce]

I finally found something more annoying in an informative video than background music. The winner is the banner at the bottom of this video that I guess is intended to remind us why we are watching the video.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Yes, I think we've learned quite a bit about video production since this video came out. ;) Thanks for the constructive criticism!

[@stanheston415]

Good explanation but if he gets a battery operated screwdriver the video could've been done in half the time, haha

[@Andy_Humphrey]

We should have mentioned that it's a good idea to bring a battery powered screwdriver when you're working out in the field, but obviously don't tighten the screws back down too tightly or you can crack the valve! ;)

[@shamekaholland3214]

Mines definitely have a mind of it own smh 🤦‍♀️ Turn everything off

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Sometimes it seems that way. Feel free to book a technical support call if you’d like assistance.

[@PhoenixVdieoStudioz]

That was a pretty good video. What was really irritating is: the graphic, "the sprinkler valve not shut off the water" is blocking the video. I am pretty sure after about two minutes you can get rid of that graphic. I move it to a different part of the screen so that when you're holding up the valve it's not covering. It is really annoying - and just bad editing . But thanks for attempting to help. here is another version without the graphic covering the action area. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mInYlGxpZbSCbas

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks for the feedback, James. This was one of the first videos I ever made, and did all the editing myself, I’ll take pretty good!

[@PhoenixVdieoStudioz]

@@Andy_Humphrey totally understandable - just know that the images on the screen you are talking about should never be blocked. I have been an Industrial communicator for 55+ years. It is so important to give info on the screen but only long enough to not deter the process you are working on.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Understand 💯. Would appreciate your feedback on our more recent videos if you’re will to take a look.

[@williamroberts6803]

Not ac, it’s dc so you don’t get electrocuted.

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Most irrigation systems are 24VAC if powered with 120vac. Battery operated valves do require the solenoid to be DC Latching.