Troubleshooting irrigation sprinkler valves

[@jameshin]

This is the best explanation of how sprinkler valve works. Thank you so much.

[@charliesaul729]

OMG Thank you for posting this tutorial. I viewed several Rainbird videos, which gave me some ideas but left out all of the fine details that you covered. After 6 years working, my lawn sprinklers were just dribbling. I thought I'd have to dig them up. But after viewing your video twice, I cleaned the tiny holes and while the lids were off turned the water on to blast out any possible debris. Voila! And I learned something that will probably come in handy for the 15 other stations! Thanks again!

[@spelunkerd]

You know the season has changed to spring time in the north, when these older videos come to life as people find them again. Thanks for your kind feedback, I'm glad it helped.

[@uvc175]

Six years later…and this video still helps! Thank you, sir!

[@MalcolmBrooks-bq4nt]

The introduction on how the valve works is really valuable. I wish more how-to-fix-it videos did this. Thank you. You are an excellent teacher.

[@spelunkerd]

You're absolutely right about that, troubleshooting always starts with a clear grasp of how things work. People who start by swapping parts usually get frustrated, and never achieve the consistent success of those who think problems through. Thanks for the kind feedback.

[@stevemcnally8255]

Will preface this with, This is far and beyond the most detailed and accurate tutorial (of any subject) I have ever come upon. And I love it. It felt like Med school. Was taking notes. I am now confident and ready to prefom open lawn surgery this weekend.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks. I'm a retired med onc in Canada, ha ha.

[@misodinamosa]

Wow! Thank you so much for this! My dad passed away about three years ago. I find there are many different ways I miss him and yes he knew so much about everything. I know I was fortunate but it’s tough when they leave. Thank you for sharing this information. It’s so thorough & detailed, yes just like my dad. You’re awesome & I appreciate that!

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you. My dad died a few weeks ago, too, and I feel the same way.

[@slbuwk]

Same here, thanks for the video! Going to go fix my mom's sprinklers this weekend

[@betote2916]

Thanks for the video, had 2 night with sprinklers running all night. Someone quoted me $80 to fixed, thanks to your video I saved the $80 and found out that I needed a $7 dollar solenoid valve. Thank you!

[@Halfrightfox]

This video is a blessing to young men around the internet. Thank you for taking the time to teach and illustrate everything.

[@criticalcrossroads498]

Woke up this morning...zone 4 was on...and I could not turn it off. Had to turn off the water at the back-flow. Took apart the valve...cleaned it. VOILA!!!!! Good as new. Saved me a bunch of money and headache waiting around for the sprinkler company. Thank you.

[@bassetto1603]

The way you explained everything, reminded me so much of my beloved dad!! I got sidetracked with my emotions for a bit but this was really helpful for a woman in her 50s..Truly appreciated! Canadians are the best!!

[@wayneblanchard4347]

Top notch discussion of control valves. 20+ year landscaper here. Working on a valve that will not activate electronically but does open manually. Electric and timer checked out. Could be blocked pathway to solenoid. POC tied to 1/2" Pex tubing, though, after valve was on 3/4" PVC. Loss of pressure and flow may have dropped so much, valve can't open via solenoid. Just manual bleed. Always something new!

[@coreymartin6363]

Love this explanation. I've designed, installed and serviced irrigation systems for 18 years. Not sure how I rabbit-holed to this video, but I figured I'd watch it to see how wrong or poorly explained it was. I've never explained how a valve works so well to an employee or client. Very nice job! I will adjust my method.

[@DavidAndNancySanker]

This video saved me a very expensive visit from a contractor. Thank you!

[@nanadog01]

I've been working on sprinklers for 20 years, and was thinking about putting together a video. However, there is no way I could top this. Well diagrammed and explained. Well done!

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, you made my day. Thank you.

[@RelateGREAT]

Helped SO much today! Thank you for taking the time to record and share this. You’re an excellent teacher.

[@martinorosco1899]

Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you ! This video was so helpful for a job that needed to get done, and $500 was going to challenge my bank account right now YES $500 was what a local company was trying to charge me 😬 but to put it in a nutshell i followed your well given instructions and in 15min i got the job done for $20 YOU ARE A HERO ! Thank you a ton ! 👍👍👍👍

[@teastrong5794]

Great video, informative and explained each step perfectly. The first time I attempted to fix my system, I did not clean the siphon valve. The electrical was fine but sprinklers barely popped up. After having no luck ,I went back and reviewed the video a second time and did exactly what you stated and presto it worked. I’m a 60-year-old female and I’m very excited to save some money by not paying someone else to fix it.

[@davidbryant4908]

A very well produced DIY video! I cannot believe there is finally a valve repair video with excellent production values. Hands and tools never get in the way of the camera! There are fantastic cut-aways with closeups of what is difficult to otherwise see. And of course the hand-drawn diagram of the inside of a valve is very well done. Audio levels are excellent. This is NOT another talking head with the camera lingering forever on the person speaking. Instead quickly in then out again. Finally, the information about valves both in general and specifics is accurate without too much jargon. One of the best DIY videos I've ever seen and I hope more to come. I'm subscribing now.

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you so much for your feedback.

[@plumberplumber6528]

David said it all! And I would like to add: And thank you for your honesty with the O-ring! You could have omitted that easily. Great video!

[@tmar1977]

I was just about to give up,cut, and purchase a new sprinkler. Thanks to your video I was able to clean and fix my issue!

[@garthmason369]

You have an uncommon gift for communicating and a kind demeanor. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you.

[@jamessteelesmith4865]

Thank you! Woke up to a sprinkler zone that had been running all night. After lots of head scratching and random attempts at fixing nothing, I watched your video and took apart the valve and cleaned and that fixed it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped. Most of the professionals around here are so busy they are pushing business away, and rotary valves seem to easily walk out of alignment by themselves. I've never seen an output valve move by itself, though.

[@jamesmoeller9366]

Spel, You presented all facets, especially that patience phase during the O ring escapement! Well done!

[@ashjoshi8094]

Just turned the mains water on and all the zones came on and will not shut down, had to turn off the main water to shut the system down. I’m gonna follow your tip and hopefully the system works as it should. Thank you much

[@BobMoffat]

THANK YOU! Fixed a stuck valve by simply cleaning it, but it wasn't hardly dirty at all. I think the disassemble/reassemble was the ticket.

[@BiffWatson-x5n]

Wow! Excellent video ! I'm an engineer type, but never have fully understood the workings of a sp valve. You are a good teacher. Please share more of your experience with fix-it / DIY stuff !

[@vicmerle57]

Thank you Sir. I watched many other videos to find the answer to solve my leaking valve. Your video was the best. Clear, concise, great explanation and easy to understand. Even when you lost the o-ring, that helped me to keep in mind not to lose mine. I was successful in fixing my valve. Thank you very much👍

[@Woo-7073]

Great video you saved me the cost and labor of installing a new valve. I have irritrol valves from the 90s. All the gaskets look good. They are just dirty, but have no damage and are still pliable. I cleaned them up and voila my leak has stopped.

[@dougmcguire5037]

Gave me the information I needed to diagnosis my valve box vibration. I disassembled the valve head, cleaned the membrane and seals, back in business! Thank you! Probably saved me $200 of a house call from an Irrigation Company.

[@maxipaw-dc5xj]

Vibration is caused by air trapped in your valve it will eventually go away by itself or you could bleed the valve

[@Dentinvent]

Really appreciate the video . Stupid solenoids are always dying and leaking . I’ve got a big collection of them. Many brands and all leaking after a while . The small manual control knobs leak and some have no way of disassembling… back to the shop again for another .

[@JasonOh]

I'm so glad I found this video. My valve was leaking and I couldn't figure out why. It was that darn O ring missing. Thank you!!

[@janhavi7576]

Thanks! I hope i don't need to do this, but even though i am a total neophyte, watching just to learn something about the control valves, i think i could do it with your great, easily understood and pleasant humbly-mannered instruction.

[@stephenvalis7071]

great tutorial on this system. Unfortunately, when the builder did the irrigation system. All of these valves were burried! Giant pain in the backside to service these things. Once I dig them up. I just replace them. But, now, I know much more how they work. Great video!

[@nickporter9976]

Very helpful! My sprinkler was stuck on and from this video I found rocks and some broken pipe below the diaphragm im my sprinkler box. Thanks a bunch!

[@mh6000]

I had a slow leak and thought I'd have to replace the diaphragm. A took it apart, cleaned it and flushed as your video guided and everything appears to be working fine now. Thanks! P.S. Your theory and pictures were excellent.

[@karlbe8414]

Definitely gives me a starting point to solve why the backflow valve is leaking. O ring mishap was a good reminder too. Thanks

[@coreygrua3271]

How nice to watch a KZbin with a true and patient expert in the field. Thanks for the explanations and cautions. I like the “whys.”

[@GunnyPhillips]

Great tutorial. Even though I have Hunter valves, your information made it a lot easier for me to understand how they work.

[@taichikdc]

Have a problem with a zone not shutting down. Your explanation of the workings has helped me understand what is going on and how to fix it. Many thanks ( from Australia)

[@spelunkerd]

My sprinkler videos are not so popular in the fall and winter. I guess I have to send more to the southern hemisphere (grin). Thanks for the feedback!

[@johnweather7]

I'm a professional hydraulics engineer. Your presentation was exceptional, intelligent and so well done.

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you.

[@wl34nkw]

Thanks for the helpful video and schematic. As a scientist I enjoyed learning about the physics of the valve!

[@Thomas_Deering_King]

Finally, an excellent explanation of how these work. Thanks! Very well done! Also, thanks for leaving in the goof. The illustrations are also top notch. Bravo!

[@Jedward108]

Best explain I've seen of how these valves work and how to fix them. I have several Irritrols that won't close. Looking fwd to trying these fixes.

[@rodneyanderson9160]

Great teaching video. I'm a surgeon and mostly just cut out bad function. Think I'll call a specialist.

[@spelunkerd]

Ha ha, I'm a retired medical oncologist. There is an even better life after your first career.

[@glenf4115]

Thanks! I have been opening and closing my irrigation system for 11 years now and opening up this year my zone 1 wasn't turning on. It turns out someone had closed its flow valve in the valve box and knocked one of the rotary heads out of alignment. You saved me a call to the irrigation company. Saboteurs? (a tactic used to drum up more business?)

[@rodolfozotta4996]

Great video and clear instructions. I followed all the steps and fixed two valves that were leaking. Thank you for doing this, I'm sure you have helped many others with it. Cheers,

[@hindflight]

I was clued in that you were in the medical field when you used the term "presents" when describing the symptom of the problem - usually used in medical contexts. Fantastic video, I enjoy doing these side projects as mental exercise and honing my troubleshooting skills! My solenoids are new, but still will only work when unscrewing the valve. I'll need to open the valve and see where that takes me, hopefully not losing any O-rings in the process!

[@spelunkerd]

My career in diagnostic medicine is now over, but the fundamentals overlap with troubleshooting auto repair, too. Interestingly in medicine the history is often the best clue, but in auto repair the tech rarely speaks with the customer directly. Thanks for stopping by!

[@lynnhunter8762]

Thank you so much for the tutorial in the beginning of your video. I had a leaky sprinkler and almost started digging it up. But no! I replaced the valve diaphragm instead. Voila!!

[@spideynguyen6538]

Thanks for the tutorial. Mine doesn’t seem to open wide enough to release the water. I’m going to try to open up the valve to see what’s going on. Thanks again

[@benbalk8925]

Great teaching vid!!! My valve wouldn’t turn on - when all the other valve zones did, this one was dry-- so this vid gave me the process to fix!! You da man!

[@datawolf2318]

you are the man! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[@astronauta1174]

That was a good explanation, and I like the fact You show the posible fixing, and or mistakes people with no expirience can have by doing this. I now have an idea how to fix a leaking sprinkler valve. I'm trying this first, if that doesn't work replace the top half of the valve is the 2nd option. Thank You sr.

[@wtyMcwterson]

Thanks for this video, it's helped me through a few different sprinkler troubleshooting and repairs.

[@barbaradebevec2885]

This is EXCELLENT!! Both the innards diagram and actual taking-apart of the system. THANKS!

[@kenhazelbaker4952]

Wonderful video/narrative/ sketches to teach the principle and show how to remedy problems. Best ever - maybe because I am an engineer! :)

[@progKev]

Thank you for your video. It is well done, easy to understand, and saved me a lot of time and money. Well done!

[@khannayuvraj]

Great Video, detailed. I have a weeping valve, I did replace both the diaphragm and the anti-siphon side just to avoid cleaning the system, the valves are 16+ year old so I felt I would fix the problem by just replacing the two pieces and I still have water coming out of the irrigation drip even if the valve is hut, what could be the problem? I think I did not flush the system when I opened the valve, will try that next.

[@naioti]

Great video. I’m sure I will be watching this every few seasons 😄👍🏼✌🏼

[@eric33707]

Very Informative Video. I learned alot! Need more videos like this style on KZbin. I only wish I came across this video prior to replacing all my valves. But I know now how to troubleshoot the valves for next time!

[@goto_ricoproductions1897]

I echo the previous compliments. Your video and explanation are the best! Thank you very much! I've always had a problem with one of my valves. It does not turn on using the controller so I've had to turn the Manual Bleed Screw to turn on the sprinkler. I've tried troubleshooting it but can't seem to fix the problem. I've changed out the Solenoid, cleaned the different orifices but no luck. My current problem just started when my controller went bad. No power. So I've been turning on all the sprinklers manually till I get a new controller. Weirdly, that one valve I've had the problem with previously, now does not turn on even by turning the Manual Bleed Screw. Like it used to previously. Which doesn't seem possible since that's a fail safe and should definitely create flow of water to the sprinkler heads. I'm about to take everything apart and clean everything again. And if that fails, replace the whole valve. But I wanted to ask you first if I'm missing something. Please advise.

[@spelunkerd]

You can replace just the diaphragm, or you can replace the whole valve. I'd probably start with the diaphragm first, if only because it's pretty easy and it's kinda nice to have one on hand anyway if you need to replace the whole valve later.

[@goto_ricoproductions1897]

@@spelunkerd Thank you for your super quick reply! I will do that do that today and update you on the results.

[@stuzman52]

Great job Dave with a fabulous explanation of how the sprinkler head worked! And good of you to keep the o-ring mishap in the video to show the real world results that can happen... :)

[@spelunkerd]

Yes, I agree, mistakes are valuable teaching points and I try to keep them in for the benefit of others. It is not easy to leave a permanent record of a silly mistake, and I'm sure somebody will make fun of what was clearly a dumb error. That's OK, the best teachers know, its not about their personal ego. Thanks for stopping by, Terry.

[@JoseGarcia-eadgbe]

My sprinkler repair guy mentioned crack and aids when I asked some brief questions. His bizarre reply to the longevity of the problem was also intriguing well apparently hes 53 or 57 years old.. I hope his day is great today God Bless you sprinkler repair guy 💜💜💌📩🎎🪄🪄🪄🎉🧸🛀🚰💰💵💵💵💡🛸🛸

[@h.a.2410]

Your comprehensive educational video on valve repair was just what I was looking for. Thank you very much!

[@tjgallo]

Very comprehensive!! You should teach others how to make KZbin videos! THank you!

[@nickwilson1476]

We would watch you troubleshoot just about anything......keep 'em coming :)

[@carolinem.9800]

you just saved this retired person a $125 'service call' just to clean the debris out of one diaphragm at a cost to me of 1 cent's worth of of dish soap and water. many thanks !!

[@drabusharr]

Nicely done thanks for the "oops" inclusion. Very real-life!!!

[@Spp235.]

Thanks for the Oops! Many of us would have overlooked this so your Oops drilled it home!

[@gloryrow100]

Thanks for taking the time to helps know the world better!

[@abemaysonet7291]

You don’t know all the trouble I went through because I too lost that little o ring and never noticed it. I even went as far as buying a replacement complete valve. luckily I noticed it before my valve surgery. I noticed by comparing the inside of that valve to the one next to it which was working fine. took me a lot of time wasted I should’ve noticed that little o ring in the beginning. Tx. Good video!

[@scottc6946]

Just wanted to say thank you for this, it was exactly what I needed to fix the issue of the water not shutting off

[@JamesArthurRyall]

Your troubleshooting video was very informative for training. I really enjoyed watching it and will use this info on future repairs. Thanks.

[@AZ_sunshine]

excellent! thanks for providing much appreciated details. So appreciate the time you took putting this great video together to help so many people.

[@dannywojkiewicz503]

Good video did well how many irrigation specialist myself good to see people know what they're doing

[@heidinewman9335]

This is awesome! Just taking it step by step - hoping I don't have to replace my valve.

[@r4lara]

Yo, I would happily hold a flash light for you. Thanks for breaking it down the way you did

[@deanfloyd8931]

This info was extremely useful. Explaining the fundamental inner workings made all the difference. Thanks again!

[@christrull7081]

Great video, thank you for explaining everything in such detail. 👍👍

[@jfigleaf228]

Very comprehensive, professional video. Thanks for sharing.

[@tjgallo]

You are clearly very adept at this and you made it very easy to follow. Thank you for sharing!

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you.

[@toneconsultant]

Details. This was so detailed, a monkey could follow it. So yes, I totally understood everything and now it's time for me to fix my solenoid that has a constant tiny leak. Thank you for posting.

[@yogatoesandthensome6093]

JUST the help I was looking for, thank you! Nice and clear. Always appreciated when learning something new!

[@jake70700]

Thank you so much! I thought I was going to have to call a gardener but it was just a loose solenoid !!

[@angelaracino6236]

Hi there, I don’t have a sprinkler system, however, I enjoyed the diagram and theory behind he operation and troubleshooting process Thank you for a great detailed and pithyvideo

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you. I wish I could somehow make these more entertaining. In any case, the information is there for those who need it.

[@jimscott2320]

Thank you for your lesson. Very helpful.

[@norbyates5560]

Really helpful, I am in the middle of trying to figure out how to replace or how to repair. Much appreciated.

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thank you for the feedback. It's nice to hear that I am occasionally able to reach the target audience I'm hoping to find.

[@deesee708]

Terrific. Excellent information and presentation. My problem is a little different but with the basics presented here I am fairly confident I can run it down. Thank you so much.

[@hagerlin]

Exactly what I needed to know, thank you!

[@waltercarlson141]

Very good video. Thank you for sharing it. Now as a DIY guy, I will try to fing the open valve at fix it.

[@Syreious]

Thanks for the help! My valve was making a high pitch noise from a leak. Mechanisms can tell you a lot from how they sound. Thanks again!

[@imswapl]

We

[@ramchand0323]

I will follow your instructions. When I open the solenoid, water leaks from the side. The zone is already closed but water is still leaking in the valve so I closed the solenoid. Thanks for showing the different steps to clean up the system while paying attention to the o rings. Should I unplug the controller (hunter) while cleaning up or doing some repairs?

[@spelunkerd]

No, you should not need to unplug the controller, just make sure the water supply is turned off.

[@ramchand0323]

@@spelunkerd Hello sir. I'm completely confused with my controller system. I have two irrigation boxes on the ground, one by the driveway outside the house and one inside by the side of the house by side entry garage door. I have a Hunter Xcore controller. I successfully programmed A to water in front twice a day. My thoughts were that either program B or C would be for the backyard. When I set the time for B to water, it started to drip again BUT in front. So I tried program C, same thing happened, it watered the front. At the side (inside irrigation) of my house, I can hear there's water flowing because I can hear hissing sound. But why are the back plants not watering? Please help.

[@kenpressley6214]

Dude, if every body provided video's like this one, youtube might actually possess some value. The best video I have seem to date for instructions on a product, Thank you. I will be back. Subscribed, liked and thumbs up! :)

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you. Dave

[@IKnowHuh731]

What a great video. Wish you were around teaching me things my whole life

[@ozzstars_cars]

Nice fix. I don't have an irrigation system I let mother nature water my lawn the old fashioned way. I did find the mechanics of the sprinkler system you discussed interesting.

[@spelunkerd]

I find this mechanism interesting, too. Thanks for watching!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

What an excellent, excellent video. Excellently planned, videoed, and presented. Even your alerting on the o-ring mishap was great. You have a new subscriber!

[@spelunkerd]

What a very kind remark, thank you! I'm pleased to meet you, Dave

[@heathercullen11]

This was SOOOO helpful.. I love your edits too...you totally helped us figure out our problem.

[@spelunkerd]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@notyomomma1]

I have a Rainbird, same set up. I had leaking anti-siphon valves so I replaced the caps and washers. Fixed the leaks but now I have one that briefly gushes out water when it turns off after the cycle is complete. Could it be the diaphragm? Thanks.

[@spelunkerd]

It's supposed to do that when the downstream piping is above the level of the antisiphon valve, so think of it as clear evidence your antisiphon valve is not stuck shut. Positive pressure in the downstream piping that would normally backfill the system and contaminate your home water supply is harmlessly spilt onto the ground. If the downstream piping is below the level of the valve, most of that downstream water is retained in the line after the siphon is broken by introducing air into the line near the valves. That's why those valves should be installed in an elevated position above the surrounding ground, so not much water spills. If you get a continuous leak, then I agree, look at the upstream valve and siphon.

[@notyomomma1]

@@spelunkerd Thank you for the info.

[@MJ-dg4nx]

Best video I've seen on this subject. Thank you.

[@albertosaravia4321]

Great Video! amazing level of detail, easy to understand if your mechanically inclined!

[@jasontougas8182]

Remarkably helpful. Thank you for putting this together!

[@rickyharber8837]

Great video. Helped me understand how truly simple the valve is. It also helped that this is the exact problem I'm having. Thank you!

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, these are elegantly simple, and the anti-siphon valve is uncomplicated, too. Thank you for watching, and for the kind feedback.

[@iabuchan]

Thanks! This video saved me time and money.