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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@uvc175]

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

[@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

[@duotronic6451]

Good video. This should be at the top of search results for leaking sprinkler valve.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Halfrightfox]

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

[@DavidAndNancySanker]

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

[@RelateGREAT]

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

[@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!

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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👍

[@jamesmoeller9366]

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

[@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 ! 👍👍👍👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@karlbe8414]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@wl34nkw]

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

[@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

[@kenhazelbaker4952]

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

[@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.

[@barbaradebevec2885]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@GunnyPhillips]

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

[@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.”

[@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,

[@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.

[@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.

[@wtyMcwterson]

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

[@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!

[@JamesArthurRyall]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@datawolf2318]

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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@johnweather7]

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

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you.

[@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 💜💜💌📩🎎🪄🪄🪄🎉🧸🛀🚰💰💵💵💵💡🛸🛸

[@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!

[@christrull7081]

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

[@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?)

[@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

[@tjgallo]

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

[@progKev]

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

[@pagodad8079]

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve got a zone of hunter sprays that won’t pop up. There’s water coming out but they don’t pop up after the previous zone of the same sprays is done. However I can start that zone itself and it works fine!

[@spelunkerd]

That's a sign of low pressure. If it starts fine on its own from the controller, then I'd be wondering if the zone before it is completely shutting off, draining pressure away. If it doesn't start fine from the controller, then I'd search for something bleeding pressure off in the zone itself. If it starts fine when you open the valve with your hand, but doesn't start fine when using the controller, I'd be looking at the solenoid and solenoid wiring.

[@pagodad8079]

@@spelunkerdhanks for the speedy reply! We had a booster pump installed on our main line for the house because of low volume from the start. It starts fine at the controller or from my phone. Just doesn’t want to run after the previous zone. Do you think I would be better off with mp rotators in my spray zones? Or would those not make a difference? I don’t have an issue with my rotors going one after the other.

[@spelunkerd]

@@pagodad8079 You could try changing the order of zone activation to see if that makes a difference. I have no experience with pressure boosters. Yeah, if a head is taking too much volume from other devices, swapping it for a lower volume head might help.

[@pagodad8079]

@@spelunkerdk so I swapped the two spray zones with each other and now they pop up. That is really odd! Zone 2 is zone 3 and zone 3 is now zone 2. Would you know what might cause that? I will add that I notice a little bit of water leaking from one of the valves in the valve box while it’s running. It is a drip leak The leak is where the 1” water line connects to the valve.

[@spelunkerd]

@@pagodad8079 Many valves have an associated anti reflux valve that opens when pressure is negative, designed to prevent line water from siphoning back into your home drinking water. A good example is this exact video. If there's corrosion on the seal it may leak even when pressure is positive, and you can often rejuvenate the seal by cleaning the lip. If it's leaking from a connection, you may be able to fix it by tightening it up, by replacing the pipe dope and teflon tape, or by replacing a part. Regarding why order may matter, many systems have a low capacity, beyond which pressure drops. If you move the volume hungry zones to the front of the line you may do better. If you're on a well with a pressure bladder, check the pressure of the bladder since the bladder diaphragm often fails, which reduces system capacity.

[@be1essential932]

Thank you so much! I needed your diagram to understand what was going on with my valve🙂

[@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.

[@heathercullen11]

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

[@spelunkerd]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jasontougas8182]

Remarkably helpful. Thank you for putting this together!

[@jorcorde]

Thank you, Thank you - I just fixed the same problem following your video!!!👍

[@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.

[@r4lara]

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

[@naioti]

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

[@andrewcastro2530]

Yes missed that o ring also. Good info on video!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@tjgallo]

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

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you.

[@dreyvyenielo6137]

Such a helpful video! Thank you! Hopefully this will help me- I’m off to go try and trouble shoot

[@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.

[@keithorlaw2498]

Great Video. Very clear explanation and instructions. Thank You!

[@jimscott2320]

Thank you for your lesson. Very helpful.

[@nickwilson1476]

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

[@albertosaravia4321]

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

[@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!

[@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 !!

[@iabuchan]

Thanks! This video saved me time and money.

[@yogatoesandthensome6093]

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

[@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.

[@rvvanlife]

Thank you so much, I had the sticking closed problem, this helped 👍

[@MJ-dg4nx]

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

[@h.a.2410]

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

[@jfigleaf228]

Very comprehensive, professional video. Thanks for sharing.

[@lejminh]

Thank you so much for this video. This is the exact problem I am having.

[@bobcat409]

Excellent analysis