Low pressure on one zone only

Users who are viewing this thread

flang1210

New Member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
One of the 5 zones of my sprinkler system has low water pressure. But when I manuely open the test screw on the valve controlling that zone, the water comes out normally. Any idea please? Thanks!
 

tomm

New Member
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Points
0
One of the 5 zones of my sprinkler system has low water pressure. But when I manuely open the test screw on the valve controlling that zone, the water comes out normally. Any idea please? Thanks!

solenoid..
 

flang1210

New Member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Thanks guys. I think I found the reason. Somehow when I backed out the solenoid about a turn, the pressure came back on! Apparently the solenoid got screwed too close to the little relieve hole and preventing it from releasing full pressure. Can't explain how it got to be that way after several years working properly.
 

tomm

New Member
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Thanks guys. I think I found the reason. Somehow when I backed out the solenoid about a turn, the pressure came back on! Apparently the solenoid got screwed too close to the little relieve hole and preventing it from releasing full pressure. Can't explain how it got to be that way after several years working properly.

Are you in freezing climate? What brand valve are you talking about?

Some solenoid/plunger assemblies retain water even if blown out/drained.
When the water freezes it distorts the solenoid/plunger.
 

flang1210

New Member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
problem in one zone

Well, this is really puzzling!!!!!Because the solenoid has backed out, it kept leaking, so I replaced the whole top portion of the valve, including new solenoid and diaphram. Guess what??? Still doing the same thing!! It worked when I open the bleed valve manually, but doesn't work the normal way. Yes, the solenoid works because I watched the plunger when I connect the wires. Drives me nuts. Any genius out there?
 

BRD

New Member
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
northeast
Check to be sure the tiny passageway under the solinoid plunger that connects to the downstream side of the valve is open and not blocked. You can sometimes stick a piece of 18 guage irrigation wire thru it to make sure it is clear. It may have worked initially when you backed off on the solinoid because the water was leaking by the solinoid as you had stated. If the zone is working properly when the bleed screw is opened then I would certainly look at the solinoid and determine if its functioning properly both hydraulically and electrically. The above suggestion would be a easy check.
 

tomm

New Member
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I'm thinking BRD nailed this one down. Game over :)
 

flang1210

New Member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Thanks! I unscrewed the solenoid and found out the little hole was clear and water was squarting out, I supposed it worked normally? I need to check the voltage into the solenoid and make sure there is enough juice, I think it's 24v. But I need to get a voltmeter first. If the volt is ok, I'll just have to dig up the damn thing and change everything!!
 

BRD

New Member
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
northeast
If you have'nt already obtained a volt meter, you may be able to do a quick check by placing the hot wire from the faulty zone onto another terminal on the controller and see if that works. Maybe you are not getting enough voltage from the existing terminal on the controller to lift the plunger up sufficiently off its seat . If that does not work you should still check voltage at the solenoid with a meter. Maybe there is something going on with the wiring to the solenoid. Lastly, you said you saw water coming out of the pilot hole when you removed the solenoid. I don't know if you assumed that that meant it was open, but I would take the top part of the valve off ( you said it is all new, so we will assume all is ok with that) . I would then physically check the exhaust port in the body of the valve to make sure it is open all the way through to the exit side of the valve. I had suggested earlier to use a piece of 18 guage irrigation wire or something similar. The wire should push through very easily.The passageway may be partially blocked with grit, sand or the like and that would inhibit the valve from opening. This would be easier then removing the whole valve at this time. Let us know.
 

flang1210

New Member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Well BRD, thanks so much for the fantastic idea and it WORKED! The actual plugging was in the bottom part of the valve body in that little hole. I had to do a little push at the wire and it came clear. Put the top part back together and all's well! Really appreciate it!:):):):):
 

BRD

New Member
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
northeast
Good to hear that you got it up and running and thanks for letting us on the boards know what your end result was. Every thing you were telling us pointed to the solenoid or the small water passages that allow the valve to open. I'm glad you took a second look at that exhaust passage and did not have to pull the whole valve. By the way, it is very seldom in my experience that we have to pull a complete valve, body and all. If those passages are open and the diaphragm seat is in tact, there is not much else to go wrong on that part of the body. Good luck
 

sandydi

New Member
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
FL
Thanks guys. I think I found the reason. Somehow when I backed out the solenoid about a turn, the pressure came back on! Apparently the solenoid got screwed too close to the little relieve hole and preventing it from releasing full pressure. Can't explain how it got to be that way after several years working properly.
THANK YOU! This solved my problem!!
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks