Irrigation system startup

[Dato Da]

Hello,

I just started my irrigation system. In years past, when I open the main valve from inside the house, the water would stop at the underground boxes (I don't know what it calls, sorry) outside. This time, however, the water just flows right through to one of the zones and keep flowing. I double check that the timer is off, so that is not the problem.

The system was winterized by professional last year, and here are the pictures of the underground boxes.

Any suggestion on what may be going wrong, and how to correct this? Thanks.

 

[WorthFlorida]

Watch this video first to learn how an irrigation valve works.

They're called "valve cover box". It looks like three valves but they do not look familiar. First dig out the sand or dirt around them to almost to the bottom of the valve body for easy access and inspection. You really do not need any dirt or fill inside of these. All valve bodies have a solenoid that when 24v ac is applied to them, it opens the valve. By turning the solenoid about 1/4 to 1/2 turn it will open the valve. You should know which one it is by the vibration on the valve body when water if flowing. Give the solenoid a twist, counter clockwise to open it then clockwise to close it. If this doesn't work then the valve body is stuck open, maybe by debris or the diaphragm got very hard. If you know the brand and model you can get a rebuild kit. If not you'll need to change it out.

I got lucky on a google search, the solenoid (wires to it) is the T handle shape unit on the top of the valve. I cannot find the brand but it might be a china knock off.
http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/...?gclid=CNieo5K-ttQCFUU9gQod7zgE7w#description

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Bill M Angelo]

Rust clogging of pipe can be the main reason for the blockage. This can be due to the buildup of rust, minerals or other junks in the pipe. First of all, look into the strainer for debris. If it’s badly corroded, replace it with a new one as this won’t cost you much. When you select the new one to be sure to buy it off the right size for your requirement. If this isn’t the problem, check for any obstruction in the faucet valve. This will require dismantling the valve, and turn the water back to remove the waste which has been building up in the faucet valve.