As sprinkler repair experts, a widespread problem we see really promptly in dry climates is really a faulty valve. This short article describes how ideal to diagnose and repair a faulty valve by replacing a failed solenoid. While electrical components are comparatively reputable, a widespread point of failure could be the solenoid. The cause for this really is that a solenoid is both an electrical and mechanical device. A fixed wire coil surrounds a mechanical piston, and when an electrical existing is applied for the coil, a temporary magnetic field is developed which induces motion inside the piston. This motion with the piston is employed to mechanically open and close the water valve. Get extra information and facts about sprinkler repair garland

Right here is usually a tip on how you can diagnose a faulty solenoid. In dry climates, just like the Dallas Metroplex, or for the duration of periods of small rain, one section or zone of a sprinkler system will look different towards the other zones. Either the sprinklers in that zone will not switch on, or they may be on constantly. Solenoid failure has the symptom of a valve becoming inoperative, either remaining within the closed position, or remaining within the open position. Normally this will likely disable an entire sprinkler zone, so is usually simple to diagnose. This can be a common sprinkler repair.

Replacement solenoids are accessible for many valves, and it really is a somewhat simple job to replace one. Right here can be a tip before starting the job: make sure you have identified the precise make and model in the valve, as there are lots of variations of solenoids which are incompatible. Check together with your sprinkler repair company or hardware store that an precise replacement is readily available before starting work. The only tools essential are a pair of wire cutters as well as a pair of pliers.

Important guidance: make sure that the key water provide for the sprinkler system is turned off, as removing the solenoid suggests the valve is going to be totally open at that time, and water will shoot up by means of the solenoid body if not turned off. Tip: generally the shutoff is either located near the main home supply, or next for the main valve box, so look in these two locations initially. When the water is turned off, assuming the faulty valve has been identified, the repair can begin. Using a pair of wire cutters, reduce the 2 wires going to the solenoid. It might be tempting to just disconnect the existing screw connectors that are near the valve, but these are frequently corroded and it is actually improved to create a clean-cut.

Once the solenoid is totally free from the existing wires, it could be removed by turning it counter-clockwise, along with the new solenoid installed by turning it clockwise. Guarantee it truly is tight sufficient to get a water-tight seal. Once installed, strip about half an inch of insulation back from every single with the supply wires and use a fresh screw nut to connect the solenoid. You can find two wires to become connected, the provide wire and also the popular wire. The prevalent wire is commonly white to produce it much easier to recognize.

Here is some very important details that will stop complications taking place some time later (following this advice will expense a couple of dollars more these days, but can save challenging issues later on): When the connections are tight make certain to always use a specific water-tight cap over the connections. Sprinkler grease caps are out there from regional sprinkler supply shops. These caps are plastic tubes filled with grease; the connectors are pushed into the grease, as well as the folding major snapped down. This ensures the connectors are surrounded by grease, which prevents water entry and corrosion. This basic and economical step will help avoid intermittent challenges as a consequence of corrosion occurring later. After the grease caps are closed, the solenoid sprinkler repair is total.

Inside a dry climate, make sure that any grass that was broken by an inoperative solenoid valve receives adequate watering to recover, just before returning the watering schedule to its normal setting. In wetter climates, it may be possible to just resume regular watering.