Sprinkler Repair – Fixing A Faulty Valve

As sprinkler fixing experts, an usual trouble we see really swiftly in dry environments is a faulty valve. This post explains just how finest to detect as well as fix a damaged shutoff by replacing a failed solenoid. Although electrical components are relatively dependable, a common factor of failing is the solenoid. The factor for this is that a solenoid is both an electric as well as mechanical device. A fixed cable coil borders a mechanical piston, and when an electrical current is put on the coil, a momentary magnetic field is produced which induces activity in the piston. This activity of the piston is utilized to mechanically open and close the water valve.

Right here is a suggestion on just how to identify a faulty solenoid. In dry environments, like the Dallas Metroplex, or during periods of little rainfall, one area or zone of a lawn sprinkler will look different to the other zones. Either the lawn sprinklers in that area will certainly not activate, or they will get on continually. Solenoid failing has the symptom of a valve coming to be faulty, either staying in the closed placement, or staying outdoors placement. Normally this will certainly disable a whole lawn sprinkler area, so is normally very easy to diagnose. This is a common sprinkler repair is good work.

Substitute solenoids are readily available for most shutoffs, and it is a reasonably uncomplicated work to replace one. Here is a suggestion before beginning the work: make sure you have actually recognized the specific make and also version of the valve, as there are many variants of solenoids which are inappropriate. Contact your lawn sprinkler repair service business or hardware store that a precise substitute is readily available before beginning job. The only tools called for are a set of cord cutters and also a pair of pliers.

Vital guidance: guarantee that the main water supply to the sprinkler system is shut off, as removing the solenoid suggests the shutoff will be completely open back then, and water will skyrocket with the solenoid body otherwise shut off. Suggestion: usually the shutoff is either located near the major home supply, or next to the major shutoff box, so look in those 2 areas first. As soon as the water is shut off, thinking the defective valve has actually been determined, the repair service can start. With a set of wire cutters, cut the 2 wires mosting likely to the solenoid. It might be alluring to just detach the existing screw connectors which are near the valve, however these are usually rusty as well as it is better to make a clean-cut.

Once the solenoid is devoid of the existing wires, it can be removed by turning it counter-clockwise, and the new solenoid installed by turning it clockwise. Ensure it is tight sufficient for a water-tight seal. When installed, strip about half an inch of insulation back from each of the supply wires and use a fresh screw nut to attach the solenoid. There are two cables to be linked, the supply wire and the common cord. The usual cable is commonly white to make it less complicated to recognize.

Here is some very important info which will certainly prevent troubles taking place a long time later on (following this guidance will certainly set you back a couple of bucks much more today, but can save difficult problems later on): Once the links are tight see to it to constantly use a special water-tight cap over the connections. Sprinkler oil caps are available from neighborhood lawn sprinkler supply stores. These caps are plastic tubes loaded with oil; the connectors are pushed into the oil, as well as the folding leading snapped down. This makes certain the ports are surrounded by oil, which prevents water entrance as well as corrosion. This straightforward and also economical action will assist avoid periodic problems because of deterioration occurring later. Once the grease caps are closed, the solenoid sprinkler fixing is full.