Sprinkler Valve Won't Come On

"We spoke on phone a few weeks ago. I did what you said and some how they still don't turn on from the timer. They get power and have new solenoids in. There has to be something I'm over looking. Can you give me some more help? Thank you for your time. Ben"

Hi Ben,
Try checking the power coming to the valve with the solenoid connected to the power and disconnected from the power. If you have power coming in while disconnected, but then the power drops off when connected, you have a partial connection somewhere electrically upstream that is constricting the electricity.

If you are sure that the power is good, then you have a frozen valve that needs replacing. If you are not that comfortable reading a volt meter, take a brand new valve and connect it to the power, if you here the solenoid "click", then its the valve thats bad, not the power. Good Luck!

Lawn Sprinklers Do Not Turn On

Greg Hall said...

My sprinkler system has had no problems for 12 years. I can't get any of my zones to pop up now to winterize. The wiring does not look like it is damaged. I think it my be my controller. How do I check to see if my controller is malfunctioning. The system was working good all summer.

Hi Greg,

When nothing works, check the basics. Is the water on to the system? Pump or city water? Have you checked the voltage coming from the controller? Do you have a rain sensor? Is the common wire well connected in the controller?

Using an ohm meter, check the continuity of the valve circuits. Place one probe on the wire terminal marked "com" (for common). Touch the other probe across the zone 1, zone 2. etc. wires.

If you a complete circuit you will get a reading of 20-60 ohms. If the readings are higher, you have a common wire problem. Do you have a wire junction under or near the controller? Check the common connection there first. If not, check the first valve electrically down stream of the controller. If the problem is the common wire, 90% of the time it will be a connection at or in between the first valve and the controller.

Lawn Sprinkler Repair Truck Set-up

Craig, I belong to your sprinkler repair videos site. I'm starting a lawn irrigation business and I'd like to know how you set up your work truck/van.
Thanks,
Johnny
Charlotte N.C.

Okay Johnny, here are some pictures. Some guys like utility trucks, some like vans. I like little enclosed trailers because I can drop it off when I need to. Plus, my wire finder stays safely locked inside.