Sprinkler Valve Problem pt. Deux

Hello,

Some months ago I posted about a problem I was having with a sprinkler valve. That post is below and the issue was resolved.

http://forum.doityourself.com/landsc...e-problem.html

Unfortunately it seems I am having a different problem with the new valve that I put in as described in the thread above. Just yesterday I began hearing a "hiss" or water running sound within the valve that occurs 24X7. There are no leaks that I can see and the valve continues to work correctly when the timer engages it. When the valve is in use the sound isn't there. Of course the sound also goes away when I turn the water main off, but not if I turn the handle to shut just the valve off.

What would cause this water running sound within the valve?

Thanks for any help!

 

most likely there is dirt or debris inside the valve. That hissing sound is water running through there. You just dont see it because its a really slowwww amount.

What model or brand of valve is this?

Easiest thing to try first is the solenoid. It is the part that has 2 wires coming out of the top of it. Unscrew this about halfway. Oh, make sure any sprinkler pointing right at you is blocked or you will get wet. The zone or station may turn on at this point, that is okay. Let it run for about 3-10 seconds then tighten it back down.

they make a "shuddering" or some kind of closing sound. Then, listen for the hiss. If it did not go away then your valve is most likely dirty.

If its dirty, turn off the water, dissasemble the valve and pay attention to how it went together. Look for small rocks, sand, teflon tape, etc, inside. remove it or flush it out with a bucket of water. Put it back together and you should be in business.

Try the solenoid first. Good luck.

 

Captain,

Once again your assistance is spot on and of great help!

When I removed the solenoid I found there was a small plastic shaving resting at the bottom. I think this shaving prevented the solenoid from coming to a full rest when it was disengaged. Once removed it was as quiet as ever! I am surprised it got there after so many months of use.

On final question related to this though. During the time that this was at issue, was I wasting water or was water simply recirculating in the pump? Obviously there wasn't enough pressure to pop up the sprinklers but I am not sure if it just collected in the line or..? I am not going to like to see my water bill if it was being wasted.

Thanks again!

 

you were most likely wasting water. For you to hear something, it would have to be moving somewhere. Water does not usually circulate in a system... its not like air inside the house... more like a soda straw.

The amount of water you leaked from this was pretty minimal--since you could not see it. At most you would have leaked a hundred gallons or so. Probably cost you maybe $1.50, give or take.

A piece of debris left in your sprinkler system can take hours to years to get to somewhere that it can cause damage. A lot of it comes out harmlessly unless the valve is in a really difficult part of the yard. Then it always seems to get stuck.

 

Thanks again, Captain. You are invaluable to the DIY community!

 

he he. Thanks. I do what I can. Glad it helped.

PS - do not overtighten solenoids. You can crack the valve.