Irrigation experts chime in

[99WhiteBeast]

I have 4 zone system but one of the zones is not operating. There has been no changes to my system, no digging in the yard so I don't get it.

It is not bypassed and it simply does not come on when in auto mode.I've also tried to activate the one zone manually and it does nothing.

Any ideas?

[Mark #2]

I have 4 zone system but one of the zones is not operating. There has been no changes to my system, no digging in the yard so I don't get it.

It is not bypassed and it simply does not come on when in auto mode.I've also tried to activate the one zone manually and it does nothing.

Any ideas?

Bad solenoid on the valve for that zone.
Find the valve box in the ground and measure the voltage to it. If it has voltage then it is the solenoid, if it doesn't then wiring somewhere.

[whitelightning'02]

Bad solenoid on the valve for that zone.
Find the valve box in the ground and measure the voltage to it. If it has voltage then it is the solenoid, if it doesn't then wiring somewhere.


+1 :tu:

[99WhiteBeast]

Bad solenoid on the valve for that zone.
Find the valve box in the ground and measure the voltage to it. If it has voltage then it is the solenoid, if it doesn't then wiring somewhere.

I found the valve box but it does not appear to be anything electrical there:confused:.
I see a 1.5" pipe that has two large valves (like normal outdoor faucet) and then it has 3 small valves coming off the pipe on the side.

Could it be mechanical and not electrical? The system could be as old as 89 I suppose when the house was built.

[Mark #2]

I found the valve box but it does not appear to be anything electrical there:confused:.
I see a 1.5" pipe that has two large valves (like normal outdoor faucet) and then it has 3 small valves coming off the pipe on the side.

Could it be mechanical and not electrical? The system could be as old as 89 I suppose when the house was built.

That is the main valve box nothing electrical in there.
There are 4 valves out in the yard somewhere that have the zone switching valves in them.

[99WhiteBeast]

That is the main valve box nothing electrical in there.
There are 4 valves out in the yard somewhere that have the zone switching valves in them.

Would it be apparent like in a ground box like the main valve box? Could it be buried?

[Mark #2]

Would it be apparent like in a ground box like the main valve box? Could it be buried?

Usually six inch diameter round green covered boxs over the valves.
If you stand way back from your yard you can usually see the slight depressions of where they are buried. Usually about 2 inches down.

[Mark #2]

Or get one of these
http://www.accentshopping.com/product~s~bc5g4heXseXf45uyney85Yrvf2bf5rxw5zy25406 ~&P_ID~150343.asp#tabtop

[99WhiteBeast]

Or get one of these
http://www.accentshopping.com/product~s~bc5g4heXseXf45uyney85Yrvf2bf5rxw5zy25406 ~&P_ID~150343.asp#tabtop (http://www.accentshopping.com/product%7Es%7Ebc5g4heXseXf45uyney85Yrvf2bf5rxw5zy2 5406%7E&P_ID%7E150343.asp#tabtop)

Thanks Mark- looks like that is the way I've got to go. I can't find that thing anywhere.

Just curious would be nearer the controller or nearer the main water supply. I have a rear entry garage and the controller is in the garage.

[Mark #2]

Thanks Mark- looks like that is the way I've got to go. I can't find that thing anywhere.

Just curious would be nearer the controller or nearer the main water supply. I have a rear entry garage and the controller is in the garage.

I found some of mine by divining rods, uncoated coat hangers.
Where two lines cross is likely where they are.
With 4 zones one will likely be in each of the 4 quadrants of your yard. Probably closer to the control box for the ones in the back.

I have 10 zones, luckily haven't had to find all of mine yet, installed in 1983.

[Moonshine]

As usual, Mark's advice is spot on. The only thing I could add is once you locate your valves take some measurements and draw a scale diagram so you can locate them in the future when you need to.

[wesman]

As usual, Mark's advice is spot on. The only thing I could add is once you locate your valves take some measurements and draw a scale diagram so you can locate them in the future when you need to.


;) Was just about to post this.

I've got some stuff I need to fix in my sprinkler system in the present house and likely the new house as well.

--wes

[Ivanhoe_Farms]

As usual, Mark's advice is spot on. The only thing I could add is once you locate your valves take some measurements and draw a scale diagram so you can locate them in the future when you need to.

+1

The experiences I have had with control valves is that they are usually very close together to keep from having a lot of wire run in the ground. In the houses we have had with sprinker systems the control valves were in a row next to each other, generally close to the control box.

But who knows!

We really haven't needed a sprinker system this year:(