Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-10 Origin: jf-irrigation.com
Sprinkler Valves: Selection, Maintenance, and Solenoid Testing for Optimal Irrigation
In any efficient irrigation system, sprinkler valves serve as the "control center"—regulating water flow, ensuring precise distribution, and protecting the entire setup from unnecessary damage. Whether you’re a homeowner tending to a backyard lawn or a professional managing a commercial landscape, understanding the different types of sprinkler valves, mastering sprinkler valve repair, and learning to test critical components like solenoids can save you time, money, and frustration.
Sprinkler valves come in various designs, each tailored to specific irrigation needs. The most common category is the sprinkler system valve, which includes manual and automatic models. Automatic valves are particularly popular for their convenience, as they can be programmed to open and close at set times—eliminating the need for manual operation.
Among automatic sprinkler valves, the orbit sprinkler valve stands out for its reliability and user-friendly features. Orbit, a trusted brand in irrigation, designs these valves to handle different water pressures and flow rates, making them suitable for both residential and small-scale commercial use. Many orbit sprinkler valve models also include built-in filters to prevent clogging from debris, extending the valve’s lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
Another essential type is the sprinkler solenoid valve. Unlike standard valves, this variant uses an electric solenoid (a coil of wire that creates a magnetic field) to control water flow. When the solenoid receives a signal from the irrigation controller, it lifts a plunger inside the valve, allowing water to pass through. When the signal stops, the plunger drops back into place, shutting off the flow. This automation makes sprinkler solenoid valves a cornerstone of modern, efficient irrigation systems.
Valve Won’t Open: If the valve fails to activate, the solenoid is often the culprit. First, check if the controller is sending power to the solenoid (using a multimeter). If there’s no power, the issue may be a faulty wire or controller. If power is present but the valve still won’t open, the solenoid may be stuck or damaged—requiring cleaning or replacement.
Valve Won’t Close: A valve that stays open can lead to overwatering. This usually happens when debris (like dirt or small rocks) gets trapped under the valve’s plunger. To fix it, turn off the water supply, remove the valve’s top cover, and clean the plunger and valve seat. If the plunger is worn, replace it.
Leaking Valve: Leaks often occur around the valve’s connections or from a cracked valve body. Tighten loose connections first—if the leak persists, inspect the O-rings (rubber seals) inside the valve. Worn O-rings can be replaced with new ones (matching the valve’s size) to stop the leak. For cracked valve bodies, full valve replacement is typically necessary.
Set the multimeter to the "ohms" (Ω) setting (for resistance testing).
Touch one multimeter probe to each of the solenoid’s electrical terminals.
A healthy solenoid should show a resistance reading between 20 and 60 ohms (check your valve’s manual for the exact range—orbit sprinkler valve solenoids, for example, often fall between 25 and 50 ohms).
If the reading is 0 ohms (short circuit) or infinite (open circuit), the solenoid is faulty and needs replacement.
Locate the manual bleed screw on top of the solenoid (it’s usually a small, plastic screw).
Turn the screw counterclockwise slightly—this should open the valve and allow water to flow.
If water flows when the screw is turned, the solenoid is likely the issue (it’s not activating the plunger electrically). If no water flows, the valve itself may be clogged or damaged.
