As sprinkler repair experts, a common trouble we see incredibly speedily in dry climates is usually a faulty valve. This article describes how best to diagnose and repair a faulty valve by replacing a failed solenoid. Though electrical elements are fairly trusted, a popular point of failure is the solenoid. The purpose for this is that a solenoid is both an electrical and mechanical device. A fixed wire coil surrounds a mechanical piston, and when an electrical present is applied for the coil, a temporary magnetic field is produced which induces motion within the piston. This motion of the piston is made use of to mechanically open and close the water valve. Get more details about sprinkler repair garland
Here is actually a tip on ways to diagnose a faulty solenoid. In dry climates, just like the Dallas Metroplex, or through periods of little rain, one section or zone of a sprinkler system will look unique to the other zones. Either the sprinklers in that zone will not switch on, or they're going to be on constantly. Solenoid failure has the symptom of a valve becoming inoperative, either remaining inside the closed position, or remaining inside the open position. Usually this will likely disable an entire sprinkler zone, so is usually uncomplicated to diagnose. This is a typical sprinkler repair.
Replacement solenoids are available for many valves, and it really is a reasonably simple job to replace one. Here is really a tip prior to starting the job: make sure you have identified the exact make and model on the valve, as there are several variations of solenoids that are incompatible. Verify together with your sprinkler repair company or hardware store that an exact replacement is readily available ahead of beginning work. The only tools essential are a pair of wire cutters in addition to a pair of pliers.
Important assistance: ensure that the main water supply to the sprinkler system is turned off, as removing the solenoid means the valve will probably be fully open at that time, and water will shoot up by means of the solenoid body if not turned off. Tip: generally the shutoff is either situated near the principle home supply, or subsequent to the main valve box, so look in those two places 1st. Once the water is turned off, assuming the faulty valve has been identified, the repair can begin. With a pair of wire cutters, cut the 2 wires going for the solenoid. It might be tempting to just disconnect the existing screw connectors that are close to the valve, but they are usually corroded and it is actually improved to create a clean-cut.
As soon as the solenoid is free of charge from the existing wires, it might be removed by turning it counter-clockwise, and the new solenoid installed by turning it clockwise. Make certain it is actually tight adequate for a water-tight seal. As soon as installed, strip about half an inch of insulation back from each on the provide wires and use a fresh screw nut to connect the solenoid. You can find two wires to become connected, the provide wire as well as the prevalent wire. The frequent wire is typically white to make it less complicated to identify.
Here is some essential details which will protect against complications taking place some time later (following this advice will cost a few dollars more these days, but can save tough troubles later on): After the connections are tight be sure to often use a particular water-tight cap over the connections. Sprinkler grease caps are out there from neighborhood sprinkler supply retailers. These caps are plastic tubes filled with grease; the connectors are pushed in to the grease, as well as the folding prime snapped down. This guarantees the connectors are surrounded by grease, which prevents water entry and corrosion. This basic and economical step will help avoid intermittent complications resulting from corrosion occurring later. As soon as the grease caps are closed, the solenoid sprinkler repair is complete.
In a dry climate, make sure that any grass that was broken by an inoperative solenoid valve receives adequate watering to recover, prior to returning the watering schedule to its regular setting. In wetter climates, it may be attainable to just resume typical watering.
