I need help troubleshooting problem with sprinkler system; is it electrical?

Question

I have 2 zone sprinkler system. it has worked fine as of two weeks ago. Only one zone now works. the other does nothing like it is a power issue. I checked timer and appears to be fine. How do I check solenoids for problems (do I need to open them up and if so, how) They look like hard plastic with two wires coming from each. i have three solenoids. is there something else I should be checking also?

Answer 1

if you have three solenoids and two zones, than one is the master valve. ( this just keeps the pressure off of the other valves, you dont even need one)

check for 24 volts on your common wire and the lead zone wire that is not working at your timer. if you get 24 volts, you know your timer is good. if not, replace your timer.

check for power the same way, using the common wire and the lead wire that is not working at the valve which is not coming on.

if you get power, replace the solenoid, or the whole valve. if not, then you have to find a cut wire or a short somewhere.

hope this helps

the guy below me is right about switching it over to another lead terminal at the timer... but thats something we like to call bubba rigging ( this will only work if the timer is not sending out power to the one terminal. and if there is room on the timer for you to hook it up to another one.




if you do that it will only work for a little while.

and hes wrong about some more things as well... not all soleniods click or hum, some are actually quiet.

if you dont have a voltmeter, get a new soleniod, (cheap) and use it as a voltmeter, by hooking one end up to the common and the other up to your lead valve wire.

Answer 2

Sprinkler Solenoid Troubleshooting

Answer 3

O.K this is the real way to find your problem. Check for voltage at the controller on the station feed that you are having problems with. If you have no power, move it to nother station feed that is available or replace the clock. If you have power , go to the valve you are having the problem with. Check for voltage there(24 volts). If you have power then put your hand on the solenoid and then have some one give it power. If the solenoid works you will feel and hear a click. If you don't ,replace solenoid by unscrewing it and be careful for the spring inside it if it has one. If everything there is fine and youare still having problems then you will have to take the top half of the valve assembly off and make sure that you have nothing blocking the passages.The solenoid lets water pass thruogh a small hole and I have had to pluck tiny grains of pebbles from these holes many times out in the field. If you call a sprinkler tech out to do the work, plan on spending any where from $80 to $250. It is also possible that if you have no power at the solenoid that you have a wire cut or a connection loose somewhere. Also check your flow control on the valve if it equiped

Answer 4

Troubleshoot Sprinkler System

Answer 5

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RE:
I need help troubleshooting problem with sprinkler system; is it electrical?
I have 2 zone sprinkler system. it has worked fine as of two weeks ago. Only one zone now works. the other does nothing like it is a power issue. I checked timer and appears to be fine. How do I check solenoids for problems (do I need to open them up and if so, how) They look like hard plastic with...

Answer 6

With the solenoids hooked up to the water lines. You need to apply voltage to those two wires. turn on the zone for the solenoid that you want to check. Check for voltage at the control panel, if you have it, then check out at the solenoid. If you have it there, then either the solenoid valve is bad or there is no water pressure to the valve. Good luck.

Answer 7

Check for 24 volts AC at the solenoid. If it is there, replace the solenoid.