|
Valve types:
If your controller is the "brain" of
your system, then your valves are certainly
the "heart".
Valves open and close via electronic signals from your
controller, turning your sprinklers on and
off. 
"Inline" valves are
located in boxes in the ground.
-
Requires a separate
above-ground "backflow prevention device" that usually doubles as
the master shut-off.
-
Better
protected from frost damage, big dogs, small children and
vandals.
Above DVF
valves photo courtesy Rain Bird®.
 "Anti-siphon" valves should be installed
(by code) at least six inches above the highest sprinkler head on
the line.
-
Easier to
service.
-
Drawback: built in
backflow protection is also an opening that attracts earwigs,
slugs, spiders, etc., which tend to clog heads when the
system is first activated in the spring.
ASVF
antisiphon valve photo courtesy Rain Bird®.
Don't
waste time chasing leaks around sprinkler heads when the problem is
really inside the valve.
When working properly,
you might not even notice your sprinkler valves.
When not working right,
you might see water running down the street or brown spots in the
lawn. You might also hear a valve that isn't working right.
Squealing, vibrations and "water hammer" are all signs of something
gone wrong.
When
your valves aren't working:
When your
sprinklers are "stuck on", or water constantly leaks from low-lying
sprinkler heads, a worn rubber part or debris caught in the valve is
usually the problem.
Small pebbles or
bits of iron rust from deteriorating pipes can get stuck in your
valves, and will show up as seeping at the heads, or
across sidewalks, often with algae buildup. Larger rocks can
actually keep a valve from closing and scar plastic or rubber
parts.
When the system
doesn't work, or a valve won't open (turn on), the valve
solenoid or wire connections are often to
blame.
Sprinkler
controller problems are not hard to diagnose. A little testing and
troubleshooting can determine if the problem is in the wire
connections, and avoid the expense of a new valve or controller
if one isn't needed.
Call
us for expert valve and wire troubleshooting, repairs, or
replacements!
408.369.1391 | 
