An automated sprinkler system makes lawn care simple, but things can get complicated when the system malfunctions. Whether it’s from an accidental trip, a lawn mower mishap, or some extra curiosity from a child, sprinkler valve solenoids can get damaged without you realizing it. If you’re wondering how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad, we’re here to help.

At American Irrigation Repair, we’ve been serving Georgetown, TX, and nearby areas for nearly 30 years. In this guide, we’ll show you the signs of a faulty sprinkler valve solenoid and how to identify the problem. Need help? Give us a call, and we’ll handle the repair for you.

What Is a Sprinkler Valve Solenoid?

Sprinkler valve solenoids control water pressure. They are plastic pieces with electrical wires controlling how much water flows out based on how much electricity they receive.

The valve solenoid contains several moving parts, including a plunger that controls how much water comes out of the valve. One broken part can make the entire system stop working, so it’s helpful to identify where problems may occur.

Signs the Sprinkler Valve Solenoid Is Bad

There are a few ways to identify problems. You can call a sprinkler repair company in Georgetown, TX to find the problem for you, but testing is pretty easy if you know how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad.

Leaking Water

One of the first signs of poor valve operation is water leaking from the sprinkler valve solenoid. Water may leak from various parts, though it usually happens from the main valve.

Water may leak while the system runs or before and after you turn it on. Small leaks may not be noticeable, but you’ll see large leaks because of puddling in the yard around the sprinkler or on the sidewalk or patio next to it. Leaks are often caused by electrical issues or broken parts not allowing the valve to shut all the way.

Reduced or Uneven Pressure

You should have steady water pressure while your sprinkler system runs. If you notice the water won’t spray out as far as it used to or it changes during the cycle, something is going on inside causing this to happen. Reduced pressure is likely due to dirt or debris trapped in the system, while uneven pressure could be electrical.

Constant Flow of Water

Water running after it’s supposed to shut off is due to a faulty plunger, whether it’s mechanical or electrical trouble. Running water will make your utility bill more expensive, so it’s important to shut off the water immediately.

You can do this at the local source of water the sprinkler system is plugged into, or you can turn off the main water source, but this will affect your entire home until the problem is solved.

How To Troubleshoot the Sprinkler Valve Solenoid

Learn how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad so you can address problems sooner rather than later. You can troubleshoot problems yourself if you enjoy tinkering in the yard, but your sprinkler repair company will be able to do this if you don’t like the hands-on approach.

Mechanical Inspection

Before troubleshooting the mechanical parts, turn off the water and electrical supply to your sprinkler system to avoid getting hurt. Remove the valve from the solenoid. If you can’t, the plunger needs to be replaced.

If you can easily remove the valve, flush it out with water to remove any debris that may be stuck inside. Replace the valve, turn on the power and water, and see if that solves your problems.

Any mechanical issues beyond these should be repaired by a professional.

Electrical Inspection

Many sprinkler valve solenoid issues relate to electrical continuity problems. Oftentimes, the solenoid doesn’t receive enough electricity to function properly, resulting in leaks or reduced pressure.

Never troubleshoot electricity yourself. The best thing you can do at home without a professional is flip the circuit breaker switch to see if it makes a difference. If that doesn’t do anything, the rest of the electrical troubleshooting should be handled by a professional.

Repair Options

When you hire a sprinkler repair company, they should be able to replace the broken part or portion of the system. Some situations may require the entire system to be replaced, but this likely won’t happen unless there is major damage or the system is so old it can’t work correctly anymore.

Call American Irrigation Repair Today

When you need your sprinkler system repaired, call American Irrigation Repair in Georgetown, Texas. We can help you learn how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad and replace the solenoid efficiently. Call us today at (512) 943-6080 to schedule service.