How Do I Know If My Water Solenoid Is Bad
Crucial component in numerous sprinkler systems, the water solenoid valve is an electrically operated valve that is designed to control the water flow in the sprinkler system by allowing it to control the opening and closing of the valve in accordance with the electrical signals sent to it. Based on the programmed schedules, this water solenoid valve distributes water through the lawn, ensuring that each patch of the lawn is getting an adequate amount of water. However, if this water solenoid valve starts acting up, things can go south very soon. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify whether your water solenoid valve has gone rogue or not.
Common Signs of a Bad Water Solenoid
Water Won’t Shut Off
This is easy to spot. If the water continues to flow even after you have shut down the sprinkler system, it is a clear sign of a malfunctioning solenoid. As you can already guess, this happens due to the inability of the water solenoid system to close the valve properly. You need to inspect the plunger which happens to sit inside the solenoid because, more often than not, it is the faulty plunger that could be playing the spoilsport. The movement of the plunger could be restricted by the accumulation of dirt and debris. Sometimes, a worn-out plunger might be the root cause of the problem. Give it a nice cleaning to unclog the valve but if the cleaning does not do the job, you might need to replace the entire water solenoid valve altogether. Make sure to check the valve seat for any sign of damage. A damaged valve seat can obstruct the flow of water.
Low or Uneven Water Pressure
A sudden drop in the water pressure or inconsistent water pressure is most certainly one of the major signs of a failing solenoid. Technically speaking, it is the solenoid that regulates and controls the flow of water in the sprinkler system and that means if you notice any irregularity in the distribution of the water, it most certainly means that those solenoids are not working properly. It could be caused by a damaged coil or a partially open valve. Rather than losing your sleep over it, you need to get your hands on a multimeter to check the voltage and then match the readings with the ones provided by the manufacturer. If it matches, it means that the components of the solenoid are all working fine. So, you might need to inspect for things like a damaged diaphragm or clogging. If it does not match, it simply means that you need to replace those components that are showing inconsistent readings.
Unusual Noises
A solenoid valve should not act like your ex. Sorry for the joke but the fact of the matter is – if your solenoid valve is making weird noises, it means that it is having some problems. It is that simple. If the solenoid valve is having difficulty opening or closing itself properly, it will start making strange noises. You will hear strange noises like humming, clicking, or buzzing. It could be triggered by almost anything – from a simple mechanical obstruction to a minor electrical problem. The diagnosis should start with analyzing the power supply system. If there is no inconsistency in the power supply, it simply means the water is getting obstructed by some blockage.
Diagnosing Solenoid Problems
Using a Multimeter
A multimeter is the ultimate tool that you need to have in your arsenal if you really want to diagnose the problem that your water solenoid is facing. First, set the multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting and then you need to remove the wires from the solenoid temporarily. Now, you need to place the multimeter probes on the solenoid terminals. If the reading shows continuity, it simply means that the coil is in perfect condition. But if the reading shows no continuity, it suggests that the coil is damaged and it needs replacement. Continuity between the solenoid body and the terminals should also be checked thoroughly. Lack of high resistance to the casing is a good sign here because that means there are no short circuits to watch out for.
Inspecting Mechanical Components
Mechanical failure is another common issue that tends to plague water solenoids every now and then. Therefore, it means that you need to check the mechanical components of the water solenoid every now and then. To get to the root of the problem, you need to disassemble the solenoid and then look for any visible signs of wear and tear. If you come across any damaged parts, just get them replaced so that your sprinkler system starts working without any hiccups.
Checking Voltage at the Controller
The entire signaling system could come to a complete standstill if the voltage starts fluctuating. To ensure that the voltage level of the controller is at an optimal level, you need to inspect it with a multimeter. To do that you need to first switch off the sprinkler system and then set the multimeter to the AC voltage setting. Now place one probe on the common terminal and the other one on the station terminal. Now, switch on the station and start observing the readings. The reading should be around 24 volts AC. This is a standard voltage for most residential irrigation systems. If you find any mismatch with the reading or the voltage, it means that something is wrong with the controller and not with the solenoid.
