Quck answer
To replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
2. Locate the valve box and remove the cover.
3. Disconnect the wires connected to the solenoid.
4. Unscrew the solenoid from the valve and set it aside.
5. Use a wrench to loosen the union nut and remove the old valve.
6. Insert the new valve into the pipe and tighten the union nut.
7. Attach the new solenoid to the valve and tighten it securely.
8. Reconnect the wires to the solenoid.
9. Replace the valve box cover.
10. Turn on the water supply and test the new valve for proper operation.
Your lawn and garden’s in-ground sprinkler system has several types of valves that control water flow. Some are above ground, while others are recessed underground. Eventually, you may need to replace a sprinkler valve or solenoid that controls a valve. Although it requires some plumbing expertise, it’s a DIY project that can be accomplished over a weekend.
Types of Sprinkler Valves
The flow of water in a typical lawn irrigation/sprinkler system is controlled by three types of valves:
- Main shutoff valve controls the water flow to the whole sprinkler system. This valve enables the sprinkler system to be turned off without disrupting the water flow to the rest of the house. Because it is rarely used, it seldom fails, and most homeowners never need to maintain it.
- Stand-alone anti-siphon valve is used when the sprinkler zones are controlled by below-ground in-line valves, which, by design, cannot offer anti-siphon functionality. The stand-alone anti-siphon is a vacuum-breaker device that is sometimes integrated with the main shutoff valve or is part of the backflow preventer assembly. It is also rare for this valve to require repair or replacement.
Most homeowners will need to service or replace the third type of valve at some point – the zone valves that supply water to sprinkler heads in different areas of the yard. Two types of zone valves may be encountered:
- In-line zone valve is installed underground, often grouped with other valves in a sunken box in the ground. Each of these valves has a wired device known as a solenoid attached to it. The solenoid receives low-voltage signals from the timer/controller unit, which activates the sprinkler zones according to the programmed schedule.
- Anti-siphon zone valve is an above-ground zone valve. It operates similarly to an in-line zone valve, but it is shaped slightly differently and has a built-in anti-siphon mechanism that eliminates the need for a stand-alone anti-siphon valve.
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georgeclerk/E+/GettyImages
Replacing Solenoids
If a valve stops functioning correctly, the solenoid may be the issue rather than the valve itself. As a result, replacing the solenoid is a good first step before attempting to fully replace the valve, which is more complicated. The process is relatively simple:
How to Service a Zone Valve
- To begin, ensure that the low-voltage current to the solenoid is turned off at the controller. If necessary, unplug the controller itself.
- Disconnect the controller wires from the solenoid attached to the zone valve. You can unscrew wire nut connectors to do this.
- Unscrew the solenoid from the valve housing by turning it counterclockwise.
- Check the port where the solenoid sits for any debris and wipe it clean. Also, rinse off the solenoid itself.
- Inspect the O-ring on the solenoid for debris or wear and replace it if necessary. Reattach the solenoid and wires and test the valve’s operation.
- If the valve still does not work correctly, replace the solenoid with an identical one. Reattach the low-voltage controller wires and test the system again. If the zone still does not operate correctly, replace the entire valve unit.
Servicing the Valve Diaphragms
For some zone valves, it is possible to clean and replace the inner diaphragms that control water flow:
- First, shut off the controller and turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
- Disconnect and remove the solenoid.
- Remove the bonnet screws that secure the cap on the zone valve. Lift off the cap to expose the spring and rubber diaphragm inside. In some cases, you may need to remove a screw-on cap by twisting it counterclockwise. Remove the spring and set it aside.
- Remove and inspect the rubber diaphragm. Clean away any debris. If the diaphragm is cracked or brittle, replace it with a new one.
- Reassemble the valve, making sure to reinsert the spring. Reattach the solenoid and turn the system back on to test its operation.
Replacing an In-Line Zone Valve
In-line zone valves are typically located inside a recessed ground box. In some cases, the valves may be buried in soil with only the tops and controller wires exposed. To replace a valve, you’ll need to remove soil to access it.
An in-line zone valve can be attached to the PVC sprinkler pipes in various ways. Usually, it will be fitted with threaded male adapters that are solvent-glued to the sprinkler pipes. To remove the old valve, you will need to cut through the sprinkler pipe on one side of the valve to unscrew it from the adapter on the other side. Keep in mind that valve replacement is a job that requires experience working with pipes.
What You’ll Need
- PVC threaded male adapters (as needed)
- Pipe-seal tape
- In-line zone valve
- PVC solvent glue
- Shovel
- Plastic tubing cutter
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
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stevecoleimages/iStock/GettyImages
Steps to Replace an In-Line Zone Valve
Step 1: Prepare for Valve Replacement
Begin by turning off the sprinkler system at the controller. Then, turn off the water supply to the system at the main shutoff valve. Open the ground box and dig away soil until the valve you want to replace is completely exposed. In some cases, you may need to remove a lot of soil or even the ground box itself to create enough space.
Step 2: Remove the Old Valve
Disconnect the low-voltage wires from the valve’s solenoid. This usually involves disconnecting wire nut connectors, or you can snip away the wires near the solenoid.
Use a plastic tubing cutter to cut the plastic sprinkler pipe at one end of the old valve. Make this cut as close as possible to the hub of the adapter. This will allow you to rotate the entire valve counterclockwise to unthread it from the other side using tongue-and-groove pliers. In some cases, you may need to cut through the pipe on both the downstream and upstream sides of the valve to remove it.
Purchase a replacement valve that matches the specifications for your system. It doesn’t necessarily need to be an exact replacement because there are new, improved valves that may have better performance than the old valve.
Step 3: Prepare the Pipes
Wrap pipe-seal tape around the threads of a male-threaded adapter and then thread it into the appropriate port on the new valve. If you had to cut the pipe on both sides, then you’ll need to install adapters into both ports.
Clean the threads of the male adapter still attached to the sprinkler pipe and wrap it with fresh pipe-seal tape.
Step 4: Attach the Valve
Position the valve between the upstream and downstream sprinkler pipe and screw it onto the threaded adapter that is still attached to the pipe. At the other end, secure the pipe into the hub on the valve’s adapter fitting using solvent glue.
Step 5: Connect the Wiring
Connect the low-voltage controller wires to the new valve’s solenoid as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this involves connecting the controller wires to the solenoid’s wires using wire nuts.
Step 6: Finish and Test
If you had to remove the ground box, replace it and backfill around the box with soil. Replace the ground box cover, turn on the water at the main shutoff valve, turn on the sprinkler system at the controller, and test the system.
How to Replace an Anti-Siphon Zone Valve
Anti-siphon zone valves are the above-ground style of zone valve with a vacuum-breaking anti-siphon feature built into them. These valves extend up and out of the ground and are typically grouped together near the system’s main shutoff valve. The procedure for replacing an anti-siphon zone valve is similar to replacing an in-line valve, but it is easier because you have open access. Use grip-fit adapters instead of solvent-glue adapters since these adapters can be used with any pipe material.
Materials You Will Need
-
(2) Grip-fit-style adapters (male threaded)
-
Anti-siphon zone valve
-
Pipe-seal tape
-
Plastic tubing cutter (if necessary)
You may need a metal pipe cutter or hacksaw.
Image Credit:
Kwangmoozaa/iStock/GettyImages
How to Replace an Anti-Siphon Zone Valve
Step 1: Disconnect the System
To replace the anti-siphon zone valve, you need to first shut off the sprinkler system at the controller and then shut off the water supply to the system at the main shutoff valve. Then, disconnect the low-voltage wires from the valve’s solenoid, which can usually be done by disconnecting wire nut connectors or by snipping the wires near the solenoid.
Step 2: Remove the Old Valve
You can remove an above-ground zone valve by cutting off both pipes just below the hub on the adapter fittings. A plastic tubing cutter works best for plastic pipes, while metal pipes require a metal tubing cutter or hacksaw.
Step 3: Prepare the Valve
Screw male-threaded grip-fit adapters into the ports on the bottom of the valve to prepare it. Before screwing them into the valve, wrap the threads with pipe-seal tape.
Tip
If you’re an experienced home plumber, there are other methods of securing the valve to the sprinkler pipes, such as solvent-glued fittings, sweat-soldered fittings for copper pipes, or compression-style fittings. Use the method with which you’re most comfortable.
Step 4: Attach the Valve
Attach the valve to the ends of the pipes by sliding the open end of the grip-fit adapters onto the pipes. Press down firmly to seat the pipes tightly against the inner shoulders of the fitting.
Step 5: Connect the Solenoid
Connect the low-voltage controller wires to the new valve’s solenoid according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this involves connecting the controller wires to the solenoid’s wires using wire nuts.
Step 6: Finish and Test the System
Turn on the water at the main shutoff valve, turn on the sprinkler system at the controller, and test the system to make sure everything works properly.
FAQ
1. What is a sprinkler system valve and solenoid?
A sprinkler system valve is a device that controls the flow of water in a sprinkler system. It allows water to flow to the sprinkler heads when activated. The solenoid is an electrical component of the valve that opens and closes the valve based on the signals received from the controller.
2. Why would I need to replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid?
There are several reasons why you may need to replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid. Over time, these components can wear out or become damaged due to age, exposure to weather, or mechanical issues. If you notice a leak, low water pressure, or the sprinklers not turning on or off properly, it may be time to replace the valve and solenoid.
3. What tools and materials do I need to replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid?
To replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid, you will need a few tools and materials. These include a shovel or trenching tool, a pipe cutter or hacksaw, PVC pipe and fittings, a new valve and solenoid, PVC primer and cement, Teflon tape, and a wire stripper. Additionally, you may need a multimeter to test the electrical connections.
4. How do I replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid?
To replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid, start by shutting off the water supply to the sprinkler system. Dig a hole around the existing valve, exposing the pipes. Cut the PVC pipes on both sides of the valve using a pipe cutter or hacksaw. Remove the old valve and solenoid. Install the new valve and solenoid, making sure to use PVC primer and cement to secure the connections. Finally, turn on the water supply and test the system to ensure it is working properly.
5. Can I replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace a sprinkler system valve and solenoid yourself if you have basic plumbing skills and the necessary tools. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable working with plumbing or electrical components, it is recommended to hire a professional to avoid any potential damage or safety hazards.
6. How often should sprinkler system valves and solenoids be replaced?
The lifespan of sprinkler system valves and solenoids can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the quality of the components. In general, it is a good idea to inspect the valves and solenoids annually for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues or if they are more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing them.
7. Are there any maintenance tips to prolong the lifespan of sprinkler system valves and solenoids?
Yes, there are a few maintenance tips to help prolong the lifespan of sprinkler system valves and solenoids. Regularly inspect the valves and solenoids for any leaks, cracks, or signs of wear. Ensure that the area around the valves is free from debris and vegetation. Additionally, protect the valves and solenoids from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, as these can cause damage. Lastly, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and ensure proper winterization of the sprinkler system to prevent freezing and damage to the components.