Go from irritation to irrigation
If one of your sprinkler heads or irrigation zones stays on or is stuck 'on' even when you turn off the controller, you likely have debris inside the valve. Over time, debris and minerals from the water build up inside the valve and its parts. The blockage can impact the signal the valve receives from the controller. Learn how to clean a sprinkler valve and get your system back up and running.
You may have a clogged sprinkler valve due to debris, dirt, sand, and mineral buildup that seeps into the system over time. A clogged sprinkler valve can reduce water flow, cause your sprinkler to stay on even when the controller is off, and give uneven watering to your lawn.
The cost to replace a sprinkler valve yourself ranges from $13 to $150, depending on the price of the part. Hiring a professional to handle the job from start to finish costs anywhere from $70 to $350, depending on the valve brand and complexity of the installation.
You can clean your sprinkler valve of debris and mineral buildup with a few tools: a screwdriver, a soft-bristled brush, and a thin, flexible wire. You’ll also need a small bucket of clean water for rinsing the parts. Look at your manufacturer’s manual for cleaning instructions or a diagram of your system’s valve box and parts. Each brand and model of sprinkler differs. Knowing your system can ensure a safe, effective cleaning process.
If you damage the parts of your sprinkler valve while cleaning, you’ll need to replace the parts or hire a sprinkler repair pro to fix the problem. Hiring a pro may be best if you feel uncomfortable taking apart your sprinkler valve system.
Here are the steps for how to clean a sprinkler zone valve.
At the sprinkler system’s controller, turn off the system so it does not turn on while cleaning the valve.
Turn off the main water supply. If you open a valve under pressure, it can be dangerous and lead to injuries.
Open the valve box of your sprinkler system and take photos of how the pieces are put together. As you unscrew each part, take a photo of how the screws and pieces go together. You’ll need to know exactly what components go where when you reassemble your system later.
Look for the valve body or a cylinder with two wires. Depending on the brand and model, you may have a solenoid, electric, or automatic valve. Unscrew the screws to remove the lid.
Take off the valve piece by unscrewing the bonnet screws. Carefully pull the bonnet away from the valve body to avoid losing the spring or diaphragm in your muddy surroundings.
Check to see if the plunger is working. Push on the end of the spring-loaded plunger. It should bounce back when you release it. It should also slide in and out smoothly when pressed. If the plunger isn’t moving properly, you may need to replace the plunger or the entire valve.
Remove the diaphragm and spring and take a photo of where they are in the system so you know how to put everything back together later. Check if the diaphragm and seat are free of tears, holes, scratches, and wrinkles.
If any part is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. If the diaphragm is intact with no damage, gently clean it with water and a soft-bristled brush to remove debris.
Remove debris and mineral buildup from the valve body, including the gasket, seat, and other pieces. Be gentle to ensure you do not damage the system.
Inside the valve lid and on the valve body are small passages where the bottom of the lid attaches to the valve body. The location of the ports varies by brand and model. Some ports have a metal pin that runs through them. The pin is used to clean the passage and should slide freely in and out. Clean the passage with a small piece of flexible wire or a cleaning needle if it does not have a pin. Be gentle as you clean each port to ensure you do not scratch or enlarge the hole.
Place the parts of your valve back together, including your spring, gasket, and port. Consult your photos to ensure you reassemble the body properly. Secure the lid back on, screwing each screw partway, then going back to tighten them. Avoid overtightening the screws and warping the lid.
Turn on the controller and water supply to test the system to see if the sprinkler heads are working as they should. If not, consult the photos you took and make sure everything is in the right spot. Call in a pro if they still aren’t working.
To keep your irrigation system working smoothly, follow these tips for maintaining a home sprinkler system.
Install a filter upstream of your sprinkler valves to catch sand and dirt before they reach your valves.
Check your irrigation system once a month for clogged, leaking, and misdirected heads. Unclog sprinkler heads with a small piece of flexible wiring.
Repair or replace sprinkler parts when you notice leaks or other issues.
Watch for areas of your lawn that are overwatered or saturated.
Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure they distribute water evenly.
Install a rain sensor or smart technology to prevent overwatering.
Clean your sprinkler heads once per year.
Monitor the water pressure and use a water pressure regulator or booster pump to mitigate the issue.
Winterize your sprinkler system every fall if you live in a cold climate.
You can clean a sprinkler valve if you are a moderate DIYer and have a few tools. Take time to carefully disassemble and clean the components to avoid damaging your system. If you aren’t familiar with your sprinkler system’s valve box, you may want to hire a local sprinkler installer who can clean and inspect your system for damaged parts. In addition to any necessary replacement parts, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for labor, depending on the issue's complexity.
You can clear a solenoid valve by carefully removing the valve lid and cleaning each piece of the valve body, including the gasket, seat, spring, and ports. You need a screwdriver, a soft-bristled brush, and a small wire to clean the components. You need to turn off the system at the controller and turn off the main water supply before working in the valve box.
You need to replace a sprinkler valve once every 10 to 15 years or sooner if it gets damaged. The life span of a sprinkler valve depends on the brand and model and how it was installed. Improper installation can lead to damage and corrosion. You may need to replace a sprinkler valve if the water doesn’t turn off even after shutting off the controller, or if you experience uneven or irregular watering.
The symptoms of a bad sprinkler valve include the water not turning off even if the system is off at the controller, leaking water from the sprinkler, and irregular watering. Opening the valve lid and body to see if there are any broken parts, debris, or buildup can help determine if you need to clean, replace, or fix the sprinkler valve. The root of the issue could also be faulty wiring or a problem with your controller.
