Sometimes low water pressure can be an issue for a sprinkler irrigation system. Low water pressure can hamper even water distribution and cause other problems too. Consider some of these tips that can help homeowners troubleshoot low water pressure in a sprinkler irrigation system.
If water pressure is low, increasing the water pressure seems like the obvious solution. However, when nothing is working at all, it can be difficult just to know where to start. Too much water pressure could even destroy the diaphram in the irrigation system’s water valve when people use their flow control for pressure regulation.
Loss of water pressure could be the result of a hydraulic or electrical problem. One failed valve may be caused by a lack of power to that valve. Sometimes troubleshooting can be as simple as making sure that the timer itself is getting power. One of the first things to check would be to assure the irrigation system controller is getting power. When you discover an irrigation timer behaving improperly, check that there is power going to the solenoid when the system is shut down.
Should you suspect that a problem may be electrical, the irrigation timer might be a good place to start. To assure the timer is working properly, a volt meter is used to check whether an impulse is being sent correctly. In some cases, the irrigation system’s manual bleed valve may have been carelessly left open, causing pressure to seep out. Once closed, the problem will correct itself.
Water pressure loss could also be caused by a loose solenoid. When the solenoid does not remain tight, the valve will stay open. Solenoids can malfunction if the plunger inside corrodes, leaving the plunger in a permanent state of suction. Since this situation is difficult to repair, it may be wise to replace the solenoid entirely when this occurs.
Debris, such as rocks or twigs, can also clog the solenoid or the valve, keeping the valve open. Rocks can become lodged between the valve diaphragm and the seat, and will have to be removed, and the surrounding area cleaned out.
When troubleshooting problems in a specific sprinkler zone, broken pipes could be the culprit. Finding a broken pipe could be as simple as locating a patch of grass that pops up and the area may be wet.
Thank you for visiting the Hessenauer Sprinkler Repair and Irrigation blog and website. We handle both irrigation and drainage system issues here in Central Florida and Orlando areas. Bookmark our blog and website for more news, tips and advice, and if you have sprinkler irrigation or drainage issues here in Central Florida or Orlando areas, contact us at 407-302-2227 today! Come back soon!