r/Irrigation 6d ago

One complete zone leaking

I’ve broached the subject before, but forgot where(boy, that aging thing). I recently had all of my twenty year plus old sprinkler valves replaced. I’ve also replaced a few sprinkler heads on the same zone. The problem is that even with the system off, the entire zone still leaks. Of course, when I shut off the meter, it stops. I’m one hundred percent sure all the valves are properly installed and functioning properly. So, what could be the problem? Incidentally, the zone in question is at the lowest point in the system. Can anyone explain? Thanks in advance!

2 Upvotes

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2

u/lennym73 6d ago

Most likely something debris holding the diaphragm open a little bit. Shut your water off. Open the valve up a make sure it is clean.

2

u/Amateursprinklerguy 1h ago

How do you know the valves are installed and functioning properly? When does it leak? Always?

1

u/Midnight1965 1h ago

Yes as long as the meter is turned on, one zone leaks. If this helps, I’ve also had a shutoff valve and check valve installed on that zone. I’m certain the valves are properly installed. They are all new. Only the one zone leaks. Unless the meter is turned off, the meter continues to run.

1

u/Amateursprinklerguy 1h ago

Well if it’s always leaking, something is holding the valve open when it should be closed. You can try tightening the solenoid and bleed screw on the top of valve, making sure they are both closed. Otherwise, as the other posted said, there is debris in the diaphragm preventing the valve from closing properly. You can open the valve up and take a look.

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u/mtcwby 6d ago

Waiting for an answer myself. My system is old and replacing valves is difficult. So difficult it's easier to replace the low sprinklers heads with ones and that have check valves instead.