Irrigation valves come in all shapes and sizes, but they all work basically the same way. The valve is opened to allow water to flow into the irrigation system, and then it is closed off again when the desired amount of water has been reached. This prevents overwatering or underwatering your plants, which can be critical for keeping them healthy and looking their best. Let’s take a closer look at how irrigation valves work!
How Does An Irrigation Valve Work
Let’s say you have a garden that you want to water. You could carry around a hose and a watering can, and water each plant by hand. But what if you have a lot of plants, or you want to water your garden while you’re on vacation?
That’s where irrigation valves come in! Irrigation valves are devices that automatically water your plants for you, using a system of tubes and pumps. They’re very handy, and they can save you a lot of time and effort. So how do they work?
Basically, irrigation valves are controlled by a timer. You set the timer to turn on at certain times of day, and the valve will open and close accordingly. The timer is connected to a pump, which draws water from a nearby source (such as a pond or a reservoir) and sends it through the tubes to the valve.
When the valve opens, the water flows out and waters your plants. Then, when the timer turns off, the valve closes and the pump stops running. It’s that simple! With an irrigation valve, you can make sure your plants are always getting the water they need – without lifting a finger.
What causes the irrigation valve to stay open?
One of the most common causes of an irrigation valve staying open is a broken diaphragm. The diaphragm is responsible for separating the water chamber from the air chamber, and when it fails, the two chambers can no longer communicate with each other. As a result, the valve stays open and water continues to flow.
Another potential cause of an irrigation valve staying open is a foreign object lodged in the valve. This can be anything from a small pebble to a piece of debris, and it can prevent the valve from closing properly. If you suspect that your irrigation valve is staying open due to a broken diaphragm or foreign object, it’s best to contact a professional for repair.
What does a solenoid on an irrigation valve do?
A solenoid on an irrigation valve is responsible for controlling the flow of water to the sprinklers. The solenoid is a coil of wire that is wrapped around a metal core. When electricity is applied to the coil, it creates a magnetic field that pulls the metal core into the center of the coil.
This action opens the valve and allows water to flow through. When the electricity is turned off, the magnetic field disappears and the metal core returns to its original position, closing the valve and stopping the flow of water. While it may seem like a simple task, the solenoid plays a vital role in keeping your lawn healthy and green.
How do you know if an irrigation valve is bad?
You know that irrigation valve is bad when your once green and lush lawn is now a dry and barren wasteland. It’s like the valve just up and stopped working one day, leaving your lawn a crispy, brown mess.
The worst part is, you can’t figure out why. You’ve checked all the connections, replaced any worn parts, and made sure there’s water in the line, but nothing seems to be working. short of calling in a professional (which can be expensive), it may seem like there’s nothing you can do.
However, there are a few things you can check to see if the problem is with your irrigation valve. First, check to see if the voltage reading at the control panel is correct. If it’s not, that could be causing the issue. Next, check for any loose wires or damaged components in the valve itself. If everything looks alright, then it may be time to call in a professional.
