Question
We have a 3-zone system (zone 1 is front yard, zone 2 is back yard and zone three is the beds).

Zones 1 and 3 were working, but in order for the sprinkler heads to come up for zone 2, I found I needed to manually unscrew the solenoid to let the water flow, then tighten it down to shut the water off.  Did some reading and tried replacing the solenoid.  Same problem.

Next I took apart the valve system and cleaned it.  When I flushed, dirt got in it, so I used a wet/dry vacuum to suck it out.  Carefully reassembed the valve unit. Problem unchanged.

Next I tried using a meter - something I don't really know what I am doing with.  Eventually found a setting where the needle jumped.  Either electric wire got the needle to jump for the common wire, the wire for zone 1 and zone 3.  I had the have zone 2 running to get a response from the meter.

Also - I don't know if this matters, but depending on which of the black power wires I had the probe on the needle jumped slower on the wire on the left and faster on the right, but for zone 2 the reverse was the case (faster on the left and slower on the right.

I also tried using a different color wire for zone 2, but it did not  help.

It seems like it's something electrical, but I don't know what else to try.

We've just had a heavy rain so that gives me some time.

Anything else you can suggest for me to try?

many many thanks!!!

MG

Answer
Hi Michael,

Looks like the common wire to valve 2 is disconnected or defective. The common wire, white, should go to each solenoid. Check the common and let me know..


BTW when measuring the red lead goes to the zone wire, colored, and the black lead always to the common, white. It should give a reading of 24 to 28 volts.