Question
QUESTION: Here's the problem:

I have done every setting/test/suggestion with my controller (ESP MODULAR) including replacing the backplane. I get no errors on the controller, but the sprinklers will not come on (neither on program or manual) - Again, I have tried everything on the controller. I have tried with the main water valve turned on and off (expected an error with it off and didn't get one). This has been going on for a couple of weeks (just bought the house and first time using system that was unplugged for months).

I have noticed just within the past few days one sprinkler with a slow leak. Replaced the sprinkler and leak continues (thus I know I have water going to the system) - thinking this might be an issue with the valve? If so, could this prevent the rest of the system to operate?

If I am having valve problems, is there an easy way to find the valves to check them (all I know is where the sprinkler heads are)?

What else could be the problem?

ANSWER: Hey Gearge, you are on the right track, you need to find your valves. You probably either #1 need to replace the solenoids on the valves #2 replace the diaphrams in the valves, or #3 replace the wire running from the controller to the valves, or a combination of all three. To find the valves you need to either hire someone with a wire locator (valve locator), or rent a wire locator from your local irrigation supply store. What you can do is hook the wire locator up to the field wires that run from the controller to the valves, and trace the wire from the locator to the valves to find the valves. Let me know if you need anymore help, good luck and have a great day.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you!

Do I need to check every valve? and, is there only one valve per zone (I have 4), or one valve per sprinkler head? I assume from your answer that valves can be almost anywhere along the water line; but is it safe to assume they must be before the first head in a zone (if there's only one per zone)?

Thanks again, sorry to ask so much, but I'm learning the hard way about sprinkler systems.

Answer
Hey George, since you have 4 zones, you would have 4 valves. Normally each valve will have more than one head, but not always. Normally the valves will be together in a valve box in the ground. Usually if you find one valve, you will have found all of them. You could dig up by a sprinkler head and trace the pipe back to the valve, but this could be very time consumming, and also un-sitely. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions, have a great day.