Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have 3 Hardie valves and 1 rainbird valve on my system and the Hardie valves are leaking around the center of the valve, i think the diaphragm area when we turn the water on to them (not the system water). I noticed this because my box was completely full of water so I shut the whole thing down via the turn off valve which is 20 ft away from the valve box. I tightened the screws on the Hardie valves and it stopped most of the leakage, however, not all of it. they are 12 years old. Can I replace the diaphragms, filters or need to replace the whole valve??

ANSWER: Hello Pam, I hope this helps. You can just replace the diaphrams on the valves without replacing the whole valve. Thanks and have a great day.

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

QUESTION: where do i get these valves or diaphragms?

ANSWER: Hello Pam, I would check with an irrigation supply store. It would be a good idea to take one with you when you go in, so they can match it. It's probably a good bet that the valve is a Hardie HR-1. Not knowing what state you're from, it would be hard to tell you a particular store. I hope this helps, let me know if I can help you anymore, thanks and have a good day.

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

QUESTION: I appreciate your help so much. We cannot find any HR-1 on the valve or what type it is and talked to the guy who put them in, I guess it is easier to replace the valves than find a diaphragm; that's what the guy told me. Soo, we must dig out the whole thing, cut it apart and buy new valves for it. yuck!

Answer
Hello Pam, sorry you're having such a hard time finding the diaphrams. To put you at ease, even though there is a lot more work involved in replacing the valves, the Hardie valves are not that good, and alot of times the seat in the body of this valve crack (especially after 10 years) and you would have to replace it anyway. Use a good valve, I would recommend a Rainbird DV-100 with a flow control. These should give you no trouble for at least 12 years. Thanks and good luck.