Most valve problems are attributed to dirt getting into the valve during installation!

Ensure the Solenoid Valve has been installed in the correct direction

• When installing your Solenoid Valve, ensure it is installed in the correct direction
• An arrow indicating the flow direction is clearly marked on the valves body

Ensure the manual switch in the OFF position

• Near the coil is a small lever which can manually operate the valve if normal 24V power is not available
• In most situations where there is power, this switch should remain in the OFF position
• If the manual switch is in the ON position, the valve will always remain open thus allowing water through the valve if other solenoids are activated

Ensure there is there an o-ring under the coil

• Unscrew the coil and ensure that there is an o-ring seal
  • Be careful that the plunger doesn't fall out of the coil when you unscrew it

Ensure there is a plunger and it is not stuck

• If there is no plunger, or it is jammed up the coil, the valve will remain open
• The plunger should have a spring like movement when pressed with your finger
  • If not, the plunger is stuck
  • This can be fixed by removing the plunger and cleaning it with some water until it retains the spring like action again
    • Never use a lubricant spray as this will attract dirt and cause additional problems

Ensure the flow shaft has been set correctly

• Some solenoid valves have flow control for the flow or volume of water through the
  valve
• If the flow control is screwed down, it will restrict the opening of the diaphragm and limit the flow of water through the valve
• Ensure that this (if available) is open or set correctly when required

Ensure valve internals are clean

• Sometimes dirt or grit can enter the valve and cause a blockage
• It is necessary to clean the valve and ensure that the port holes are clear of any foreign material
• It is also important to make sure that the internals of the valve are replaced the same way as they were before dismantling

Additional information

• Check that the coil is not burnt out
  • This can be tested by swapping out the coil from a valve that has been confirmed to work properly
  • Alternatively, follow these steps:
    1. Remove the coil by holding any wire from the coil at the controllers active station terminal
    2. Place the other wire from the coil at the common terminal
    3. The plunger should pull in when that station number is switched on
       • The plunger acts like a magnet when the coil receives a current from the controller
       • When doing this, it doesn't matter which wire from the coil is common and which one is active
• Other possible faults that may cause a valve not to operate include:
  • Cut or damaged wiring
  • Poor wire connections
  • Blown transformer
  • Blown fuse (generally caused by poor wire connections)
• Most Irrigation Controller instruction manuals include a fault finding guide which may help with this process