SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Greetings!


I have a 4 zone sprinkler system that recently started acting up only when running using the timer. Multiple zones are running at once & the lack of water pressure is causing ruts to appear in my lawn. If I run the sprinkler manually, everything works as expected with one zone running at a time. At first I thought that I caused the problem by making a change to the pin settings but yesterday I set all the pins to off (depressed) except for the pin for today (pulled out). Same thing happened- multiple zones started running at once. The controller is set to turn on extremely early in the morning so I do not know if it starts out working properly & develops problems as it goes through the zones. Model is an Intermatic R8806R101C.

Any help would be appreciated.

Quoted from "wsommariva"

Did you do any lawn work that would have disturbed the wiring to the valves? If two wires are now touching they will both open.

Maybe wires in the valve box are touching

Do you have a master valve? Maybe one valve is stuck in the open position. If so take it apart and clean the insides.

Nothing changed recently that would cause such an issue with the wiring but I did take a look- no wires are touching.

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

the Intermatic controller is one made to control an indexing valve, and it is the indexing valve that is your problem, most likely.

Had to Google indexing valves... I suspect that you may be right. Odd that it only occurs when it's being run by the timer, though. I did find a helpful video on how to change out the stem & disk. The way my is installed is going to be very painful to replace- the water pipe leading into the valve is above the screws to open it. Mine also has a rotating stem at the top that allows me to go through the zones manually. I did pull that piece off & reseated it- doubt very much if that is going to resolve the issue though.

Thank you both for your responses. I've set the time so that it will start in the morning tomorrow- that way I can perhaps get a better idea on what might be happening. I suspect I'm going to have to bite the bullet & pull it fully apart to repair it.

http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com/wordpress/2009/12/replace-stem-disc-index-valve/

Makes total sense &, of course, you were right (as you already knew ). Next question... is a stem disk a generic part or am I going to have to track down one that is specific to my model (Fimco Manufacturing 4 zone)? Living in FL, I really need to get this resolved quickly but would prefer to go the DIY route if I can.

Never mind... a little research allowed me to answer my own question. Looks like a trip to Home Depot is in store for me today! Wish me luck as I slowly build my DIY skills...

Nothing is ever easy, is it??? I think the issue is finally resolved but not before experiencing a few more headaches. Home Depot did not carry the right stem & disc for my Fimco (1 1/2 inch). neither did Lowe's. I was able to find one at a local plumbing supply company yesterday but when I got it home & replaced it, no joy. So, today I got one that is for low flow... SUCCESS!!! At least, going through the entire timer cycle this evening has been successful. I also took the precaution of replacing the zone indicator- probably overkill but I noticed it was really sticky & I could not seem to get it cleaned out enough to make a difference. The new one has no resistance.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Wet Boots!