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

I am going to assume that this sprinkler is leaking when the zone is off? Is it a continual leak far after the zone is shut off, or right after the zone is shut off? Typically on systems that do not have drain valves on the line, the excess water in the pipes will drain out of the lowest sprinkler head, typically at the end, after the valve is closed. However, if the sprinkler is consistantly leaking far after the valve is closed, it is very possible that you do indeed have a valve issue. Without digging up the entire yard to try and locate the valve, you will probably either have to rent some equipment, or call in a professional. There are devices in which you can hook up to your controller to make the valve solenoid vibrate loud enough that you can hear it above ground and easily locate it. This is by far, if you can get ahold of the equipment, the easiest route. You can also try a metal detector, but you probably won't have much luck there.

You want to map the system out. If you know where all the valves are, just open a zone at the timer, then see which valve in the field is operating. Easy enough if the solenoids are noisy and/or heat up, or if you have a clamp-on ammeter to see which wire carries current.

If the valves have flow controls, those will make it possible to identify the valve in operation. Lacking that, you would be reduced to using the manual bleed screws, one by one, until you find the one that doesn't open a second zone.

At worst, you could open over a dozen bleed screws before you find the valve. Mark that valve, and repeat the process, which will get simpler as you identify each valve.

Or you can use a "krik-it"...valve locator. this item will open and close the solenoid rapidly...causing it to buzz like a cricket. It is an easy hook up...I don't know if SprinklerWarehouse carries this sort of thing, give them a call...if they don't carry it, I can track one down for u.

Good Luck.