Hi, I am new to this forum and also new to sprinkler system troubleshooting. I have been facing some peculiar issues with 3 (of
valves that I just can not explain. So far, my contractor also has not been able to diagnose the issues and not returning my calls any more. These valves are controlling my front yard and are only about a year old. These were completely functional until some concrete work was done around them with the valves placed in a box below concrete level. Several issues came up after the work was completed. These are:
1) These 3 valves now can not be turned on from my control panel. I suspect a contact problem here with the ground wire even though the connections look fine. But, I am not sure whether that is the reason.
2) I can turn on the valves manually with flow control turned on properly. But, there is a peculiarity in this condition too. As what I had observed with other valves, the solenoid has to be rotated counter clockwise to open the valve. Interestingly, on these 3 valves, with the solenoid completely rotated in the clockwise direction (that the slider says off), the valves start flowing the water. The valves stop the water flow only when the slider is moved to the "on" position (counter-clockwise rotation).
3) Once the valves are turned on manually, irrespective of the position of the slider and the flow-control valve, I find water leaking out of the lowest sprinkler head. Just for this reason, I always have to shut off the main irrigation valve after watering my lawn and plants.
Any advice on how I should troubleshoot and rectify the problems will be appreciated.