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

I have an interesting development! I have an 8 valve system that had been working fine. Just recently, when valve #7 triggers, the water is flowing through to those sprinklers, but the system also tries to trigger at least 2 of the other valves, continuously, on/off, on/off every 2-3 seconds. This continues indefinitely...through the entire cycle of 7, and 8, and beyond. Even though the cycles have completed their run, the valves continue to try to trigger. The only way to stop this is by me shutting off the main water source. When I re-open it, everything is fine, but if I run the cycles again, the same pattern ensues.


Is this a plumbing issue? Bad valves? Or is it an electrical issue? I have had to shut off the entire system until I can resolve this, or else I am going to be wasting a lot of water!

Thank you for your thoughts!

No...I have not made any adjustments on that valve. Is your thought that too much water pressure is trying to get through that valve, and I should adjust it down?

Update:

I wanted to do a test, so I manually turned on the #7 valve, and it did not trigger the other zones.

I then allowed the controller to run through the programs, and once again, it started to pulsate a couple of zones once zone 7 was activated. Interestingly, when I turned on my hose to water some potted plants, I could feel the pressure increase momentarily with each pulse as the other valves triggered.

Rolled up the hose, turned off water at the main...time for a drink.

Not that I am aware of, no. What would I be looking for...visually, is it like one of the sprinkler valves? If so, then definitley not.

Swapped wires for zones 7 & 8 as suggested. When Zone 7 came on, it continued to trigger the other zones.

Yes, the valves I have are anti-syphon.

Good call...I ran zone 6 through the controller by itself, and when it turned off, indeed, the other zones did try to trigger. So now what? Do you think it is a bad valve(s)...I believe that 2 valves are tied into that same Zone 6 on the controller.