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

I turned on the water to my system for the season and expected the system to pressurize as is normal. Instead, all of the control valves remain open and the sprinklers are seeping. I have 12 Buckner control valves, none with flow control. I changed all of the diaphragms and re-seated all of the solenoids. Ten stations have 4-6 heads each, one supplies an in-ground pool via a float valve and one is drip. The lowest head on the property seeps the most. The pressure at the manifold seems adequate. Any ideas?

New bonnets may be a solution to look at. These valves are 18 years old, but it may work as the replacement diaphragms are still available. I'll post the solution I end up with to help others with similar issues.

There are two manifolds, one for the front (5) and one for the back (7). Someone suggested lengthening the springs to make sure they was sufficient pressure on the diaphragms since these valves do not have flow control. Tried that today and no luck. I've changed all of the diaphragms, no leaks, and still not enough pressurization to charge the manifold. Water flows freely and I can't imagine all 12 diaphragms being bad. I did think about the extra valve to turn off the front manifold, but as you said, as long as I'm digging up the control box I may as well build a new manifold. I may try it though just in case it works. The back manifold is under a mature ash tree and roots would make digging that out a PIA. In terms of water pressure it has never been a problem in the past and I don't think it is an issue. I could take a pressure reading from the main anti-syphon regulator. What pressure should it be? Lastly, no replacement bonnets are available as they changed the bolt pattern from 4 to 6.

I tried everything this weekend and I still can't get the manifold to pressurize to close the diaphragms. And there is plenty of water in the system with sufficient pressure. In fact, the lowest sprinkler on the property is a Hunter PGP and the water stream arcs out 5-6 feet. None of the 12 valves even leak at the manifold. The only thing I can think of is one of the new Buckner diaphragms does not perfectly seal, which is depressurizing the entire system. So, facing the replacement of all control valves with a model with flow control, do you have any recommendations or preferences?