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

I have a 9 year old system that developed a stuck valve yesterday (stuck
open). The valves are rainbird 100dvf-a, which btw are hard to find. I
opened the control box and noticed water leaking from the valve, but not
gushing. While unscrewing the valve it came apart in pieces, which I'm
guessing it why it stuck open. The solenoid seems fine but I can tell
because it doesn't move, but does make a clicking noise when activated.
All of this happened when I was doing some maintenance. I'm wondering if
I caused it by advancing the zones too fast -- meaning they turn on/off
very quick as I index to the zone I want turned on. If this is the case
it's poor design by Rainbirds -- they should not allow a zone to be
turned on/off so quickly. Was wondering if anyone can comment as to what
might have caused this or is it just old age? Here are some photos of
the system

http://picasaweb.google.com/106652854665747662908/Rainbird100DVFA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPOVwY_L1tO3XQ#

BTW, not sure why it says the link won't open. If you copy and paste it into the browser it works fine.

Thanks for the suggestion. I suppose it's only a matter of time before the others start failing too!