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Posted by PipeDown on June 29, 2006, 4:10 pm
>I just moved into an old house that has a built in sprinkler system.
> Unfortunately, one of the zones does not work, yet 2 of them do.
>
> By researching previous posts, I've found some good ideas on how to
> check if it is the wiring by hooking up the wires from a zone that
> works to one that doesn't and testing it that way.
>
> However, if it still does not work, apparently it is probably a valve
> problem. The thing is, I didn't know that each zone had a valve and I
> have no idea where a valve would be or what it would look like. I've
> looked everywhere near that zone for some sort of cutoff switch in the
> ground but can't find anything.
>
> I'll be calling a sprinkler repair man if necessary but I'm trying to
> avoid it.
>
>
> FOLLOW UP: For those with sytems... how long and how often should I
> water? I'm in Texas so the lawn requires frequent watering (I would
> think) but I'm also trying to keep my water bill at a REASONABLE level.
>
> Thanks!
>
You really need to find the zone valves and operate them manually before
troubleshooting the electrical. In any case the wire is probably open near
the valve itself anyway. Start with where the hose hooks up and follow any
pipes that don't lead into the house. The valves may or may not be buried
but if they are they should be in an underground box with a lid at ground
level it will be between the house and the sprinkler somewhere. If you
really have no clue what they look like, go to HD and look at ones on the
shelf.
As for how much water you can ask your neighbors and the guys at the local
hardware store or you can start with 20 minutes twice a week then check the
lawn for signs of stress or success and adjust up or down as required. A
successful lawn needs mowing once a week a stressed lawn has brown
struggling spots.
Individual sprinkler heads can be adjusted but I'll save that for later.
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