Summer is the time of the year where our grass usually looks brown and dry due to high heat and humidity. There are several ways you can go about fixing your grass to make it green no matter what time of the year it is. One of those simple ways to keep your lawn green is to install a sprinkler system into your yard. Many people have a sprinkler system in their yard but it might not be working properly due to a leak. A leaking sprinkler system is fairly common and can be fixed without too much trouble. If you want to keep your grass green this year but have noticed your sprinkler system is leaking, here are some useful tips to repair it. When you repair the leaking sprinkler system your yard the main thing you want to check are the valves which are the most prone to leaking.
In order to repair a leaking sprinkler system you are going to need a few different tools to get the job done. You will most likely need a Phillips screwdriver, new stones and a new valve diaphragm to fit your specific type of sprinkler system. You can get these items at your local hardware or home improvement store for about 20 dollars. If you do not know what type of valve diaphragm you will need, you can always tell an associate at the store what type of sprinkler system you have and they can assist you. Once you have gathered your tools you are then ready to begin the job. Repairing the leaky sprinkler system should only take you about 25 minutes per valve that needs replaced and the hardest part of the job is remembering where everything goes.
The first thing you want to do in order to repair a leaking sprinkler system is to shut the water off that flows to the sprinkler system. Then you should remove the valve box lid and clean it out with a towel or washcloth. There will probably be a lot of dirt and debris in the box lid so it is important to take your time and clean this out as best you can. To dry the valve box you want to use washcloths to soak up the water or you can let it air dry if you are not worried about time.
Twist the low-voltage solenoid valve until it comes out and then it should automatically drain the extra water out without you doing anything to it. Take the bonnet off from the top of the valve using the Phillips screwdriver and remove the spring and diaphragm from underneath the bonnet.
You should get out the new valve diaphragm you bought and install it onto the valve and then place the spring back on the diaphragm. The spring and diaphragm should fit together so you can put the bonnet back over the top of them. There should be a steel ring that you took off and this needs to be put back on top of the bonnet. Using the screwdriver, you want to screw the bonnet back into place and tighten the screws.
Replace the low-voltage solenoid valve and you also need to waterproof the connectors that hold the wires in place. Take the rags or washcloths out of the valve box and then fill the valve box with fresh stone. Finally, it is time to turn the water back on and make sure that your sprinkler system leak problem is fixed. If you still have a leak then you need to check all of the valves and valve diaphragms in your sprinkler system. This is a fairly easy repair and even someone not knowledgeable in sprinkler repairs can do it.
