Leaking Sprinkler Valve

[DHD]

I have a slight leak on one of my sprinkler valves. I will probably replace the top of the valve. How do you determine model/mfg of valve without completely cutting it out? Is that the simplest repair? Advice appreciated. According to the Mrs. I'm not very handy but I thought I would try this. Thanks

[Gary Swart]

Your problem may be as simple as a small stone in the valve and all you need to do is clean it. If you take the top off, be very careful as there as small parts that can be lost in the blink of an eye. Since you appear to be a real novice with these things, it might be worth your while to have a professional handle this. If more than cleaning is needed, a pro can have everything back to top condition very quickly. Often valves are solvent welded into the manifold so it really is a tricky DIY job, especially with no knowledge of what you are working on. I'm a little curious as to why your irrigation water is still on in December.

[DHD]

Gary, thanks for response. I'm not using my system now but noticed as I was walking in the back yard a wet/spongy area near valve box and once opened it was full of water, cleaned it out and it slowly filled back up. Odd because I have not had the sprinklers on for several months(lots of rain in Atlanta) so this leak is new.

[Gary Swart]

My brother-in-law lives in Lawrenceville, so I'm quite aware that the drought there is over! Not knowing just how your system is designed, it's be bit hard to speculate on just where or what the problem is. Typically, there should be a master shutoff valve going from your water supply line to the back flow preventer. This valve should be off in the wintertime. If that valve does not shut off completely, then there will be water in your irrigation side. Did you have the lines blown out for winter? If not, you really should before it freezes hard. When that is done, the shutoff valve should be checked and replaced if necessary. Bottom line is, there should be zero water in the system in the winter time at least where freezing is a possibility.

[dargo]

My brother-in-law lives in Lawrenceville, so I'm quite aware that the drought there is over! Not knowing just how your system is designed, it's be bit hard to speculate on just where or what the problem is. Typically, there should be a master shutoff valve going from your water supply line to the back flow preventer. This valve should be off in the wintertime. If that valve does not shut off completely, then there will be water in your irrigation side. Did you have the lines blown out for winter? If not, you really should before it freezes hard. When that is done, the shutoff valve should be checked and replaced if necessary. Bottom line is, there should be zero water in the system in the winter time at least where freezing is a possibility.

I agree with 90% but there is not way to rid you sprinkler system (complete) of all water. Not gonna happen.