Leaking irrigation valve in yard with water well

[Snagglefoot]

I saw some constant cycling going on with my water system with my own water well. It was a very slow leak going on with the well pump kicking in to bring the pressure back up.

After checking for leaking at the toilets and taps, I turned off the water pressure at the tap going to the yard irrigation system. That cured the leakage. With the water back on I checked all the sprinker heads and found water oozing from two heads at such a low rate it was hard to notice. Small puddles formed in the grass.

With the water pressure off I removed the top of the valve controlling that zone and found a very small pebble lodged under the seal of the valve. Although water directed to the taps in the house goes through filters, and water to the irrigation system gas it’s own filter, the small pebble ended up inside the line and got stuck in the valve. The seal was permanently damaged and I replaced it with one I keep as spares.

So, if you have cycling going on, or if you see puddles developing, check your valves.

 

[Leo99]

I learned all about lawn sprinklers a couple weeks ago when I turned mine on after a long hiatus. Had to change a solenoid on a valve. That solenoid was defective and that took a while to learn. My anti flow back was leaking so had to put in a rebuild kit. One sprinkler head was leaking bad and replaced it. It's right near where the groundhog has tunnels so I was afraid it damaged my pipes. Luckily, that wasn't the case. My system has a master valve so there's only water pressure when a zone is on.