Sprinkler repair

Sprinkler valve won’t shut off?

The most common cause is debris caught between the diaphragm and the seat. A solenoid or bleed screw left open, a torn diaphragm or low pressure can also do it.

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Check this first

  1. Close the manual openers. Turn the solenoid clockwise until snug and hand-tighten the bleed screw; either may have been opened by hand (Hunter, Hunter).
  2. Shut off the main water supply before opening the valve. Hunter warns that opening a valve under pressure is dangerous (Hunter).
  3. Check the solenoid. Unscrew it and make sure the plunger is clean and moves freely (Hunter).
  4. Clean the diaphragm. Remove the bonnet, diaphragm and spring, noting how they came out. Rinse the diaphragm, check it for tears, and clear debris from the body and seat (Hunter).
  5. Replace a torn diaphragm and reassemble. Note that Hunter valves need at least 20 PSI to close (Hunter).
▶ Watch howRain Bird Residential Valve Troubleshooting: Replacing the Valve DiaphragmOfficial Rain Bird video on YouTube ↗

Parts you may need

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When to call a pro

Not comfortable digging up valves or testing wiring? The EPA suggests hiring an irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program (EPA WaterSense).

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Quick answers

Why does my zone keep running when the controller is off?

If the controller isn’t sending power, the valve itself is stuck open, most often from debris on the diaphragm or a solenoid that was opened by hand (Hunter).

Steps summarized from the linked manufacturer and EPA pages (checked 2026-10-18). If your valve or head brand differs, follow its manual.

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