My sprinkler valve leaks water as soon it shuts off. By checking online and going to Home Depot first I installed new inside parts, that didn't solve the problem. then I was told that I had to replace the whole valve, so I did and it's still doing the same thing. Anybody know what's going on or how to fix it?
How to fix a leaking sprinkler valve
irrigation
Related Solutions
When drip irrigation connectors leak, it is usually because the hole that was punched into the 1/2" hose is too large. This can happen when you try to re-punch the hole because the 1st punch did not go all the through and you can't get your connector into the line. When you try to re-punch a hole it's extremely hard to get the punch in exactly the same spot. Since you are off a tiny bit you actually end up with 2 holes, the one you put the connector into and right next to it a tiny hole that sprays out extra water. I've tried plugging the hole with the large end of the drip irrigation plug and sometimes that will stop the leak. When it does, then I just punch a new hole and try again. When it doesn't, then I use a silicone based glue to put around my connector. I get the type of glue that is good for fish tanks; I figure if it won't kill my fish then it won't contaminate my food.
Champion Irrigation makes a valve called the PCL-100 which is compatible with the body from the APAS-100 (and a PCL-075 which ought to fit the body of the APAS-075), which are available as of this writing.
The specific part that I got is the PCL-100-C (not sure what the C means and if the B model works in the same way).
The valve fit perfectly onto the APAS-100's body (though the wires from the solenoid were a bit of a tight fit when installing, I had to take some parts off the neighboring valve to get it screwed on). In initial testing, it seems to function just fine on the APAS-100's body.
Best Answer
The most likely issue going on here is that the sprinkler piping down stream from the valve is at the same elevation or higher elevation than the valve itself. Water left in the line is flowing back through the anti siphon air gap in the valve and resulting in what you see as a "leak".
Normally sprinkler valves are meant to be installed so that they are eight to twelve inches above the highest elevation of the watering circuit to prevent this problem.