Two Zones Inoperative After Winter: Common Causes and Fixes

An eight-zone system worked last fall, but two zones fail to start in spring. The controller, wiring, solenoids, or diaphragms could be at fault.

Top Three Suspects

Solenoid Wire Connections: Check the wire nuts where field wires meet solenoid leads. Corrosion or loose connections are common after winter.
Solenoid Failure: Solenoids unscrew counter-clockwise. Replace with the same model, transferring the two wires exactly.
Diaphragm Damage: Remove the valve bonnet (screws or bolts), extract the diaphragm, and inspect for tears, debris, or misalignment. Ensure the spring is repositioned correctly on reassembly.

Most valves can be rebuilt without full replacement. Identify the valve brand/model to get the correct repair parts.

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