Question
Our sprinkler system continually shorted out and we narrowed the problem down to the master solenoid.  My husband found it and dug it up.  He there removed the solenoid and piping on either side of it.  There are other pipes to the side and below the pipe he is working on.  How do you get the new solenoid with the pipes attached back in place?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Amanda,

I assume when you say "master solenoid" you are referring to the master valve.

If there was an electrical short in the wiring on the master valve, I'm not sure why you would need to dig up the entire valve. But if you have, it seems you are cramped for space with the adjacent pipes.

The best way to replace a valve in-line is to first start with a big hole. Give yourself plenty of working room and don't be afraid to dig. Over expose not only the pipe you are working on, but all of the surrounding pipes as well. This will give you room to manipulate the pipe up and down and have more flexibility.

Once you have a nice space to work, you will want to use a few parts. Starting at one end of the pipe - in this order - I would use a male adapter > threaded union > 2" long nipple > valve > male adapter into the other end of pipe. By doing this, not only will you be able to fit the new valve in by threading the union together, but in the future, if you have to replace the valve again, it will come out much easier.

I don't know the size of the pipe you are working on, but you will want to make sure the parts listed above fit (usually 1" or 3/4").

Let me know if I am on the right track with this. If it's an electrical issue and I have misunderstood, send some more info and we can try again.

Good luck - BC