How to fix leak in watering system?

[Bob9]

I seem to have a slow leaking retic point in the corner of my garden. (So I can see a small light puddle of water on the stones nearby.) Other retic points seem to be off or at least not showing any obvious water coming out. But its switched off somewhere up the chain in the system, as its winter. Would have thought that when it's off, it's switched off further up somewhere is all. Any idea which part needs fixing ?

Thanks !

[Nailbag]

It's a little hard to get a full understanding @Bob9 without any images and knowing how the your relic system works. As a start try the following: 

1. Is it a system whereby there is a tap with multiple tape timers on it? In this situation either turn the tap off or the valve that controls the system to the area of concern and see if it dries out over a couple of days.
 

2. Is it a system where there is an electronic control box sending signals to individual solenoid valves? Either turn the main supply valve off or there dial on the top of the solenoid feeding the system to the area of concern and see if it dries out over a couple of days.

Nailbag

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Bob9,

Some great advice from @Nailbag there. 

If the system is shut off, then it sounds like you have a leak at that point, and the main valve or solenoids controlling that section have failed.

I recently had a situation where a pop-up valve failed, letting water constantly escape it, causing a wet spot. It turned out that the main valve also had failed, allowing water to the faulty pop-up.

Dianosing-wise, I'd follow @Nailbag's advice and isolate the system by shutting the water off entirely. If the area dries up, you can dig down, check to see what is leaking, and fix it.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Bob9]

Sorry, didnt add images earlier. Here is my timer system and here is the leaking black valve sitting quite low in the lawn:

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Bob9,

I presume the leak stops when you turn the main isolation valve off? If the system is not meant to be running, then it sounds like the line to the solenoid valve still has water flowing to it, and the solenoid has failed.

Mitchell

[Bob9]

Thanks all for your advice. Unfortunately most of it seems to be underground so I cant even find any shutoff valves. All I can see are the 2 photos that I added to the post.

[Nailbag]

Somewhere @Bob9 there will be a small plastic cover containing them which will be just under the surface. You might need to follow the conduit down and along the ground for the wall controller.

Nailbag

 

[Bob9]

Thanks, ill take a look. I found the outdoors tap which shuts it down at least. It connects to a pipe going under the bricks (and I presume to the a control unit which the Hunter timer unit also connects to.)

I did a google and think Hunter sell kits to repair leaking sprinkler points. Think it's about replacing the rubber washers.

Cheers !

[R4addZ]

Hi @Bob9 

If you are searching for the retic valves, follow the pipe from the meter to your house and there will be a tee off from there to the main solenoid (assuming one is fitted). I say that because some amature installers will save the expense of a main solenoid and simply install a manifold to each zone solenoid! If there is a master solenoid, it needs replacing. and it also means that the zone solenoid needs replacing as well (it takes both to fail for water to get through to the sprinkler)! So at the end of the day, you are going to have to find these valve/s and replace them. I would suggest that if you aren't truly well versed in plumbing, you contact a reticulation specialist as a plumber may not be the go to in this kind of situation!