Sprinkler Valve Solenoid Repair in Carrollton, Texas

A properly working sprinkler system in Carrollton, TX makes it easy to maintain a green, healthy lawn without the stress of constant manual watering. But when the solenoid fails, the system can malfunction and leave you with frustrating issues like dry spots, leaks, or sprinklers that won’t shut off. Knowing how to spot problems early helps protect your landscape and saves water in the long run.

At Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage, & Lighting, we proudly serve Carrollton homeowners as well as nearby areas including Southlake, Austin, Lubbock, Rockwall, and Waco. Our licensed professionals bring years of expertise in diagnosing and repairing sprinkler systems across Texas, keeping lawns thriving no matter the season.

Signs You Have a Problem

The solenoid is what controls the water pressure. It receives an electric current from the controller to determine what adjustments need to be made. It uses a plunger to adjust the valve, and there are a few more moving parts in the mix. All of this is what allows an automated sprinkler system to run things for you and provide that great convenience. But when the solenoid is bad, you can get some weird sprinkler problems, such as the water won’t shut off.

What Is a Sprinkler Valve Solenoid & How It Works

The “messenger” between your irrigation controller and the water that flows through your system is the sprinkler valve solenoid. The solenoid moves a small plunger up or down when the controller sends an electric signal. This opens or closes the valve. This process controls the water pressure and sends it to the heads of the sprinklers in your yard. Most home systems use normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) solenoids, but bigger or more complicated systems may use 2-way or 3-way designs. No matter what kind it is, the solenoid’s job is simple but important: it makes sure your sprinkler system can control water on its own.

The Water Won’t Shut Off

If you have this problem, it’s very likely the solenoid. A problem with the plunger can prevent the solenoid from closing the valve when it’s time. That means your sprinklers will keep running after they’re supposed to stop. If you run into this problem, the first step is to turn off the water. If you can’t get it off at a local source, you can shut it off at the main. Once you get the water shut off, call the licensed professionals at Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting! Our Carrollton team is ready to respond quickly so you can avoid wasted water and high utility bills.

Other Common Solenoid Problems

A bad solenoid can cause a few other problems besides sprinklers that won’t turn off:
• The valve won’t open at all, which is usually because of a wiring problem or a plunger that is stuck.
• The valve feels hot when you touch it, which could mean there is an electrical short.
• Clicking noises that happen over and over again, as the plunger tries but fails to engage properly.
• Sediment collects inside the valve, which stops water from flowing smoothly.

Hard water and mineral buildup in Carrollton can make these problems happen more often. If you see them, Andy’s technicians can quickly check out the system and make the right repair.

Low or Uneven Water Pressure

The solenoid controls the water pressure. Knowing that, it’s not surprising that a bad solenoid can lead to water pressure issues. If your system isn’t delivering water to every corner of the lawn like it once did, the solenoid is one of the most likely culprits. While this issue is not an emergency, we highly suggest you give Andy’s a call at your earliest convenience and one of our licensed professionals can fix it for you. In Carrollton’s hot summers, weak coverage can quickly dry out your grass and landscaping, so don’t delay.

Water Leaks

There are many points in a sprinkler system that can leak. No matter the cause, leaks should never be ignored. They can run up a monstrous water bill and cause additional damage. So, if you see a leak, call Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting immediately! As far as the solenoid goes, it’s the main valve for the automated sprinkler system. It’s definitely a common place for leaks to occur.

Diagnosing the Solenoid

When we come to repair your sprinkler system, we’ll do a full diagnosis during our sprinkler system checkup. That’s part of the deal. Assuming the solenoid is the problem, these are some of the things we’re likely to do to identify and resolve the issue.

DIY Troubleshooting Checklist

Before our team arrives, there are a couple of easy checks you can try on your own:
• Use a multimeter to test for voltage or continuity at the solenoid wires.
• Look at the diaphragm and plunger for signs of dirt, sediment, or small blockages.
• Rinse the solenoid gently to clear out any debris that may be preventing it from sealing.
These steps can sometimes resolve the problem. If they don’t, Andy’s licensed professionals in Carrollton can step in with advanced testing and repair.

Current Testing

Sometimes the electric signal is the problem. We’ll check the current and resistance to make sure the circuitry is working as it should. When the problems are related to circuitry, we can find and replace the faulty part. Often a small part of the whole is the culprit, and the repair isn’t too troubling. That said, larger electrical problems can be an issue. Whatever the problem may be, Andy’s can handle it!

Valve Inspection

If the problem isn’t electrical, it’s mechanical. The best way for us to rapidly diagnose mechanical issues in the solenoid is to take a good look at the valve. Sometimes the problem is apparent, and we can get straight to it. In other cases, we might need to disassemble, clean, and inspect the inner components of the solenoid. This will give us a close look at everything and help us find the faulty part.

Parts Replacement

We’re going to look at each part of the solenoid valve separately when we take it apart. That will help us figure out what the real problem is. We can fix your sprinkler system once we figure out what’s wrong with it and replace the broken part. If something goes wrong, it could be an important part of the solenoid, like the housing, that can’t be replaced. In that case, we might have to replace the whole solenoid instead of just a smaller part.

Repair vs. Replace – What You Should Know

Homeowners often wonder if they should repair a solenoid or replace it entirely. Most solenoid parts cost between $30 and $150, depending on brand and system type. Labor costs vary depending on how complex your system is. If just one part inside the solenoid is damaged, repair can be simple and affordable. But if the valve housing or multiple pieces are worn out, replacing the whole solenoid often makes more sense. DIY replacement is possible, but most Carrollton homeowners prefer letting a licensed professional handle the repair so the system is restored without hassle.

Preventive Maintenance for Solenoids

Carrollton homeowners can reduce sprinkler breakdowns with a little preventive care:
• Install filters to reduce sediment buildup, which is common in North Texas water systems.
• Use surge protection to guard against electrical burnout during summer storms.
• Keep water pressure within the recommended range to avoid strain.
• Winterize your sprinkler system before cold snaps to prevent damage.
• Schedule annual inspections with Andy’s so our team can catch small problems early.