Each zone has a valve. You need to find them.

Each valve should have an electric solenoid and a small manual bypass knob.
Turn the bypass know CCW until water flows - you should be able to hear the
water flowing and the sprinklers should spray. (Don't back it out too far.)
If that works, then you know your valve works and water is reaching the
valve. Then turn on your timer and check for 24V at the solenoid. If 24V
is reaching the solenoid you probably need to replace it. If no voltage the
problem is in you wiring.
Good luck.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I just moved into an old house that has a built in sprinkler system.
Unfortunately, one of the zones does not work, yet 2 of them do.

By researching previous posts, I've found some good ideas on how to
check if it is the wiring by hooking up the wires from a zone that
works to one that doesn't and testing it that way.

However, if it still does not work, apparently it is probably a valve
problem. The thing is, I didn't know that each zone had a valve and I
have no idea where a valve would be or what it would look like. I've
looked everywhere near that zone for some sort of cutoff switch in the
ground but can't find anything.

I'll be calling a sprinkler repair man if necessary but I'm trying to
avoid it.


FOLLOW UP: For those with sytems... how long and how often should I
water? I'm in Texas so the lawn requires frequent watering (I would
think) but I'm also trying to keep my water bill at a REASONABLE level.

Thanks!