9
Troubleshooting
How the Valve Works
It is easier to troubleshoot valves if you know a little about how the valve works. When
an electrical impulse is transmitted to the solenoid (black cylinder with wires), an elec-
tromagnetic field causes a small metal plunger in the solenoid to move upward. When
the plunger moves upward, a small hole (port) in the valve is uncovered. Water in the
chamber above the closing mechanism (either diaphragm or piston) flows through the
port and out of the valve, relieving water pressure needed to hold the valve closed. At
this point, the pressure of the incoming flow of water is now greater than the pressure
in the chamber above the piston/diaphragm, and the force of the water pushing up un-
derneath the piston/diaphragm opens the valve.
When the solenoid is de-energized, the plunger moves down, closing the small port.
Water flowing through a small hole in the closing mechanism refills the chamber
above the piston/ diaphragm and builds up pressure. The increased pressure forces
the piston/diaphragm downward, thus closing the valve. All valves have a range of
pressure and water flow that must be maintained in order to work properly.
Now that you have an idea of the way the valves work. you can see why sufficient
pressure and flow are important. If a problem does occur, it is also very important to
ensure that the small internal ports are not blocked by debris. Adequate flushing is the
key to success in a new installation.
Diaphragm
Moves Up-
Valve Open
Diaphragm
Moves Down-
Valve Closed
How a diaphragm valve opens and closes.
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