The Fix-It Playbook — Sprinkler Valve Flowchart | Free 1-Page PDF | 2026 Edition

One zone won't turn on — or won't shut off? Work the tree before you dig.

Two questions sort it. Do any other zones run — if none do, it's power, the controller or the shared common wire. Then the manual bleed test at the valve: water flows means an electrical fault, no water means mechanical, three steps each.

The sheet also carries the solenoid multimeter quick-read (20–60 ohms healthy, 0 or infinite means replace), and a plain line on when to stop and call a pro.

One page. Print it or keep it on your phone. Free instant PDF download, yours to keep.

If the tree sends you deeper: How to Fix a Sprinkler Valve ($6) adds the exact parts by brand — Rain Bird, Hunter, Orbit, Toro — the full electrical and mechanical step-by-steps, and a printable readings chart. All four irrigation guides come together as the Irrigation Repair Kit ($11), and all 24 year-round guides are in the Core Library ($49).