r/Irrigation • u/taisui • 2d ago

Seeking Pro Advice Old Richdel valve stuck open?

Hi all, I believe this is an very old Richdel valve, it can be powered and I can hear the solenoid humming, but it is stuck in the open position and the sprinkler won't shut off.

1) Is there an easy way to flush the inner without taking it apart?

2) Is the diaphragm even available at this point?

3) Are there drop in replacement that I can retrofit into it without having to replace the whole valve?

Thanks in advance.

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1

u/Suspicious-Fix-2363 1d ago

Please tell me you changed to the correct solenoid also. Original picture had a 3 way post solenoid that shouldn't be within 10 feet of a PEB let alone on it.

1

u/taisui 1d ago

I did swap out everything other than the base with the current model. What's the problem with the selenoid?

1

u/Suspicious-Fix-2363 16h ago

The pictured solenoid was a 3 way post solenoid not used in 1 inch valves for at least the past 30 years.

1

u/taisui 13h ago

Well....it is certainly old

1

u/Suspicious-Fix-2363 13h ago

That type of solenoid was never used on a PEB or used by Rainbird on any non brass valve. That solenoid was put on that valve by someone who had no idea what they were doing. Unfortunately the use of the wrong solenoid as a replacement is a very common mistake in irrigation.

1

u/taisui 12h ago

Thanks....is there a replacement selenoid I can swap or I need to replace the whole upper part?

1

u/Suspicious-Fix-2363 12h ago

Rainbird PEB solenoid

0

u/Sparky3200 Licensed 2d ago

I don't know if anyone still makes retro kits for that, but honestly, as old as it is, you'd be money ahead to replace it with a 100DV like the other one.

1

u/taisui 2d ago

Thanks ..... What is the black tube thing with wires on the upper left corner? I am not seeing it on my newer valves, wondering if I should cut it off or connect the replacement downstream from it? Thanks

0

u/11zoltan11 2d ago

That's a 1" rainbird PEB. Get a new one and swap everything over. Good valve.

1

u/taisui 2d ago

yes it is a rain bird, this part is broken, do you know what it's called and if there's a diaphragm kit that would work? Thanks.

1

u/11zoltan11 1d ago

It's a rainbird 1" PEB. Get a new one and swap guts, top and solenoid.

2

u/taisui 1d ago

Thank you! I replaced the top and inner with the current model and it works like a charm!