Most solenoids are connected to the valve with threads, so all you have to do is unscrew the solenoid to remove it. Turn off the water, then take the solenoid off the valve and clean the area it came out of on the valve. If the valve continues to buzz when turned on with the activator, the solenoid on the valve is either dirty or bad. It should open and you should hear no further buzzing.
#Sprinkler electric solenoid valve Activator
If you don’t have a tester, connect the valve activator to the wires and turn on the valve using the valve activator. If the test shows a bad solenoid, replace the solenoid or the valve. If you have a valve tester, connect the tester to the valve and test the valve. If only one valve is making noise, disconnect the wires from it. If the solenoid doesn’t buzz, then you’ll need to buy another controller. Connect both to your belt activator and turn on the valve using the activator. If you don’t have a tester, disconnect the common wire and one of the valve wires from the controller. Should the test indicate a bad controller, it’s time to replace it. You can use an irrigation tester that includes a controller circuit/station output test to check the controller output. If the buzz is not normal, then the problem is probably a bad controller or common wire. Many solenoids do emit a soft humming sound when they are in use. If all the valves buzz when you turn them on, it may be that this sound is normal. When trying to determine the cause of the noise, the first thing to do is take a look at your irrigation system. But beware: insufficient voltage can itself have many different causes. If you’ve been hearing your solenoids buzz lately, then chances are the noise is a result of insufficient voltage. Solenoids are the devices which make valves open and close when an irrigation controller transmits an electrical signal to them. We excel at repairing tough sprinkler system problems.