Why won't the valve open

1. Water Main is turned off.
• Test: Manually turn on another valve that is nearby.  If no water goes through it then the main is most likely turned off.
  
• Solution: Turn the water main on.
2. Flow Control is turned down.
• Test: Some valves come with Flow Control.  Flow Control is a valve within the valve that will restrict the flow of water.  The adjustment piece is generally on the top of the valve.  Manually turn on another valve that is nearby.  If they turn on but this one doesn't then the flow control could be turned all the way down.
  
• Solution: Open the flow control to allow water to run through it.
  
3. Timer/Controller is not sending power to the valve.
• Test: Use a voltage tester to see if any power is coming out of the controller.  If you do not feel comfortable doing this take your controller to an authorized dealer of the brand of your timer.  They can test it and fix it if needed.  You can also call a professional contractor to troubleshoot it at your location.
• Solution: If it is bad then replacement the transformer or the controller.
  
4. Wires have a break between controller and valve.
• Test: Use a voltage tester to test the wires coming into the valve box from the controller  You must have the zone manually turned on at the controller.  If you do not feel comfortable doing this call a professional contractor to test it for you.  If there is no power coming through and the controller is sending power then there is a break in the line somewhere.  This could be from digging, corrosion, or pests.
• Solution:   Start looking for freshly dug areas between the controller and the valve.  Remember that many wires have not been run in a direct line due to obstacles.  Once the break is found use water proof wire connectors to reconnect the wires.  If you cannot find the break it is recommended you replace the wire if possible or contact a professional contractor to find and fix the break for you.
  
5. The Solenoid could be bad.
• Test: If there is electricity coming through the the of the wires then it most likely is a bad solenoid. 
  
• Double check the wire connections within the wire connectors.
• If the valve is next to a working valve then disconnect the wires (coming from the controller) from the working solenoid and connect them to the solenoid in question. Then manually turn on that zone from the controller.  Remember to switch the wires back after testing.
  
• You can also take out the solenoid and test it with a 9v battery.  WARNING: Plunger and spring within the solenoid may come apart when taking off the solenoid! Most solenoids will actuate with a 9v battery. The plunger will be pulled into the body if it is working properly.
• Solution: If it does not work then replace with a new solenoid.