[mikevoth]

Every once in a while, my water lines will pulsate, creating a loud banging noise in the house every half second. This morning, I looked outside to see my sprinkler system pulsating up and down like a fountain. I turned the system off and the pulsing went away. I turned it back on and all was fine. Could this be a pressure problem? Has anyone ever heard of something like this? The banging is so loud it makes me think the pipes are going to burst. Any thoughts or concerns? Thanks in advance! Mike

 

[jmon]

Hi Mike,

Yea, agree with you, something doesn't sound right. As you have stated, could be something to do with your pressure. Do you have a pressure reducing valve (prv) on the main line? Usually located where the main line comes into house somewhere. (see pic below). Could need an adjustment, cleaning, or replacement if bad.

Start by taking a pressure reading at your outside hose bib, if you have a washer hook up take a reading there as well and post results. Thanks.

 

[jmon]

When taking the readings, take them at different times of the day. Especially when experincing the issue. Thanks.

 

[mikevoth]

No PRV. Just the required Backflow prevented.

 

[mikevoth]

Meant to read Backflow preventer. I will take some readings and report results. Last I checked, I had 56 psi at an outside faucet.

 

[jmon]

Mike, does this happen mainly when the sprinklers are on? How many zones are on system?

Make sure valve is all the way open. Hopefully it's a ball valve. Sometimes those gate valve types seem all the way open, but they are not.

Hope you can narrow it down and get it figured out soon.

 

[mikevoth]

All valves are fully open. This morning was the only time it's happened with the sprinklers on. Doesn't make sense to me.

 

[mikevoth]

There are 5 zones. 4 with 5 small spray heads and 1 with 4 spray heads. The system is definately not overloaded.