I have a Rain Dial (James Hardie Irrigation for Models RD-600, RD-900, RD-1200) home lawn irrigation system for the front and back yard.
There are 3 Program phases: A,B and C).
I have everything set up on the A Phase:
1. Front lawn watering
2. Back yard watering
3. Dripper system for plants in Front & Back.
My problem is: The Front pop-ups will not pop-up to water the Front yard. The water is getting to the pop-up's as I have little puddles around the pop-ups. But, the pop-up's itself won't pop-up!
The Back yard and the Dripper system works fine.
I don't know why the Front pop-up's won't pop-up?
In doing some research to find an answer, it says that maybe the solenoid is bad? I opened the green irrigation box and saw the 3 separate solenoid's that are attached by wires to 3 separate valves.
From this point on I am lost. Is it a solenoid problem (and how to I check?), or is it something else?
Can anyone help me with my problem? Thanks, Wayne

Well you don't have enough water preasure to run all three at the same time. That's why you have programs. Change the front to another program and set it to come on at a different time.

Hi waynejc,
I am new at this irrigation stuff so excuse me if I get it wrong but...

I too have the rain dial system 12 Station - I agree with hkstroud - that pressure could be an issue. But in my case I think I have a prpblem with the valve. I am using all 12 lines. 11 of which are watering my lawn - (on program A) and proram B is for the perimeter hedge and trees.

I have a problem with the pop ups too but it seems as though it is efecting line 4 and 8 as all the others are popping up fine. I have been "advised" to buy a sperate water tank and pressure system to ensure enough pressure is getting to the pop ups. But I had someone come and test the pressure and all seems fine.

I have read somewhere that it could be numerous things - i.e. valves / dirt in the pop ups / leak to the pipes underground (god help us if it is) - check these before you do anything drastic.

I will keep trying till I solve the problem. But at the moment I have to resort to watenig the lawn by hand as it is dying. (We have 30 degree heat at the moment... )

Good luck - I will be interested to know if you have fixed the problem and what was wrong!

Check to see if you are getting electricity to the solenoids. If getting spark there they should work.