Troubleshooting Solenoid Valves

Why Troubleshooting and Maintenance Are Critical

Solenoid valves may be small, but they play an essential role in controlling air, steam, water, gases, and other fluids in complex systems. Overlooking them during regular maintenance can create costly problems, from leaks to total system failure. Proactive troubleshooting not only extends valve life but also keeps critical systems operating reliably.

Prevention Starts with Proper Selection

One of the best troubleshooting steps is preventing problems at the source. Many valve failures occur because the wrong valve was chosen for the application. Keep these factors in mind:

1. Environment: External conditions can be harsher than the media inside the valve. Protect the coil from heat cycling, moisture, and humidity.
2. Media: Ensure compatibility between valve material and the temperature, pressure, and chemical properties of the fluid or gas.
3. Application: Proper sizing is critical. Pipe size does not always equal valve size, a 3/4" valve may be correct for a 1" pipe depending on flow and pressure requirements.

Performing Safe Maintenance

Before beginning any work, always depressurize the system and disconnect power. Follow appropriate safety protocols for hazardous or corrosive media. In humid or wet environments, carefully inspect the coil for cracks or corrosion that could lead to electrical shorts.

For internal inspection:

• Remove the electrical coil
• Disassemble the bonnet assembly without wrenching the bonnet tube
• Avoid using the tube as a lever when tightening or loosening the valve

Key Inspection Points

When the valve internals are exposed, check for:

• Bonnet Seal (O-ring): Ensure it is not cracked, swollen, or deteriorated
• Springs: Piston and lift springs must not be broken or weakened
• Orifice/Seat: Look for nicks, wear, or damage on sealing surfaces
• Valve Body Bore: Inspect for gouges or scoring
• Plunger Surface: Verify the plunger is not deformed or misshapen

Repair or Replace your Solenoid Valve?

If damage is identified, you have three options:

1. Replace the solenoid valve with a new unit
2. Use a Gould rebuild kit to replace internal parts
3. Remove and return the valve to the factory for professional rebuild or replacement

Establishing Maintenance Intervals

Troubleshooting should be part of every facility’s preventive maintenance program. Excessive checks can lead to complacency, while neglecting valves for too long can result in severe failures. Gould recommends meaningful inspection intervals tailored to your system’s operating conditions.

Need Help Troubleshooting Your Solenoid Valve?

By incorporating solenoid valve troubleshooting into your regular maintenance routine, you can avoid unexpected downtime and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Whether replacing parts with a Gould rebuild kit or contacting the factory for expert support, proactive care ensures consistent performance across critical applications. Need help? Contact our expert team, we are here for you.