Why can't things just...work?

My husband and I put sod down in our yard last weekend and have been watering at least twice a day (as recommended to get the grass to adjust properly). During one of the waterings, I realized that the sprinkler box was filling with water. I decided I was going to tackle the task of repairing the leaky sprinkler valves!

To Google! I found a video on the "This Old House" website on how to repair leaky sprinkler valves and it said all you really need to do is replace the diaphragms in each of the valves. You just unscrew the top, replace the diaphragm with a new one, and screw the top back on! Sounds easy enough. Home Improvement Store, Ho!

I get to the "home improvement store" with a very detailed picture on my phone of my sprinkler valves  that the sales man quickly pointed out did not help him decide what diaphragm would fit INSIDE the valve. Even still, I'd probably have more luck finding what I need at the local nursery. Nursery, Ho!

I walk into the warehouse of hoses, pipes, sprinkler heads, artificial grass, bird houses, and more!! Holy Gardening! I have no idea where to start looking for sprinkler valve diaphragms and it apparently showed because some young man (and yes, I'm old enough to say that...bleh) came over to me and asked what he could help me with. I told him I needed a diaphragm for my sprinkler valve but I don't have a picture of it. He looked at the picture I did have and said, "yep, we have those!". I found my new go-to store. 5 minutes, 5 diaphragms, and $50 later, I went home.

I quickly installed the new diaphragms EXACTLY like the old ones. I turned the water back on and BEHOLD! One started spurting out more water than before, one was better, one just plain didn't work at all and I don't even know the last two because I blurted out, "are you FREAKING kidding me!?!" and threw the spade at the tree next to me (sorry, tree).

Nursery, HO!

I explained to the same young man that either I'm not as handy as I thought I was or these diaphragms are CRAP! I didn't actually say that but I wanted to...especially the crap part because it couldn't possibly be me. I did explain that they didn't work and he said, "Well, why don't you just buy a whole new set? They are only $15 a piece and will obviously work."   ...Really? You sold me a diaphragm for $10 when I could have bought a whole new system for $15? Maybe you aren't my go-to store. I'll give you one more chance... "May I return the diaphragms I bought before?" 

"I guess so, as long as they don't look too used and they are in their baggies they came in."  (go-to store again)

I went home, dug the baggies out of the trash can, and installed the new systems. What do you know, they worked! No leaks, grass is happy, husband is happier (he worked all day), and I feel successful!

Cassidy - 5    House - 22  (obviously this score is accumulative from before the blog. I'm catching up!)