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How to repair Gardena water distributor?

I have a GARDENA Water Distributor Automatic [Art. 1197] which has stopped changing ports. After reading an article on Bunnings workshop I disconnected it from the plastic pipes connecting it to the pop up sprinklers and removed it from it's mounting base. I opened all the six ports [ 2 were blocked as I only use 4 ] and ran water through it, It made no difference. i notice that the button you press to manually move the distributer from port to port has gone limp' I can press it all I like and nothing happens- there is no resistance at all?! HELP!GARDENA water distributor autoGardena water distributor auto

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Bigjack007

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your Gardena water distributor.

It sounds like your Gardena Water Distributor Automatic (Art. 1197) has an internal issue, likely with the spring mechanism that shifts the valve between ports. Since the manual button has lost resistance, the internal gear or diaphragm might be stuck, broken, or clogged with debris.

One of the first things to check is water pressure, as this distributor relies on a certain level to trigger the change between ports. If the pressure is too low, typically below 1.5 bar (22 psi), it may not switch properly. Try connecting it directly to a tap without the sprinkler system attached and see if it cycles when turned on and off.

If that doesn’t help, there may be an internal blockage. Since you have already flushed water through it, the issue may be inside the gear mechanism. Tapping the unit lightly while running water through it can sometimes help dislodge stuck debris. If that fails, fully disassembling the unit by removing the screws and checking the internal components may reveal a misaligned valve, broken plastic part, or displaced spring. If everything appears intact, applying a silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts can help restore function.

If the unit is beyond repair, Bunnings stocks alternative products such as the Pope 2 Outlet Tap Timer and the Holman 4 Outlet Tap Timer. Both offer multiple watering zones with automatic switching, making them a good replacement if your Gardena distributor is no longer working.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Bigjack007

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48548#Comment_48548

Thanks for that. I will give it a try! Did you mean undoing the screws in the base/bottom?

John

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86369#Comment_86369

Hello @Bigjack007

Yes, that means that the screws at the bottom need to be removed. However, if you feel that total disassembly is outside your comfort zone and is too involved. I suggest trying the other steps I mentioned to trouble shoot your water distributor.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Bigjack007

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48548#Comment_48548

I was lucky! After flushing out and left overnight the manual button had freed itself, so I left well alone and it is back in service. Thanks.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86388#Comment_86388

Hello @Bigjack007

That is fantastic news! I'm glad that you did not have to disassemble your water distributor. I propose installing an Ozito 25mm Inlet / Outlet Pump Y-Strainer on your garden hose just before the water distributor. This will catch any dirt or debris in the water and keep your distributor safe.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Bigjack007

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108557#Comment_108557

OK. I will look into purchasing one! Thanks again. John

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