Why Does My Red Jacket Irrigation Control Box Make Noise?

Humming

• It’s normal to hear a slight humming noise from the control box of a Red Jacket irrigation system. The control box activates the pump’s motor to send water from an underground well to irrigate your lawn, and the humming noise is the motor running the pump. The sound is usually most evident just before the irrigation system turns on and generally stops when the system shuts off.

Sucking

• If you hear a sucking sound from the control box, it could mean that the pump isn’t able to draw enough water from the well for irrigation or that the suction line is damaged. In addition to the odd sound, the sprinklers may have low water pressure due to a lack of an adequate water supply. Contact Red Jacket to have a professional pump installer investigate the problem if you suspect a damaged suction line.

Hissing or Ticking

• Within a Red Jacket control box there are several wires that transfer signals to the system’s components to operate. The control box uses high voltage amounts -- 115 and 230 volts -- so you may hear a hissing or ticking noise when electricity is relayed to various wires. While these sounds may seem strange, they’re generally typical of the system. However, if the hissing or ticking noise persists once the irrigation system has shut off, turn off the power supply to the control box at the household breaker panel and have the box evaluated by a professional pump installer. A relay wire may have encountered a short, or a resistor may have failed.

Tapping or Buzzing

• Occasionally, insects can find their way into the control box and become trapped there. When this happens, you may hear tapping noises or a buzzing sound, depending on the insect, if you’re standing near the control box. Additionally, an insect may get into the control box and make a nest. In this case, you may hear numerous tapping or buzzing sounds as the larvae hatch and mature. Periodically, open and examine the control box and clear it of insect nests, especially if the system isn’t used for an extended period of time before operating it.