Why Doesn't My Sprinkler System Work?

Electrical Surge

• The irrigation controller usually shuts down and doesn't function as a safety mechanism if there is an electrical disturbance, such as a surge or a lightning strike. This mechanism is evident if the display looks weird or is blank. Most digital controllers feature a small, recessed reset button somewhere on the controller, usually on the face. Insert a thin object, such as a pen tip or paperclip end into the slot to reset the timer. The controller should reset itself and function normally with a normal display. If the reset is ineffective, contact the manufacturer for repair instructions.

Dial Not Set

• After the controller watering times, days, duration and frequency have been set and saved, the controller must be set to "Auto" or "Run" to run the program. If the controller features a dial on the face, the "Auto" or "Run" setting is usually found at the top of the dial. Some controllers don't have a dial and only have buttons. If this is the case, consult the owner's manual for the correct buttons to press to enable the controller.

Frozen Pipes

• If the temperature outside is below freezing, your irrigation system might be frozen, which is bad news for your system if the system hasn't been blown out with an air compressor. A freeze causes the water inside the irrigation system to freeze and expand, which can cause awfully extensive and expensive damage to your pipes, valves and sprinklers. If you turned the system on after the winter season and didn't blow your pipes out, the sprinklers might not pop up for lack of water pressure due to broken pipes and valves.

Sprinklers Shut off

• If the timer, valves and water flow are all functioning properly, all flow to each individual sprinkler head may have been shut off. Some pop-up sprinkler models feature a flow shutoff slot on top of the spray head. It's easy to reopen the flow; insert the supplied sprinkler head adjustment tool into the flow shutoff slot, and twist it a half turn counterclockwise. Do this to each sprinkler that doesn't work, and activate the irrigation controller.