How to Troubleshoot a Yard Sprinkler System

Twist the controller dial on the front of the timer to the water start time settings for the zone in question, if the controller is activated but the sprinklers don't turn on. Some controllers have buttons without a dial. If this is the case, press the necessary buttons to reach the watering start times. Confirm that a watering start time is set for the zone. If the water start time isn't set, press the buttons on the front of the controller to set up a time and day. Do this for each zone.

Turn the controller dial or press the necessary buttons to set the controller to "Auto" or "Run," if the controller fails to activate. After start times, days and run times are set, the "Auto" or "Run" function ultimately enables all settings.

Find the timer reset button and press it, if the display looks odd or is blank. The controller's electricity source might have had an electrical surge or been struck by lightning. Many controllers have a safety mechanism that shuts down the system during such an event. After the reset button is pressed, the system returns to its normal functionality. Inspect the previous settings, as they might need to be reentered. If the reset button is ineffective, contact the manufacturer for repair or possible replacement.

Insert the supplied sprinkler adjustment tool, which often comes with sprinklers, into the rotation range or arc slot on the top of the spray head if the sprinkler overshoots into unnecessary areas, such as walls or pavement. Twist the tool to the left or counterclockwise to narrow the rotation range. Twist it until the far right reach of the sprinkler is curtailed to the right boundary of the watering area. Some sprinklers' adjustable sides are on the left. If the fixed side or non-adjustable side of the sprinkler is the side that overshoots, dig up the housing and gently reposition it and the piping so the fixed side aligns with its corresponding side of the watering area.

Insert the sprinkler adjustment tool into the stem pull-up hole on the spray head, twist it halfway and pull up the stem to reveal the nozzle on the side if the water stream is stunted. The inserted nozzle might be damaged or blocked. Insert the sprinkler adjustment tool into the radius adjustment screw on top of the spray head and twist it counterclockwise until the nozzle comes loose. Remove the nozzle and remove any debris using only your fingers, water or air. If the nozzle is damaged, replace it. Insert the nozzle back into the nozzle opening and twist the radius screw clockwise until the new nozzle is locked into place.