How to Troubleshoot Sprinkler System Surges

Set the sprinkler timer to the "run" or "test" position to start the sprinkler cycle, or turn your manual sprinkler control to the "on" position.

Make sure the solenoids on top of the sprinkler valves are screwed in tight. All of the solenoids, which are located on top of the valves inside the irrigation control box, should be tightened by hand. This ensures air won't enter the valves and cause the surge.

Walk through your home and make sure no devices inside the house are using water. This includes dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, showers and toilets. This procedure determines whether devices inside the home are causing the surge in water pressure.

Go outside and monitor the sprinklers for at least five minutes to see if the surge is happening. Surging water will cause a noticeable, rhythmic decrease in water pressure from sprinkler heads. If the sprinklers are not surging but were previously, water use inside the home is likely causing the problem. Have an assistant monitor the sprinklers while you turn on your water-using fixtures one at a time until you see a correlation between the use of plumbing inside the house and the surge in pressure outside. This helps pinpoint the device causing the pressure surge.

Contact your utility provider if the surging pressure persists with all of the plumbing fixtures inside your home not in use. The problem is likely located along the main water line before your home and may be caused by new construction in the area or maintenance work on water lines.