Automatic Lawn Sprinkler and Well Troubleshooting

Check the flow of water from the well pump. Detach the pump from the sprinkler system and run it briefly to ensure that it's pumping water into the system. If it is, move on. If not, check for leaks in any well pipes and that the pump motor is running properly. If not, have it serviced to repair the problem.

Walk carefully along the ground above where your sprinkler pipes are buried after the lawn has been dry for some time. Look for any unusual wet spots along the path. If you find any, it could indicate a leak in a pipe. Have your sprinkler installation company come and repair the pipe.

Check each spray head individually if the spray pattern is not working appropriately. If the pattern is spraying randomly, brush out the nozzle and spray water through the screen to clear it. If the heads are leaking, press the head down to reseal it to the pipe.

Check the timer unit itself if water isn't coming on at all and you've already verified a working well supply. Make sure the timer is getting power and that the program is set correctly. Try to manually override the system to turn on specific zones of the system. If nothing comes on, you need to replace the timer. If certain zones come on but not others, you've narrowed down the problem to that area of the system.

Check the valve in the valve manifold for specific sprinklers that aren't working if the problem is limited to one portion of the lawn. Remove the solenoid and make sure the spring moves smoothly. If it doesn't, the solenoid needs replacing. If that's not the problem, unscrew the main cap and look for blockages in the hole where the solenoid fits. Check carefully for signs of wear to seals and gaskets, and clean the entire system before you reassemble it.