Irrigation System Troubleshooting
 
 
My Problem is:
 

1) My controller has no display or is "dead."
2) My sprinklers are "weak" or not sprinkling.
3) Some valves don't go on, or some valves don't turn-off.

  
     
My Controller has No Display or is "Dead."  
  The very first thing to check is the power. Is the controller plugged in? Is the circuit that it is plugged into "live?" A systematic check of the power flow is in order, is there power into the transformer? Is there power out of the transformer? If you have determined that the power source is sound, then you can try "powering down" the controller. Unplug the controller and remove the battery, leave it "powered down" for several minutes. Power up the controller. If the controller does not come back on line normally it may be time for a new controller.
     
My Sprinklers are Weak or Not Sprinkling.  
  We are assuming that the sprinkler system worked adequately in the past and is not a poor design problem. The first thing to check is the water source. Is it turned on to the valve manifold (group of valves), is the water turned on to the individual valves? Once you have determined that there is a normal flow of water to the valves you can begin to determine why the flow to the heads is diminished. The most likely problem is a break in the line, this should manifest itself as a very wet spot, a greener area where other areas are drier looking. If the break is not immediately obvious then you can turn down the adjustment screw at each sprinkler head, this will force the water to the break in the line. Other things to consider might be clogged nozzles at individual heads.
     
Some Valves Don't go On or Some Valves Don't go Off.  
 

If a valve is not turning on it is always good to check the obvious, is the valve flow control turned on, are the wires intact, are splices sound. Depending on the controller, it may be a matter of not having run time programmed for the valve or valves in question. There can be various reasons why an individual automatic valve won't turn on. After checking the obvious visible areas mentioned above: With the help of a multi-meter a further test can be performed that will determine the soundness of the wire serving each individual valve and the condition of the solenoids.

Valves that don't turn-off usually have an internal problem. Initially adjustment of the flow control "down" may solve the problem. There may be debris stuck in the "seat" that is preventing the valve from closing, this requires cleaning of that particular area. A damaged diaphragm in the valve will allow the valve to stay on: This requires repair or replacement. A stuck plunger in the solenoid will let the valve remain open, this also requires repair or replacement.