Are you facing issues with your sprinkler system while trying to water your lawn and garden? It can be frustrating when the water doesn’t come out of the sprinklers or the pressure is too low. These problems can occur due to blockages in the pipes or malfunctioning parts of the system. In this article, we will guide you on how to identify the problem and provide solutions to fix your sprinkler system, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water.
Check the Water Supply: The first thing to do when your sprinkler system stops working is to check the water supply. Ensure that the water supply to the sprinkler system is turned on and that there is enough water pressure to operate the system. If there is no water coming out of the sprinkler heads, it could be a problem with the water supply or solenoid. Check the main water valve to ensure it is turned on and that there are no leaks or blockages in the pipes. If you find any leaks or blockages, fix them before proceeding to the next step.
Sometimes there are issues like the ball valves not functioning correctly. Fortunately this is rare. This can either stop, reduce or have the full amount of water supplied to your system without being able to shut the supply off. Know that this part is working first.
Check the Controller: If the water supply is working properly, and you have enough pressure, the next step is to check the controller. The controller is the brains of the sprinkler system, and it controls when and how much water is delivered to the sprinkler heads. Check that the controller is turned on and that the settings are correct. Ensure that the timer is set to the correct time and date and that the watering schedule is set up correctly. If the controller is not working properly, you may need to replace it.
You are able to check the controller by using a multimeter. There’s roughly around 24 volts supplied to each solenoid including the master solenoid/pump. I’ll be covering this in a later update.
Check the Valves: If the water supply and controller are working properly, the next step is to check the solenoid valves. The valves control the flow of water to each zone of the sprinkler system. One common fault that valves show is a lack of pressure. Don’t confuse this with a leak. It’s often an inferior valve. Good quality valves will often just stop working or stay working without being able to turn off. Make sure that all of the valves are turned on, one after the other, and that there are no leaks or blockages in the system. If a valve is not working properly, you may need to replace it. Check the valve solenoids to ensure that they are functioning correctly. If you find any damaged or broken solenoids, replace them.
Check the Sprinkler Heads: If the valves are working properly, the next step is to check the sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads are responsible for distributing water to the lawn or garden. Make sure that the heads are not clogged or damaged, and that they are properly adjusted to spray water where it is needed. If a sprinkler head is not working properly, you may need to replace it. Check the nozzles to ensure that they are clean and free of debris. If you find any clogged nozzles, clean them thoroughly.
Check the Wiring: If all of the above steps have been checked and the system is still not working, the problem may be with the wiring. Check that all the wires are properly connected and that there are no breaks or shorts in the wiring. A continuity check is a must here. If there is a problem with the wiring, you may need to call a professional to help you fix it if you don’t have the required knowledge. Also check the transformer if you have one separate from the controller to ensure that it is functioning correctly. If the transformer is not working properly, you may need to replace it.
Plant roots are the main cause for wiring issues in an irrigation system.
In conclusion, troubleshooting a sprinkler system can be a bit challenging, yes, even for some experienced professionals. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix most common issues. If you’re not comfortable doing any of these steps yourself, it’s always best to call a professional to help you diagnose and fix the problem. Regular maintenance of your sprinkler system can help prevent issues from occurring in the first place.