8 Most Common Sprinkler Problems and How to Diagnose Them

  • A Faulty Sprinkler Controller. …
  • Water is Leaking From One or Multiple Zones At Once. …
  • Pump Buzzing. …
  • Pop Up Failure. …
  • Incorrect and Ineffective Head Height. …
  • Poor Water Pressure. …
  • Skipping Irrigation Zones. …
  • Clogged Sprinkler Heads.

How do you troubleshoot a sprinkler system?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can check for water pressure either by operating the zone valve manually or opening a water outlet on the main line next check that there is power to the irrigation.

What causes sprinklers to stop working?

Nozzles may be clogged. Sprinkler heads might need adjusting. Your timer may be set wrong. Sprinkler heads or pipes may be broken.

How do you troubleshoot a sprinkler solenoid?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So the first thing i did is i i took it out and then i stripped back a little bit of wire. Here. And i just used a simple wire stripping. Tool cut it stripped it. Back.

Why is one sprinkler zone not working?

If just one zone isn’t working, the problem is usually an electrical issue or a defective controller or solenoid. To check the controller: Ensure the zone wires are firmly attached to the controller terminals, the transformer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker in the main panel is on.

How do I know if my sprinkler solenoid is bad?

Signs You Have a Problem

  1. The Water Won’t Shut Off. If you have this problem, it’s very likely the solenoid. …
  2. Low or Uneven Water Pressure. The solenoid controls the water pressure. …
  3. Water Leaks. There are many points in a sprinkler system that can leak. …
  4. Current Testing. …
  5. Valve Inspection. …
  6. Parts Replacement.


How do I know if my sprinkler valve is bad?

Signs of issues in sprinkler valve:

  1. Water not turning Off: If you notice that water is not closing off from the sprinkler, then there seems to be an issue in the diaphragm valve. …
  2. Leaks of water: …
  3. Broken Sprinkler Head. …
  4. Stuck Valve. …
  5. Wiring: …
  6. Irregular Watering:


How do I find a short in my sprinkler system?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Less than 20 it's got to be less than 10. If it's less than 10 ohms what's happening is that the signals not making its way through the entire coil.

How do you find a break in a sprinkler wire?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: From the center point of the receiver. Move it back again. It's bouncing this direction now so I know that the break is in between these two flags.

Why is only one zone working on my sprinkler system?

If only one zone isn’t working, the field wire is damaged. If none of the zones in a control valve box is working, the common wire is damaged, although the field wires could also be bad.

How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler solenoid?

Sprinkler System Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

Type of Replacement Average Replacement Cost
Solenoid $85 – $150
Valve $85 – $150
Manifold $100 – $225
Controller $100 – $300

How do I know if my solenoid valve is working?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So all you have to do is take one and put it on the comm and the other one on the station. And then put two wire nuts onto this if it doesn't have that reading the same at the valve.

How long do irrigation solenoids last?

Because the irrigation system’s pipes are underground and made of durable material, they can last up to 40 years before needing to be replaced!

How often should sprinkler valves be replaced?

Valves will give you 10 to 15 years of service, while controllers 5 to 10 years.

How do I replace a sprinkler solenoid?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: First shut off the main water supply to your irrigation. System disconnect the wires to the solenoid. By cutting them or by unscrewing the wire nuts. Turn the solenoid counter clockwise to remove.

How do you fix a stuck solenoid valve?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So the best thing to do if you're having an issue with your valve is to isolate your water. So you'll have a bit ball valve or something similar here to stop the water from coming through.

What is the 5 five common problems for solenoid?

Common solenoid problems include plungers that are stuck either in or out, attached valves that are frozen in place, bad internal coil windings, and excessive noise during operation. Some of these problems are the result of internal solenoid issues, while others are typically caused by external components.

What happens when a solenoid is stuck?

Problem: The valve is stuck open or closed.



Generally, the most common reason a solenoid is “stuck” open or closed is because it loses power. If there’s no power to the coil or if power is interrupted, the solenoid will cease functioning and remain in whatever position it was last in.