It’s the height of summer, and that means one thing – lawn watering season is in full swing. If you’re like most homeowners, your sprinkler system is keeping your lawn green and lush despite the sweltering heat. If you’re like most people, you rely on your sprinkler system to keep your lawn looking green and healthy. But what do you do when your sprinklers won’t turn off?
We’ll walk you through the main reasons why your sprinklers won’t turn off, then walk you through steps to get them working again.
Common Reasons Your Sprinklers Won’t Turn Off
There are several reasons that a sprinkler system might not turn off such as dirty valves, issues with the timer, or a more complex mechanical problem.
In this let’s dive into each issue and go over what to do to fix them.
Check the Timer
The first thing you should do if your sprinklers won’t turn off is to check the timer. It’s possible that the timer is set for a longer duration than you intended, which would explain why the sprinklers are still going. Check the settings on your timer to make sure that they are configured properly.
Check the Main Water Supply
Sometimes the issue could come from your main water supply. These issues could include the valve not properly opening, debris inside the valve, or a broken valve.
This can be a quick fix, depending on the issue. If there is debris inside the valve, you’ll have to flush it out. If the valve isn’t opening properly or appears to be broken, you’ll need to replace it.
Check for Dirty Valves
One of the most common reasons that sprinklers won’t turn off is because the valves are dirty or clogged. Over time, dirt and debris can build up in the valves, preventing them from closing properly. This is especially common in systems that use underground irrigation.
To clean your valves, start by shutting off the power to your sprinkler system. Then, remove the valve cover and use a wire brush to clean any debris that might be blocking the valves. Once you’ve cleared the valves, replace the cover and turn on the power to your system.
If your valves are still having trouble closing, you may need to replace them.
Check the Control Panel
The control panel is the “brain” of your sprinkler system. It’s possible that the control panel simply needs to be reset. Check the control panel to see if there are any error messages. If you see an error message, it will usually tell you what the issue is and how to fix it. If you don’t see any error messages, you can try resetting the control panel.
Check The Controller Transformer
While not as common, it is possible that your controller transformer is underpowered. A specialist or an electrician can check this with a multimeter. Remember, water and electricity don’t mix! If you do not know exactly what you are doing, we recommend calling a specialist to help you out.
Check the Valves for Trapped Air
If your valves have been turned off for a while, it’s possible that there is air trapped in them. This can cause them to not work properly when they are turned back on. To fix this, simply bleed each valve one at a time by opening the bleeder screw until water comes out.
Still Stuck? Consider Hiring a Pro
If you’ve gone through all of these steps and your sprinkler system still won’t turn off, it’s time to call a professional. A professional will be able to diagnose the issue and get your sprinkler system up and running again in no time.
We hope these tips helped you get your sprinkler system working again. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help!
Sources: Rethority , Upgradedhome , Irrigation-incorporated
2 Responses
Thank you for informing us that the control panel serves as the brain of our sprinkler system, so we should try checking if an issue with it is what’s causing the sprinklers to not shut off. I just noticed that my sprinklers haven’t stopped providing water all morning, so I want to do something about it soon before our bills take a significant hit. Thanks!
It’s good to know that dirty valves can cause a sprinkler to malfunction. This week I tried to turn on my sprinklers for the summer, but I noticed that one of them won’t spay any water. I’m not sure why this is happening, so I think I’ll call a professional to help me.