Quick answer: The valve controlling a specific sprinkler zone can often be identified by combining controller station testing, electrical measurements and wire tracing. The goal is to connect the numbered…
Quick answer: Often, yes. An older sprinkler system does not automatically need complete replacement. If the main piping, valves, wiring and zone layout are still serviceable, individual failed components can…
Quick answer: A sprinkler zone that stops working after landscaping or yard construction may have a cut control wire, damaged pipe, buried or damaged valve box, broken sprinkler connection, or…
Quick answer: Wire tracing can help follow buried irrigation wiring and narrow the location of faults, but finding the exact cause of a failed zone usually combines tracing with electrical…
Quick answer: Sprinkler valve boxes often disappear because grass, mulch, soil buildup, grading, new sod or landscape renovations gradually cover boxes that were originally visible at grade. Older systems may…
Quick answer: If an automatic sprinkler system runs during rain, the controller may not have a working rain interruption, the sensor may be bypassed or malfunctioning, or the controller may…
Quick answer: A rain sensor tells the irrigation controller to suspend or interrupt scheduled watering after enough rainfall has been detected. Its job is to prevent unnecessary irrigation during or…
Quick answer: DIY sprinkler winterization and professional winterization differ mainly in equipment, system knowledge and control of compressed air. A proper blowout is not simply a matter of connecting a…
Quick answer: Common problems discovered when an irrigation system is restarted after winter include broken heads, leaking fittings or piping, valves that fail to open or close, weak zones, controller…
Quick answer: No. Turning the irrigation controller off prevents normal scheduled watering, but it does not remove water trapped in irrigation piping, valves or other components. Freeze protection depends on…
Quick answer: Yes. Winterization performed incorrectly can damage irrigation components. Compressed air must be used with appropriate pressure, airflow and procedure for the system rather than simply connecting a compressor…
Quick answer: It is often useful to identify and document sprinkler problems before winter shutdown while the system can still be operated. Whether a repair should be completed immediately depends…