Whether you maintain your sprinkler system yourself or hire someone to do it for you, everyone should know how to turn on and off their sprinkler system. They are complicated though so how do you control your sprinklers?
There are multiple ways to turn a sprinkler system on and off. Older systems often have a valve that is turned manually with a key. Newer systems are controlled electronically by a timer in the building. Specific zones can also be turned on and off manually at the zone valve.
Turning on the controller and restoring the water supply are separate jobs. If the system has already been pressurized and checked, use the controller to resume watering. If it was winterized, inspect it before restoring water.
Before You Restart a Winterized System
Confirm that the soil and irrigation components have thawed and your water provider has restored service. Inspect exposed pipes and the backflow assembly for damage. Follow the equipment instructions for restoring drain plugs and valve positions; do not assume every backflow device is set up the same way.
Open the irrigation supply valve slowly so the pipes fill gradually. Stop if you find a major leak. Hunter’s spring startup checklist explains why opening the valve too quickly can cause damaging pressure surges. For the seasonal inspection, see our spring sprinkler startup guide.
Electronic Timers
There are a lot of reasons you may want to be able to turn on or off your sprinkler system. A common one might be that you’re going to have a party outside or maybe you have a project and you don’t want your sprinklers turning on in the middle of the event. You may want to turn on the system if it’s been dry and your plants need extra water.
Most systems around American homes and businesses are controlled via an electronic controller or timer. This allows you to program the system to automatically run on specific days at specific times.
The timer in your house will typically be located either in your garage or in your basement. Sometimes it might also be located on the outside wall of your home, but this isn’t as common. Once you’ve located the timer you’ll be able to turn on and off your sprinkler system. Every system is different, but here are the typical steps to do that:
Steps to Turn Off a Sprinkler Timer
- If the controls on your timer are under a plastic cover open the latch on the side of it. In rare cases, you may need a key for this step. Especially if the box is outside or in your garage.
- Turn the dial to the off position. Every sprinkler system is a little different but most of the time the timers have a dial as the main control. If your timer has buttons there should be an off button you can press.
- The OFF setting stops scheduled controller operation. It does not close a valve that is stuck open or has been opened manually. If water keeps flowing, close the identified irrigation water-supply shutoff and have the valve checked. Turning the controller off does not drain the pipes for winter.
Steps to Turn On a Sprinkler Timer
- Locate the timer
- After checking the water supply and system condition, review the date, time, watering days, start times, and station runtimes. Return the controller to AUTO or RUN to enable the stored schedule. That setting usually waits for the next scheduled start; use manual operation when you want to test a zone immediately.
Manually Turning On Your Sprinklers Using a Timer
Choose the controller’s manual station or test function, select one zone, set a brief test duration, and start it using the instructions for your model. Walk the zone while it runs. Check for leaks, tilted heads, weak spray, and water landing on pavement. EPA’s sprinkler inspection checklist explains what to look for.
A short test checks operation; it is not a complete watering schedule. Match actual watering to plant needs, soil, nozzle output, weather, and local restrictions. Drip zones need their own calculation—see how long to run drip irrigation.
On program-based controllers such as the Hunter X-Core, one program start time runs all assigned stations in sequence. You set each station’s runtime separately. Extra start times repeat the program; they are not separate station numbers. Other controllers use zone-based schedules, so check your model’s manual. See Hunter’s explanation of repeated watering cycles and our sprinkler timer guide.
Manually Turn On and Off a Valve
You can also turn a zone on and off without using the timer. This is especially useful if something needs to be repaired or if you just don’t want to mess with the timer.
Steps to Manually Turn On and Off a Zone
Locate the correct valve box and identify the valve model before operating it. Use the manufacturer’s manual-opening method. On many Hunter valves, turning the solenoid counterclockwise one-quarter to one-half turn opens the valve; turning it clockwise until hand-snug closes it. Do not fully unscrew the solenoid under pressure or force a tight component.
Hunter’s manual valve instructions also describe a bleed-screw method. These instructions apply to compatible Hunter valves, not every brand or model. A system with a master valve or pump may need additional controls before water can flow.
Return the solenoid or manual bleed control to its closed position when finished. A manually opened valve may keep watering even with the controller OFF. Do not use an unfamiliar flow-control knob as your emergency water shutoff. If water continues to run, close the irrigation supply valve and contact your local Sprinkler Master.
If you’d like to know more about how a valve works check out this video explaining how a sprinkler valve works and how you can turn it on or off.
Manual Systems
Some older systems may not have a timer. If your system is like this you’ll have to open each valve manually. There are a few different ways you can do this.
Identify the irrigation valve before turning it. Some manual systems use hand-operated valves, while deeper shutoffs may require a correctly sized valve key. Opening direction and travel depend on the valve type. Follow its instructions, turn slowly, and stop if it binds. Do not force an unknown underground valve.
Manual systems like this are rare and can usually be upgraded with new automatic valves and a timer. If you want to upgrade your system consider hiring Sprinkler Master to make the transition seamless.
Wireless and Bluetooth Timers
Some controllers support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or an optional communication module. Check the model number and manufacturer’s setup instructions before installing an app. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are different connection methods; neither alone guarantees automatic weather adjustments. WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers use weather or soil-moisture data to adjust irrigation when properly installed and programmed.
If you’d like to upgrade your old timer to a new one that you can easily control from your phone contact Sprinkler Master. Our technicians will get you the right timer for your system and get it set up and working perfectly.
Hire a Professional
If the system leaks, a zone will not start, or watering continues after shutdown, find your local Sprinkler Master for help with startup, valves, and controller programming.
Common Startup Questions
Why does the display say RUN but no water comes out?
A controller display does not confirm water flow. Check the irrigation supply, seasonal water-service availability, rain delay, and any displayed fault. If only one zone fails, the valve or wiring may need diagnosis. Avoid repeatedly running a pump when its water supply is unavailable.
Can I turn off the timer instead of winterizing?
No. Switching off the timer leaves water in the system. In freezing climates, the pipes, backflow device, and other components need the appropriate winterization procedure.
Sources and Further Reading
- Hunter Industries: Spring Start-up Guide
- Hunter Industries: Manually Opening a Valve
- Hunter Industries: Why Does My System Turn On Again?
- EPA WaterSense: Sprinkler Spruce-Up
- EPA WaterSense: Labeled Controllers
Information reviewed and updated October 14, 2026.