Uneven watering can be caused by broken or clogged sprinkler heads.
Spray range issues can be caused by low water pressure.
Spraying in the wrong direction can be caused by sprinkler heads that need to be realigned.
Sprinkler heads that are not popping up properly ?
The valve does not function properly and needs to be repaired.
Soil and other debris jamming up the sprinkler head need to be cleaned or replaced.
The sprinkler system won’t turn on, or off?
A damaged wire or a blown fuse will need to be repaired.
Sensor issues from moisture can cause the sprinkler system to not turn on, or off.
A broken timer can be repaired or replaced.
Let Sprinkler Master help you.
Sprinkler Master Technicians are experienced and can diagnose and fix your sprinkler problems. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. https://www.sprinklermaster.repair/
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.
Drip irrigation is a highly effective way to water your plants and garden. But with any irrigation system, it’s important to strike the right balance between ensuring that your plants get enough water without wasting it or flooding the soil. So, how long should you run your drip irrigation system?
There is no single drip-irrigation runtime for every yard. Calculate the water needed by each plant, divide it by the combined flow of its emitters, then check soil moisture. Plant size, soil, weather, and recent rainfall determine how often to water.
Drip irrigation is a more targeted approach than traditional sprinklers, as the water is delivered directly to the base of the plants, reducing the risk of overwatering and promoting deeper root growth. Keep reading to learn how you can optimize your drip irrigation watering times below.
Benefits of Drip Irrigation
Before we dive into specific recommendations for different plants, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of drip irrigation:
Water efficiency: Because drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant’s roots, less water is lost to evaporation and runoff. Well-designed drip systems can be up to 90% efficient, according to Utah State University Extension. Leaks, clogged emitters, and incorrect scheduling can reduce that efficiency. This makes it a more efficient way to water your garden, especially in dry or hot climates.
Plant health: As mentioned, drip irrigation promotes deep root growth, which is essential for the overall health of your plants. Deep roots help plants to withstand drought conditions and recover more quickly from dry spells.
Pest control: Using drip irrigation can also help to reduce the risk of certain pests and diseases. For example, wet leaves are more susceptible to fungal infections, and standing water can attract mosquitoes and other pests. By watering at the base of the plants, you reduce these risks.
Calculate Your Drip Irrigation Runtime
Runtime in minutes = gallons needed per watering ÷ total emitter flow in gallons per hour × 60.
For example, suppose a plant needs 4 gallons for a particular watering and has two 1-gallon-per-hour emitters. Together they deliver 2 gallons per hour, so the calculated runtime is 120 minutes. This is a math example, not a watering recommendation for every plant. Four 1-gallon-per-hour emitters would deliver those same 4 gallons in 60 minutes.
Read the flow rating on the emitter or dripline specifications. For inline tubing, count the emitters serving the planting area. Use USU Extension’s tree-water calculations to estimate demand from canopy area, plant type, local weather, and system efficiency. Then check how deeply and widely the soil actually becomes moist.
Adjust the Schedule for Your Plants
Flowers and vegetables: Match watering to the crop, growth stage, and root zone. Newly planted seedlings need different care from established perennials. A fixed “60 minutes twice a week” can overwater one bed and leave another dry.
Trees and shrubs: Spread emitters across the active root area and expand coverage as plants grow. A single emitter at the trunk does not adequately water a large tree. Check new trees’ root balls separately; do not assume that an established-tree schedule fits a recent transplant.
Lawns: Purpose-built subsurface dripline can irrigate turf. Ordinary surface drip tubing should not simply be buried under a lawn. Use the specified tubing, filtration, pressure regulation, and installation layout.
How Does Soil Composition Affect Watering Times?
Different Soil Types have different watering requirements and will affect how long you need to water your beds.
Clay soils generally absorb water more slowly and hold it longer. If water puddles, split the calculated runtime into shorter cycles with soak time between them. Sandy soils hold less water and may need smaller, more frequent applications. Emitter spacing matters because water spreads differently in each soil.
After a watering, use a hand trowel to check soil at several points within the root zone. A damp surface alone does not show whether the roots received enough water. Adjust emitter placement and runtime if wetting is uneven. See USU’s guidance on soil texture, emitter spacing, and pulse irrigation.
How Does Rain Affect Watering Times?
Rain can reduce irrigation demand, but a light shower may not soak the root zone. Check soil moisture and account for rain that reaches the plants before running the next cycle. Follow your water provider’s current watering restrictions.
Wi-Fi access alone does not make a timer weather-responsive. EPA WaterSense labeled controllers use weather or soil-moisture information to better match irrigation to landscape needs. Correct setup and maintenance still matter. Our sprinkler timer guide explains basic controller functions.
Hire a Professional
Drip irrigation is a highly efficient and effective way to water your plants and garden. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your plants get the water they need to thrive.
If you have questions about drip irrigation or need help with sprinkler repair, don’t hesitate to contact Sprinkler Master. We’re here to help keep your irrigation system running smoothly and efficiently.
Drip Irrigation Questions
Is 30 minutes enough?
Only if the emitters deliver the required volume in that time and wet the intended root area. Two 1-gallon-per-hour emitters deliver just 1 gallon in 30 minutes.
Should I run drip irrigation every day?
Daily watering is not a universal rule. Check the plants and soil before repeating a cycle, especially after rain or cooler weather. New plantings may need a different schedule from established beds.
Why are plants dry even though the timer runs?
Check for clogged emitters, leaks, disconnected tubing, and a dirty filter. Verify that water reaches the far end of the line. Our guide to manually running sprinkler zones can help you test each zone.
Rainbird 5000 rotors are some of the most popular and reliable sprinkler rotors you can get. If you’re a homeowner with a sprinkler system, you know the importance of maintaining it to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful. Knowing how to adjust your Rainbird 5000 rotors can save you time and money in your quest for a perfect lawn.
We’ll go over how you can adjust your Rainbird 5000 rotors step by step below. Keep reading to learn more.
Just want a professional to fix it for you? Contact your nearest Sprinkler Master by clicking Here.
1. What Tools will I need?
Before adjusting your Rainbird 5000 rotor, you’ll need to gather the essential tools. If you just need to adjust the spray, all you’ll need is one of the Rainbird adjustment tools. These tools look like small flat-head screwdrivers, except the screwdriver ends in kind of a cross at the end. This tool will allow you to easily pull the head up and then use the flathead to make all of your adjustments.
If you don’t have one of those tools you can also use a flathead screwdriver. It will just be harder to use without the pull-up tool. If you are going to be frequently adjusting sprinklers you’ll probably want to get one of Rainbird’s tools. You can get one of the tools at Sprinkler Warehouse for under $5. Most places that sell Rain Bird products will also sell the tools.
Rain Bird also makes a tool to hold up the head while you work on it. These can be nice to have but are not strictly necessary for adjusting your system.
The only other tool you might need is a shovel if your rotor has sunk too low into the ground and is sitting at the wrong angle.
2. Adjusting the Arc of the Rotor
These are the steps to adjust the Arc of the Rotor. The Arc is how far the rotor turns from side to side while operating. Rainbird 5000 rotors can be adjusted anywhere between 40 degrees of rotation and 360 degrees of rotation.
To adjust the arc of the rotor you’ll first want to go turn on your system. You’re going to adjust the sprinkler while it is on so you may get wet while doing this.
Check the current arc. Stand behind the water spray and grab the head of the rotor below the spray. The rotor will easily turn from side to side. First, turn the head to the left until it stops easily turning. This spot is the start of the arc. Then turn the spray to the right. Wherever it stops on this side will show you the current end of the arc.
First set the start of the arc in the right spot. To change the starting point of the arc, turn the rotor head to the starting point and then, as gently as possible, force the rotor head to turn to the desired starting point. This will be the new starting point of the rotor.
Find the arc adjustment screw. The ark adjustment screw is on top of the rotor head, in the back of the head. Most heads will have a plus sign on the left side and a minus sign on the right side. Once you find that you can insert your adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver into the rubber slot there.
Adjust the arc adjustment screw. To narrow the arc of the rotor, turn the screw counterclockwise. To widen the arc of the rotor, turn the screw clockwise. You’ll want to adjust this and then test the arc by turning the head again. Adjust this until the arc ends at the correct stopping point.
3. Adjusting the Distance of the Spray
The distance of the spray or the radius is how far the rotor can throw the water away from itself. The Rainbird 5000 had an adjustable radius between 25 and 50 feet or 7.5 and 15 meters. The distance depends on the maximum range of the nozzle you have in place. The nozzles are replaceable and come in 5 feet increments.
These are the steps to adjust the distance of the spray. If you already have the correct nozzle skip to step 4.
Changing the Nozzle
First, choose the correct nozzle. You’ll want to choose the nozzle that is just larger than the distance you want the water to go. If you want the water to spray 32 feet for example you’ll want to choose the 35-foot nozzle.
Second, remove the current nozzle or space holder from the sprinkler. To do this you’ll want to use your adjustment tool to lift the head of the rotor. You’ll then need to either hold up the head with your hand or use a Hold-Up tool. Unscrew the radius adjustment screw. The radius adjustment screw is located at the front of the top of the rotor. Usually, it is inside an arrow that points in the direction of the spray. You’ll want to unscrew this screw counterclockwise until you can remove the nozzle.
Now add the new nozzle you’ll be using. You can simply push this nozzle into place and then tighten down the screw by turning it clockwise. You can now let go of the sprinkler head since you’ll need to turn on the system to make the fine adjustments.
Adjusting the Distance of Spray
Turn on the water. For the fine adjustments, you’ll want to have the water on so that you can see exactly how far the spray is going. If for example you need the spray to go 32 feet and you already put the 35-foot head in we now need to reduce the range.
Use your screwdriver to adjust the radius adjustment screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise until you see the distance of the spray shortening to the correct distance. Turning the screw counterclockwise will lengthen the distance of the spray.
Make adjustments until the sprinkler hits the right distance.
4. Adjusting the Height of the Rotor
Sometimes your rotor sinks into the ground over time as the soil settles and you need to raise it back up. To do this you’ll need to dig around your sprinkler head. You’ll want your sprinkler head to sit about even to the ground so that it’s not sunken down, but still low enough that nobody trips over it and the lawn mowers blades won’t catch it
To dig up your head you can use either a regular shovel or a garden trowel. You’ll then want to use the shovel to cut into the grass around the head. You’ll want to be able to replace the grass afterward so set the chunks of grass carefully to the side.
Be very careful when digging around sprinkler rotors not to damage the rotor itself or to cut the tubing connecting the rotor to your PVC.
Once you’ve removed some of the grass and dirt you can adjust the sprinkler height if the rotor has sunk a lot you may need to add a bit more dirt to the spot. Sometimes you can raise it just by pulling it up a little bit and letting some of the surrounding soil fall into place beneath the rotor.
Once you’ve done this carefully replace the soil and the grass. It’s okay if the grass is sitting a little bit higher than the surrounding grass since it will settle over time.
Hire a Repair Company
If the problem is bigger than you thought or if you just don’t have time to adjust and maintain your whole system yourself it’s time to hire a repair company.
Sprinkler Master has locations all over the country that are ready to help you. We’re experienced with Rain Bird products and can help you fix even the most complex sprinkler system problems.
Click here to contact your closest Sprinkler Master and give us a call!
Automatic sprinkler valves are the electrically activated valves that control the flow of water to different zones in a sprinkler system. When issues arise in a sprinkler zone, it's almost always a problem with the sprinkler valve. The automatic sprinkler valve has 2 broad types of issues: mechanical and electrical. Sprinkler Timers and the automatic timer are tied together via wires. The electrical part on the sprinkler valve is called the solenoid.
Solenoids are typically cylinders that screw into the top of automatic valves. They have a metal rod that extends and retracts, controlling flow of water through a sprinkler zone.
When a sprinkler solenoid is beginning to fail, the reliability of the valve will begin to falter. Zones will not turn on reliably, not turn off reliably, and in some cases not turn on at all unless manually actuated.
To manually activate a sprinkler solenoid, take it and rotate it counter-clockwise. This will pull the rod out enough to allow water to flow through the valve. If the water does not go through a valve after manually actuating, then the problem is almost certainly not with the solenoid, and you should look into water pressure, potential pipe breaks, or even other parts in a valve.
Valve Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a rubber piece that wraps around the housing. This piece of rubber basically seals everything together. When dirt or debris gets in the rubber seal, it can prevent the diaphragm from sealing shut, so a sprinkler zone may fail to turn off.
When the rubber seal is starting to get blocked off, you may not be able to get the debris to wriggle loose by shaking the body of the valve. In this case, it may not even be debris, it could be a rotten or torn diaphragm. Either way, a valve can be torn apart and cleaned out. When taking apart a valve to clean and check the diaphragm, be careful to keep track of what parts and screws go where.
Take apart the valve, clean each part, and carefully put everything back together. Hopefully this solves any problems in a valve!
Flow Control Valve
The flow control valve is pretty self-explanatory: It controls the flow of water through the valve. Most often, this valve is just left wide open, but can be adjusted if there is too much pressure working its way through the system. The flow control (as well as the bleeder valve) can be used to knock some dirt and debris loose from the sprinkler valve. If you're having issues with a zone that won't turn off and you're suspicious that it could be in your valve, tightening the flow control valve all the way and then loosening it can help to knock dirt out of the diaphragm and get your valve functioning normally again.
If you have a lot of overspray or misting coming out of a sprinkler zone, it could help to adjust the flow control to restrict water flow to an amount where there's no misting.
Bleeder Valve
The bleeder valve on a sprinkler valve is really important, especially when winterizing a sprinkler system. A bleeder valve is a small valve that is designed to relieve pressure from the valve. When there is a lot of pressure (for example, when water is freezing in a sprinkler pipe), a bleeder valve can be used to help relieve some pressure from the valve body, hopefully preventing catastrophic damage such as a cracked valve body. These need to be tightened each time a sprinkler system is started up in the spring, and can be opened up every year when a system is winterized.
Conclusion
While sprinkler valves have a lot of moving parts to them, and are impressive pieces of engineering in a sprinkler system, most of the time they aren't that difficult to fix if you know what you're doing. If you've looked at all the different pieces in the sprinkler valve but you haven't fixed it, make sure it's actually the sprinkler valve and not a pipe that's burst, or a wiring issue. If worst comes to worst with a sprinkler valve, they're not too terribly difficult to replace, you just need to make sure you put the replacement valve in facing the correct direction.
If you're not sure if you can find the problem in your sprinkler system or you're worried about causing further damage to your system, don't hesitate to call your nearest Sprinkler Master. You can find the closest Sprinkler Master branch by clicking HERE
