A dry patch, a leaking head or a zone that will not start can have several causes. Start by noting whether the problem affects one sprinkler, one zone or the whole yard. That detail helps narrow down the repair.
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Sprinkler heads will not pop up
Look for grass or soil covering the head, visible damage and water pooling nearby. When every head on a zone is weak, the cause may be a leak or a water-supply problem. Replacing a head without checking the pressure can leave the original problem unresolved. Rain Bird recommends inspecting heads for accumulated debris during a spring system check.
Dry spots or uneven watering
Watch a short watering cycle. Does a head point at the driveway? Does a shrub block the spray? Is one nozzle spraying much less water than its neighbors? Fix coverage problems before adding more time to the schedule. Rain Bird’s rotary nozzle guide covers clogged filters, spray distance and head-to-head coverage. Adjustments depend on the nozzle model.
Our dry-spot guide explains more possible causes.
A zone will not turn on
Check the controller’s display, selected program, watering days and run times. Note any error message. Confirm that the irrigation water supply is available, especially at seasonal startup. A valve, wire, solenoid or controller problem may need diagnosis. Hunter’s valve troubleshooting guide explains how water supply and electrical faults can prevent a zone from opening.
Water keeps running after the controller is off
Turning the controller off may not stop a valve that is stuck open. If water continues to flow, use the irrigation water shutoff if you know its location and can operate it safely. Do not open a pressurized valve. Debris or a damaged diaphragm can stop a valve from closing, as explained in Hunter’s valve guidance. Arrange a repair before restoring normal watering.
A sprinkler leaks when the system is off
A brief drain from a low sprinkler after watering can be water left in the pipe. A leak that continues may be water passing through the zone valve. Those problems need different repairs; adding a check valve at the head will not fix a leaking zone valve. See Hunter’s explanation of low-head drainage and valve leaks.
What to tell the technician
- Your city and the affected zone.
- Whether the problem happens during watering or after shutdown.
- The controller model and any displayed error.
- Where you see standing water, a broken head or unusually dry grass.
For help, contact your nearest Sprinkler Master. You can also read about sprinkler repair, installation and winterization.