How to fix an irrigation sprinkler zone that is not working

I demonstrate a diagnostic algorithm for workup of a defective solenoid as a cause of failure to water a sprinkler zone in a home irrigation system. This algorithm would be a reasonable approach if you have a single zone of sprinklers that delivers inadequate water when activated by the controller, but which works fine when activated manually. This review covers some basics of Irritrol valves and a Hunter Pro-C controller, but the information is more broadly applicable to most home irrigation systems. If your system does not deliver water for one specific zone when you open the manual control bushing, search for the more recent video titled "troubleshooting irrigation sprinkler valves" on my channel, here • Troubleshooting irriga...
During the repair I use the technique of "voltage drop testing", which is designed to find high dynamic resistance connections. Many such connections can be hard to find using traditional static methods. For a more general review of the structure of home irrigation systems, see my other video titled "how to fix a leaking sprinkler head".
These systems use a transformed 25 volt AC power system, but even with low voltage power there is a chance of dangerous or damaging misadventure. Also be wary of the risk of water damage to your home if your system fails to shut off or is accidentally left on. Whenever working with electrical power, be careful for the safety of yourself and your family. Be sure to read any manufacturers literature available regarding your system.
This video is published in good faith for entertainment purposes only, and it is not a comprehensive guide. I am not a professional electrician or irrigation consultant. Any misadventure resulting from your attempt to repair your sprinkler system is your responsibility.

[@alexiluther]

10 years later and this is still one of the best, clear, and concise videos on the topic of sprinkler zone troubleshooting. You covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time logically and methodically. Very well done.

[@Iscaper]

Thanks Dave. I like how you started at the timer and systematically went through all the sprinkler zone components that could have been a potential problem. Very well done!

[@spelunkerd]

That's the most meaningful compliment I've had in a while, Rick. Thank you!

[@wingsstringsandreallysharp2535]

Thank you for your helpful videos! I now have enough knowledge to tackle my dead zone in my sprinkler system. Before watching your videos I had NO IDEA what I was getting into. Appreciate your help very much.

[@idkwatnametoput1468]

Thank you after a month and a half of calling my sprinkler guy and he never showed up I decide to google this is very problem and your video was first to show up and I'm glad I saw it because my sprinkler system is working perfectly now thank you

[@shelterrockisland]

10 years later and still the VERY BEST troubleshooting video and explanation for an irrigation system. I recently had a lightning strike near the house and various things on GFIs and surge protectors fried in very odd ways. Some transformers fried; some power supplies exploded; some wires fried but the end units were fine; in the case of irrigation system control/power box is fine but won't activate solenoids. This helped me troubleshoot and it turns out power wire to solenoids is fried somehow. Can't explain it but this HELPED!!! Now I need to fix it.

[@fmundo2]

This guy knows what he's talking about. Video is paced well and thorough. Well worth a watch. I'm a novice in this electrical stuff, but now want to get into this.

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad you found it, and special thanks for recording your experience here.

[@LukeWooz]

Great video! Very informative and well put together. You do a great job of articulating the steps as you take them. I am going to use this to help troubleshoot my weak sprinkler zone. Thank you!

[@Regg363]

I troubleshoot electronic control systems for a generation station so I understood your troubleshooting method. This video would be very helpful to someone that isn't familiar with electricity, meters, ohms or voltage drop. Very good video.

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, Will. Thank you. Likewise, as you know I watch every one of your uploads for practical advice from a professional automotive tech.

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thanks Dan. I spend my time fixing cars and there is considerable overlap as far as techniques go. One technique I refer to here is voltage drop testing, which is a critical part of automotive diagnostics. If there is a voltage drop in the wire it means there is a bad connection somewhere, and by doing the test you avoid unnecessarily replacing parts. I show how to do that in the starter motor video on my channel. As far as normal values, I found them on the 'net. Dave

[@blitzkreegy4232]

Excellent video. The all in one complete sprinkler problem solutions are in this informative video. Great tutorials thanks!

[@GeorgeIreton]

Perfect! A great explanation and demo. Just what I needed to know. Thank you friend!

[@rickdelgado7112]

great diagnostic and solution process, Ive been a professional groundskeeper for over 14 years and it really bothers me when others give inacurate suggestions on irrigation repair however this is a great example of proper troubleshooting and I really recommend this video to anyone seeking proper advise on irrigation repair,GREAT JOB!

[@leecannan8805]

This is PRECISELY what I needed! Clear, condensed, and accurate. Thank you for your help and saving me some money 👍🏻

[@The1Beav]

Very helpful. I was told my common wire may have a shortage, so this video helped me to test for bad wiring.

[@petersonfamily6223]

Great video and you answered all my questions and demonstrated what to do as well. Well done and it helped me diagnose a bad solenoid.

[@robertmartinez1645]

Thank you so much! I just discovered that 2 zones were not working. I followed your other video and cleaned all of the insides of the valve and still no go. I'll try this. Cheers!

[@JEHaddo]

I like this guy. Very straight forward, relatively easy to comprehend, and straight to the issues. Good job!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, man.

[@MrDiddy74]

Thank you! As a mom of 6 and a hard working husband, I try to learn how to fix things around the house myself. This was the fix to my problem! Thank you for making it so easy!

[@donmacdonald494]

Very well thought out and organized. Breaks done the steps easily so the real problem can be fixed quickly and efficiently. Nice job. Because replacing the whole valve is more expensive and if the trouble is in the wires or in the timer is a waste of time and money. Thanks DM

[@sjharwick1]

Thanks, just fixed mine, so great that others help spread their knowledge

[@jacribb]

I was talking to some co-workers and they thought that it may be the ground as well. I will take a look at it tonight when I get home with a multi-meter and will check the panel. Thanks for the video btw. Very helpful.

[@TheJosa007]

Thank you much !!! I did not know much about sprinklers, and now I do. I appreciate your time

[@JoeHeuser]

Very systematic approach. I totally agree with the previous comment. That's exactly what I was looking for. Well done and thank you!👌

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you, Luke. Most guys who know their way around a DVOM will have no problem with this. For others who need more help, this may not be enough. Mostly I worry about walking people down a pathway that is too difficult for their skill set. Nice to meet you.

[@spelunkerd]

You make a good point, that techniques used in one situation will often find application in others. Specifically voltage drop testing principles definitely apply here. Thanks for your input!

[@BillCooperOK]

Makes perfect sense! I have a bad solenoid. Will be replacing this weekend. Thanks!

[@JerrePaquette]

Nicely done. You have a pleasant manner, effective when one of us is panicking at the other end. I'm on my way to get a voltage meter--been putting it off. Thanks for your care and help.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@haseebahmed6278]

Awesome Video! Thanks for helping the rest of DIYers :-)

[@Face_Meat]

Thank you! Watching your video helped me troubleshoot my issue. Cheers!

[@JimboHurt]

Very awesome knowledge and skill with the multimeter etc. I learned a lot from your video on how it worked but then I took the lazy approached and put one solinoid from a working zone and stuck it on, ran that zone, it made my broken zone work, boom solved. Replacing the solenoid is my confirmed fix!

[@thechasecomplex]

Very helpful, thanks a bunch for taking the time to make such an informative and comprehensive video.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@robmanriquez6727]

Excellent, well illustrated and explained very clearly.

[@kc8ncr]

Terrific video on troubleshooting a sprinkle system. In addition to covering the topic in depth, the explanations and camera angles are really top notch. This video should be used as an example of "how to do a you tube video". Very high quality video work and consistent audio levels. Great job Spelunkerd!

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, you made my day!

[@Kanoee64]

I agree with Doug B

[@benpreister990]

Hello I'm we doing my garden as well it looks really good I'm doing it professionally. My parents have the exact same system you just showed I know it well and the how it was built

[@derekdyer3929]

Appreciate this video and information, checked mine out to find it was simply a broken breaker switch, popped it and the unused sensot open swapped the broken breaker switch for a good one and presto, Zone two is Aive!

[@Iscaper]

Excellent video on troubleshooting a sprinkler valve.

[@KittyHerder]

I took a class in irrigation and learned a lot, but we covered installation and not repair. I emailed my teacher for advice and he described what to do, which gave me the technical terminology to find videos This is exactly what I need to do and I'm pleased you have the same kind of valves, which makes it easier. Now I just have to buy an ohmmeter and not electrocute myself.

[@vfb07]

Thanks buddy. Helped me fix one of my stations that wasn't running. Very thorough and informative!

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped.

[@joeferraro1552]

Very instructive and easy to follow! Thank you

[@jayg461]

Hi! I just watched your video and it helped me diagnose the problem with my sprinkler system. I just had to replace the solenoid. Great video! Thank you!

[@spelunkerd]

Great, thanks for the followup, I'm glad it helped.

[@TonyCota]

Thank you! I had a feeling the solenoid was bad, but this video confirmed to just replace it!

[@spelunkerd]

I"m glad it helped, thanks for the followup.

[@stanleygavin9903]

Really well done! I took notes and will through the analysis, step-by-step. Thanks much!

[@spelunkerd]

I hoped Google would find people like you (and me), analytic thinkers who have the curiosity to understand how things work. Thanks for the feedback, it worked!

[@teslabulls1238]

I like your videos. Your explanations are so easy to follow.

[@kimgreen945]

awesome job explaining! I troubleshoot my sprinkler system quite a bit and its a hit n miss way I do things....getting soaked quite often☺ Thanks for the explanations and also how to use a voltmeter! thanks n wish we were neighbours!!🌞

[@spelunkerd]

Kerry, thank you, for taking the time to view this. As you know, I consider your channel a great resource for irrigation and landscape work, so your compliment means a lot to me. Dave

[@alijhi]

Pro-tip Marette in Canadian = wire nut in the USA. thanks for the nice video and greetings from Florida

[@frankieb64]

Thanks so much. This helped fix my issue. Very kind of you to post this detail.

[@patrickfrausto9866]

Thanks for the video. I've replaced the solenoids before but just did it by trial and error. I really appreciated the meter readings for troubleshooting electronically. Haven't been able to find that any where else. Thanks again!!

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you for the kind feedback!

[@EMTdrummer]

Right to the point, good technique, good camera work... great video overall. Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you.

[@tomdavies9708]

This video was very helpful. I will try this series of checks tomorrow.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped!

[@bigbleeg6233]

Helped me fix my sprinkler valve. Thanks buddy

[@tomificationable]

Thanks to your video, my problem is fixed ! Very helpful video for a person like me, who doesn't know much about this stuff. Thanks!

[@spelunkerd]

tomificationable You're welcome, thank you for the feedback.

[@dannyr333]

Wow that is pretty complex stuff I have no idea what I'm looking at nice video a lot of info so I can come back here need Cheers man!

[@bulkybiatch6811]

Dude thanks for sharing. My valve ended up replacing the filter.

[@caseykjolhede3993]

This is exactly what I needed...love the Canadian accent too ! Thank You !

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped. Funny how people talk about my accent, I never noticed, ha ha.

[@Polycreosis]

Great video - very clearly explained. I'm in the first house I've ever had with a sprinkler system, and it helped me better understand how it all works. Thanks for uploading!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks! I did a few other videos that homeowners might find interesting, too, including a couple on hot water tanks.

[@spelunkerd]

And thank you for the reply. Electrical solenoid problems are not very common, but when you understand how they work the whole system is that much easier to understand.

[@VitorMadeira]

Quite an help. Thank you. Greetings from Portugal.

[@sdev3974]

Thank you for sharing what independence in all about...

[@progers5019]

I have some a zone not working properly. This video helped me on the troubleshooting end. Very well done. Everyone is on different levels of expertise. If you are savvy in mechanical and electrical things, it is very easy to follow. Well done Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

Irvin Rogers Thanks, man!

[@bobmartin3]

Excellent no nonsense, straightforward video. Thank you.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@virginiamather8534]

Thank you, this gives me a direction to go in.

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad you chimed in, Gregory. Yeah, you're right, and if I had a spare solenoid that would probably have been my approach as well. But for an amateur it would have meant buying a new part before deciding whether it was broken. I did consider swapping the solenoid with one of the proven ones adjacent. But that would have involved more work, and to properly test the wires it would mean completely swapping it. Thanks for your input!

[@OzzyMoto2K10]

Awesome video - you've helped me a great deal, thank you!!! We moved into our new home last Fall and it has been a fun adventure figuring out how everything works inside and outside of the House. Today, after Spring blooms eternal in Minnesota and Winter fades away, I opened the valves on the outside head unit, then did the same off of the water main inside. I went to the Sprinkler Panel in the Garage and manually switched between the zones. No Water, No Sprinkling. Went next door to our new neighbors and asked if the system had worked last summer (they said, "Yes, and nice to meet you!"). Clearly, I was doing something wrong. This is where you come in -- after watching just a brief portion of your informational video I learned that I should go check the solenoid position for the valves in the yard -- sure enough, they were in the closed position. A 1/4 turn clockwise and I was in business, happily switching between zones to see what kind of water coverage I had at each zone. Thank you, again!!

[@spelunkerd]

+Ken Osborn No problem, thanks for the followup. If you live in a frost area, remember to carefully blow out each branch of the system, one at a time, with compressed air in the fall. It's pretty easy to do if you have a good compressor, with as large a tank as you can afford. You don't want high air pressure but you do want a good volume tank. I routinely leave all the solenoid valves open in the winter to avoid pooling of any remaining condensed water behind the valve.

[@dogsbyfire]

Fantastic video! Truly professorial. Thank you!

[@spelunkerd]

That's good advice, thanks for your contribution to this thread.

[@carloscarmen135]

Very instructive video. Thanks for your time!!

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thanks for stopping by.

[@hariniashishtrivedi8301]

very good step by step process that explains how to detect for problems and how to fix it.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@StephanHauk]

Great Video. Greetings from Germany.

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you. Solenoid problems are a lot more rare compared to the more mundane issues of water pressure, leaking seals, and incompletely closing valves. But if you understand how the solenoids work, everything conceptually slides into place.

[@hp11208]

Very good info and system diagnostic,now the grass will be green.

[@locostar1701]

Did not really need this video, buy saved it as a favorite....Im sure I will use it later. Amazing stuff! Thanks a billion!

[@spelunkerd]

+Javier Lopez Thank you.

[@brentcos9370]

Great sprinkler fix video! Thanks for sharing.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@tamtran2231]

Extremely helpful! Thanks.

[@jillmeesey683]

This explanation was great. The replacement went smoothly. The landscaping company that put in the irrigation system didn't use the waterproof wire caps, so I upgraded all of those when I replaced the solenoid. Since I live in Sacramento and we only have two seasons, summer and not summer, I covered the wire connectors in a plastic container. I scored the bottom and popped them through with the the top on of course., I can replace it as needed. Thanks!

[@spelunkerd]

That's a good plan. If you are looking for an inexpensive substitute for those specialized connectors, look for "dielectric grease" in any autoparts store. One tube will last a lifetime, and you'll find lots of uses for it if you do any kind of auto repair. Some technicians put it on every electrical connector they open, to prevent oxidation and electrical shorting. The grease is a nonconductive barrier to water, oxygen, and other impurities.

[@11brittanyleann]

Great video. I understand how to check out the solenoid.

[@maxcy3]

I love your videos and want to thank you for thorough, clear explanations of the problem as well as the solutions. My understanding and confidence have improved from viewing your videos. I no longer freak out and wonder how to shut off the water and wonder whom to call. Again, thank you.

[@zx8401ztv]

I dont have sprinklers but your systematic methods are A1 mate :-) Hey you cant make videos if your life is complex or nothing much happens so never worry about us tubers, its your channel and your not contracted to make videos for us :-) Washing machine water input solinoids often go the same way.

[@robinsonsauto]

Great job, like mentioned in the previous comment i like the systematic methods you use as well, starting with the basics to a complete test of the system = a job well done with no worries, Thumbs up, in addition im adding you to my recommended channel list hope you don't mind. Thank you for sharing

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks back, I appreciate the feedback.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

I enjoyed how you explained the process !! Well done !!

[@spelunkerd]

I find it interesting to see how you have the personality to cultivate a dedicated following of viewers, soon to eclipse my subscriber list in the next couple of months. My videos on the other hand are almost all found through Google searches by homeowners who have a problem, wanting a deep dive into understanding how their system works. I admire people who are able to captivate an audience, but in any case these humble old videos still serve useful a role.

[@juanalonzo536]

Very good video very informative will try this tomorrow see if it fixes my issues 👍

[@SteveRobReviews]

I don't have a system but the testing was fantastic. Thanks

[@NewStuffTV1]

Still helpful in 2018... thanks!

[@mikekochensparger5963]

This video really helped alot. Thanks

[@cadyshepard6437]

VERY helpful! Thank you so much!

[@johnhurtado440]

Sir, you did a wonder full job explaining all very succinct. Keep those excellent videos coming. How about doing a video in locating irrigation valves that are buried!. I saw some videos but you are very articulate, so you could do another great video on that. thank you so much.

[@ernieplumley2600]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped.

[@donaldbourassa7698]

thank you so much. I fixed mine using your video

[@DJDevon3]

Just moved into a new place and there is an existing irrigation system. Officially just moved in today. No garage though. :( I have an almost identical Pro C irrigation controller as you! One of the heads is a geyser so I went looking for videos and voila, amazing that you covered this a decade ago. Great video as always. Hope you are doing well!

[@spelunkerd]

Hey man, it is so nice to hear from you, after all these years. You still working on cars? I did another more recent video on how the valves work, they have an intriguing design. Around this time of year, sprinkler videos get more action, ha ha.

[@realpitbullsrealamericanbu8607]

Wow, this is a Great Video!!!! It helped me a lot!!!

[@spelunkerd]

Thankyou, I'm glad it helped.

[@justining3403]

Real Pits

[@syedahmad7015]

really useful, well explained video, this what I was looking for, Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you!

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad it helped, thanks for the reply.

[@timdawg7720]

Yy

[@spelunkerd]

If you are not sure if it is the solenoid or the seat that the solenoid rests in, you could swap one solenoid for another and see if the problem follows the solenoid, or if it stays in the same place. They are inexpensive, but there is no point to replacing a part if it is not the problem. Thank you for watching.

[@uboii]

Thank you kind sir for your videos

[@donaldpeyton2341]

Thank you. Mystery solved. The actual leak was a good 30 feet from the leaking PVC connection, actually coming up at a joint in the sidewalk. Lots of digging in the mud, the family dog enjoyed the work. On to the next home repair adventure. Thank you so much.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks for the followup, I"m sure others will find your example useful.

[@slyalazthor4617]

ty sir.this video helped me out alot.much appreciated.