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Troubleshooting Irrigation System Electrical Problems

March 17, 2021 By Matt Sorenson

Troubleshooting Irrigation Electrical Problems - Sprinkler spraying grass

When something goes wrong with an irrigation system the cause is not always obvious. Sometimes the problem is electrical, such as when a zone won’t turn on, or no zones will run. 

There are three areas to check when investigating the electrical part of the system: the controller, the field wiring, and the electric solenoid valves. However, most of the time the problem isn’t the solenoid.

Controller Troubleshooting

Everything is initiated from the controller, so this is the first place to start. But first, check the obvious: 

  • Is the water turned on and is there power to the pump?
  • Are isolation and master valves open all the way?
  • Is the controller set to the rain/off function, or is the rain sensor preventing the system from turning on?
  • Has the controller been programmed properly?

No Zones Working

Basic electrical troubleshooting steps to take if no zones will run:

  1. Is the power source working?
  • You might have a blank screen, or if there’s a display, the power may be coming from the battery. Verify the controller is plugged in. Press the reset button if plugged into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet.
  • Use a test lamp or any other 110VAC device to determine if there’s voltage at the outlet.
  • For hard-wired controllers, check the circuit breaker at the main breaker box. Warning: only a licensed electrician or irrigation contractor should test hard-wired transformers.
  1. Is the transformer working?
  • Use a multimeter on the AC voltage setting to check the transformer’s output either on the two transformer wires or at the two AC screw terminals on the controller — the reading should be between 24 and 28 volts. Replace if the reading is outside the acceptable range.
  1. Is the display scrambled, or the controller isn’t responding to input?
  • Sometimes a power surge causes it to lockup. Reset the microprocessor by disconnecting the power and any battery backup for up to 10 minutes. You can also use the reset button. Then reconnect the power and reprogram.
  1. Is the fuse burned out or is there a bad fuse? 
  • Replace it.
  1. Are all the wires properly attached to the terminal strip?
  • Tighten any loose wires.

If the zones still won’t turn on, repair or replace the controller.

Some Zones are Working

If some of the zones aren’t working, follow these basic electrical troubleshooting steps using a multimeter:

  1. Verify the controller is programmed correctly.
  2. Set the multimeter to the AC voltage setting to check that the controller is outputting the correct voltage to the non-working stations:
  • Manually start the controller and turn on the non-working zone.
  • Place the black probe on the common terminal and the red probe on the terminal for the non-working zone.
  • The controller should be sending out a signal in the 24-28 volt range.
  • Repeat this for any other zones that won’t turn on. If the voltage output for a station is lower than the recommendation in the owner’s manual, but is above 0, the controller is defective.
  1. If the controller is outputting the proper voltage for the non-working zones, then check the continuity of the circuit (resistance or ohms). This will help you identify a wiring problem between the controller and the sprinkler valve that prevents the valve from opening:
  • Turn off the controller. Never check resistance through a live circuit.
  • Set the multimeter to the ohms setting (Ω or ~).
  • Undo the common wire from the controller.
  • Place the multimeter’s black probe on the end of the common wire, and the red probe on the wire of an unworking station. You should get a reading between 20 and 60 ohms.
  1. Readings from ohm testing indicate the following:
  • Less than 20 — a short circuit caused by a damaged solenoid with a short inside, two valve wires touching directly or touching through soil or water.
  • More than 60 (in the hundreds) — a partial connection caused by a bad splice (corroded, or incomplete contact), or partially broken wire.
  • OL or 1 — open circuit caused by a broken wire, a disconnected splice, a disconnected wire from a terminal or other connection, or a malfunctioning solenoid. Check your multimeter’s manual for the symbol used for an open wire. It could also be an infinity symbol (∞), or numbers followed by an “m” or “k” (e.g. 1.1m or 28k).
  1. Exceptions to the ohm readings:
  • The ohm reading of two solenoids connected to a single station will be almost half that of a single solenoid. Check each solenoid separately in this case.
  • Stations with several solenoids will have proportionately lower resistance readings.
  • Rain Bird has a solenoid valve where the normal range is 70-85 ohms.

Solenoid Valve Electrical Troubleshooting

  1. Next go to the solenoid valve or valves with controller ohm readings outside the normal range:
  • See if you can immediately spot something wrong (e.g. bare wires touching, station wire and valve wire separated, cut or nicked wire, splice corroded or separated) and do the repair.
  1. After the repair, go back to the controller and test the resistance again to see if it’s within range. If not, return to the solenoid and continue with the following steps:
  • Disconnect the solenoid from the field wires (do this as the first step if no obvious repairs needed during initial inspection). Test the resistance by touching the multimeter probes to both solenoid wires. If the solenoid measures below 20 ohms here as well as at the controller, then you must replace the solenoid because it has shorted out. Remember to check each solenoid if more than one is connected to a single station.
  • If the reading at the solenoid is good, the short is in the field wiring between the controller and valve. Fault locators are available for finding short circuits and cut wires in the field.
  1. If the reading for the solenoid is still above 60 ohms, but not “open”, look for a bad splice.
  2. For an “open” solenoid reading, replace the solenoid. If the reading is good compared to the controller’s, then there’s a wiring problem between the controller and valve. A wire and valve locater will help you find broken and cut wires in the field.
  3. You can also check voltage at the zone valve. At the controller run the zone you’re testing, then:
  •  At the valve, set the multimeter to the AC voltage setting and connect to the common and station wire. Look for a similar reading you got at the controller (24-28 volts). If there’s proper voltage at the valve, then the problem is the valve, but if the multimeter shows zero, 1, or OL, the problem is the wiring.

South Austin Irrigation are the experts in irrigation system troubleshooting and repair.  Call us at (512) 534-7449 or contact us online to keep your sprinkler system operating at peak performance.

Filed Under: Irrigation Repair Blog

About Matt Sorenson

Originally a Wyoming native, Matt moved to Austin, TX after graduating with a Bachelors of Science from Kansas State. He spent several years working for a couple of large landscaping firms before starting up South Austin Irrigation. "Starting my own company has been the hardest, most challenging, and honestly, the scariest thing I've ever done. I love what I do and I'll do it for as long as people want me to help them with their irrigation systems."

Important message:
South Austin Irrigation is very mindful of the health and safety of its customers and employees and we are taking all possible precautions against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
For customers practicing self-isolation or social distancing, please be assured that we will perform repairs and adjustments to your sprinkler system at a safe distance and without the need for close contact.

Our Services Include:

  • Consultation
  • Main and Lateral Line Repairs
  • Pop-up and Rotor Replacement
  • Broken PVC and Copper Pipe Repairs
  • Electrical Troubleshooting
  • System Leaks
  • Backflow Replacement and Installation
  • Valve Locating Repair and Replacement
  • Reroutes for Mature Trees and Patio Additions
  • Controller Replacement and Upgrades
  • Water Conservation by System Upgrade
  • Custom Scheduling
  • Drainage Repair & Maintenance
  • Lawn Irrigation System Adjustments
  • Sprinkler Head Replacement
  • Underground Sprinkler Weatherization
  • Unclog and Adjust Heads and Nozzles
South Austin Irrigation

Google Reviews

South Austin Irrigation, LLC
South Austin Irrigation, LLC
5.0
Based on 19 reviews
See all reviewsWrite a review
Ed Burgess
Ed Burgess
16:09 18 Aug 20
Most excellent work! These... guys know their stuff, and take the time to make sure the work is done right. Very professional and conscientious!read more
Russ Brown
Russ Brown
00:06 15 Jul 20
On time, efficient, quality... work at a reasonable price. Highly recommend.read more
Becca Friedman
Becca Friedman
14:22 12 May 20
I've been waiting to write... this review for far too long. I wanted to do it justice. Still worried it won't be good enough ;)I saw the stellar reviews for South Austin Irrigation and with a mystery leak on my hands, really wanted the best. So I gave them a call. Matt promptly responded, listened to my issue, set solid expectations, and then sent Dave to my home.Dave arrived on time (early, if i recall) with the biggest smile on his face. I knew it was going to be a good visit. Dave was straightforward, no bs, and fun to talk to. He helped me understand my system, pointed out things I could do to improve it if I wanted, but never over-sold. He was honest about what the return on investment could be, and helped identify the cause of the massive water loss experienced (glitch or incidental adjustment of the system).My water bills were immediately back on track after that visit, and I had a plan for the future. But more than anything, I'd had a great time learning about something I never thought I'd ever enjoy - irrigation. And I feel like I've made a friend in the process. I trust South Austin Irrigation. That's hard to say about home service. You should too.Now if only they weren't so good at their jobs I'd have a reason to call on them. Can you teach other businesses how to operate? lolThanks again Matt and Dave. Really spectacular service. I recommend you to all my friends.read more
John Boozer
John Boozer
00:52 05 Feb 20
First time working with Matt... today and couldn't be more impressed! He is very knowledgeable and helpful, and not only took care of the problem I had, but also gave me lots of helpful tips to prevent further problems. I'll definitely be referring Matt to anyone I know that needs help with their sprinkler systems. Thanks Matt!read more
Ben Schreiber
Ben Schreiber
22:04 01 Dec 19
Nathan Erwin
Nathan Erwin
23:14 15 Oct 19
Dave came out to provide an... evaluation since someone (me) ruined the drip line in the front of our house when aerifying. It didn't take him but a few seconds to know it was going to need to be replaced. The other 59 minutes he taught and walked me through everything I didn't know about my irrigation system, which was a lot. I would recommend SAI to anyone who wants to better understand how their system works or has an issue that needs to be addressed.read more
Karen Shah
Karen Shah
21:44 15 Oct 19
Dave did an excellent job not... only replacing a control valve but thoroughly explaining and showing me the issue. He was super quick to respond, coming out within an hour and a half of my call. Reasonable price, fast, friendly - couldn't ask for more. Highly recommended!read more
Lee Polson
Lee Polson
22:47 29 Aug 19
On time, friendly and... inexpensive.read more
Jackie Jason Sabella Roche
Jackie Jason Sabella Roche
16:52 27 Aug 19
Highly recommend South Austin... Irrigation. Matt did an excellent job replacing our sprinkler system’s control panel. He made sure everything worked properly, and he spent time explaining the settings on the panel. He also quickly replaced a broken line in a flower bed. We hope we don’t have issues with our system in the future, but if we do, we will not hesitate to use them again.read more
Allan Hawkins
Allan Hawkins
18:08 31 Jul 19
I’ve known Matt and his team... for at least 5 years. He’s done multiple projects at 2 of my homes. He has always been reliable, honest, and knowledgeable. He will walk you through your issue and discuss options without up-selling. If you have an irrigation need, and you can squeeze into his schedule, he is a great choice.read more
Cue Boykin
Cue Boykin
17:01 22 Jan 19
I've used Matt at South... Austin Irrigation for years. Matt is knowledgeable, efficient, courteous, prompt, and reasonable. South Austin is my one-stop shop for all my irrigation needs.read more
Jeff Roberts
Jeff Roberts
22:33 10 Dec 18
Just had Matt out to work on... a customer's sprinkler system that one of our driver's accidentally broke. Matt was incredibly capable and had every tool-of-the-trade imaginable. The troubleshooting and work was completed swiftly, and the price was very reasonable. I will definitely be using South Austin Irrigation in the future and highly recommend them for any sprinkler system maintenance needs.read more
Phil Evans
Phil Evans
18:00 20 Aug 18
Thorough in sprinkler repair.
John Land
John Land
20:17 02 Jun 18
Excellent Service - I have... been using Matt and his company South Austin Irrigation for the last 6 or 7 years and could not be happier with his service. He is courteous, communicates well and has a great attitude and sense of humor. Matt is the best at what he does. He explains his work and advises well with providing the pros and cons with budget in mind. I wish that everyone I hire to perform services at my home were as good as Matt is, he sets a high bar of excellence.read more
Philip Watts
Philip Watts
05:55 11 Feb 18
In a recent long freeze our... sprinkler system suffered from a burst. I switched off the irrigation water and called Matt from South Austin Irrigation. He came out pretty quickly, investigated the problem and talked over how to fix it, how to winterize it in future, and answered other questions I had. He was very knowledgeable and helpful, and fixed the system after ordering a part. I am very happy with South Austin Irrigation's work and employees that I dealt with. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs their services.read more
Joan Jackson
Joan Jackson
13:52 08 Oct 17
Excellent, quality work. ... Matt, the owner, is reliable and explain all charges clearly, with options for how to repair.read more
Emanuel Saba
Emanuel Saba
21:22 02 Mar 17
I've worked with Matt on a... few different occasions and every time he has been extremely professional, timely and most importantly does it right. He really knows the business. His work lasts and is done right. Highly recommend for anyone needing any type of irrigation repair, adding lines, fixing leaks, etc...he does it all!read more
David T
David T
03:17 16 Oct 16
Matt with South Austin... Irrigation has been my go-to irrigation company for many changes we've made to our yard over the last 4 years. We've done extensive rock work throughout the front and back yards (which required major irrigation changes); converted an entire zone of our irrigation system to a low-pressure drip irrigation system for my 1000 sq ft "in-ground" garden, plus a recent drainage project to top it off.My experiences with South Austin Irrigation have always been good - Matt is professional and punctual, and has always known what to do to solve the issues I've thrown at him. I was using other companies before I found him, so I can say that his rates are very competitive as well.Matt is a good communicator and doesn't mind taking time to explain the reasons for doing something one way or another, and then letting you make an informed decision about how you want to handle it. Of course, if you'd rather just stay out of it and let him make the decisions (I'm too curious for that!), he's more than capable of doing that as well.read more
Raymond Loren Naylor
Raymond Loren Naylor
14:56 02 Jan 12
Knowledgeable service... technician. Work performed a quickly and efficiently. Pleased with ovaerall experience. Even helped understand importance of wartering timing.read more
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