Troubleshooting our sprinkler system
 

Coming to this brain trust with our pesky sprinkler issue. The system which has been running fine for 4 years stopped working. After having a number of experts out, the latest status is ... it runs fine and completely if set for 10am (not the optimal time of course). It won't run at 8pm, or 6am. We have replaced the controller, and disconnected the moisture sensor. Same result ... won't run at 8pm, or 6am. Runs perfectly at 10am.

Any ideas?

If runs at fine 10am....................I would cheat and change the clock so the controller thinks it's running at 10am, but it's actually 4am.

:jester:

Will it run manually between 8pm and 6am? If you replaced the controller, I assume you have done a system reset and reprogammed the entire system? If the problem is not the controller, the only things that can suggest to check are the outside solenoid valves. Do they open and close manually?

Sprinkler ...
 

Manual and automatic are behaving the same way ...

Sprinkler ...
 

BRILLIANT! This is why I consider you my brain trust.

Sprinkler ...
 

Brilliant! Outside solenoid valves will be our next step ... again, this is why I post here ... brain trust!

Perhaps there is no water available at 6AM and 8PM?

OP, you do not mention the make, manufacturer, etc of the controller, so is there any possibility this is one that is controlled by WiFi? If so, have you looked at the settings in the WiFi section? I have seen some houses with LOTs of WiFi controlled outlets, so is there a possibility that the outlet in the low voltage panel is controlled? Is there a possibility that your controller has a setting to NOT water during a certain time period?
No other ideas at this point.

The first thing I would do is put a voltmeter on the output of your controller for one of the zones. I would turn on that zones in manual. I think most sprinkler valves operate on 24 vac. So if the zone is “on” you should see 24 vac on the controller output.

If you do not see 24 vac, then disconnect the wiring on that zone and measure the voltage again. If you do not yet see 24vac, then its a controller issue.

If you do see 24 vac at the controller output, then the controller is working and either the wiring or solenoid is faulty. You can get replacement parts at home depot or ace hardware.

You may have a condition where your wiring shorts out after a rain.

You can also open the cover of your valvebox and do a visual inspection. I found last year, my valvebox was not draining and full of water. Three of the four valves worked fine under water but the fourth would not. I replaced the valve and fixed the drainage issue.

Any cheap voltmeter or tester will do.

Intermittent short in wiring. Run new wire from controller to manifold with valves above ground. Special attention to the ground
Good luck

Your controller performs the turning on and off of the valves. As for if your outlet is controlled by a switch, normally these are external outlets that are plugged in the outlet. You say it won’t run at 8pm, plug in a drill or hair blower in place of the sprinkler controller to see if they work at 8pm or 9pm, if they do work, it’s not a power problem.
I think it’s your controller and it could be a good time to replace it with an Orbit B-Hyve unit that you can control from your iphone. I have used these for a few years now and have helped many friends replace their sprinkler controllers to the b-hyve. It takes 5 mins to put in and 15 mins to program using your phone

Wow ... GREAT ideas ... I knew this was the place to come will this issue. Will let you know when we find the root cause and solution. Thanks for all the brilliant ideas.

runs at 8am and 10am....... Then the system works.
 

If it works on certain hours on your system. Then there is nothing wrong with your wiring or your sprinklers heads etc. The system works period. The problem is in the programming. See how to factory reset the controller and start programming on and off times again. Look on YOU TUBE or GOOGLE and figure out the factory reset. Do not look for trouble in your wiring or sprinkler heads when they work.

That’s a great suggestion!

I agree with others that it’s a programming issue .

My guess would be the first thing that must be done when programming the box .

That is , setting the CORRECT DATE AND TIME !!

Make sure you set “am” or “pm” correctly when setting up the time !