How To Troubleshoot Your Irrigation System
How To Troubleshoot Your Irrigation System
Is one of your sprinkler zones stuck on and refusing to shut off? Before you call in the pros, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot your irrigation system. While this type of issue can feel overwhelming—especially when you see water flowing long after it should—many sprinkler system problems can be traced back to a simple fix.
Whether it’s a programming glitch, a stuck valve, or a wiring issue, this guide will help you get started.
Step-by-Step: How to Troubleshoot Your Irrigation System
1. Turn Off the System
Start by shutting off the entire system to stop the water flow.
You can turn off your irrigation system in one of three places:
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At the control panel – Set it to OFF, RAIN, or RAIN OFF mode
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At the backflow preventer – Usually located along the side of your house
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At the main water shutoff valve – Often inside your home, near where the water line enters
If the water stops running after turning off the controller, then the issue is likely electrical or programming-related.
2. Check Controller Programming
Sometimes, the controller is simply set to run more often than you realized.
Check for:
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Multiple start times accidentally programmed on the same day
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Overlapping programs across different zones
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Incorrect run times that keep zones on too long
Clear any duplicate start times and test again.
3. Still Running? Shut Off Water at the Source
If water is still running after shutting off the controller, this likely means the issue is mechanical.
At this point, shut off water at the backflow preventer or main irrigation shutoff valve. This will stop the system from wasting water while you wait for repairs.
Common Sprinkler System Repair Issues
Once you've isolated a mechanical issue, it's time to consider what might be wrong. Below are some of the most common sprinkler system repair problems we see:
Stuck or Leaking Valve
A valve that won’t close fully can cause continuous watering. This is often due to:
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Debris stuck inside the valve
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A torn diaphragm
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Electrical signal failure from the controller
Repair Tip: Most valves can be disassembled and cleaned. But if the diaphragm is damaged, the valve may need to be replaced.
Broken Sprinkler Heads
A broken or clogged head may spray erratically, leak, or not pop up at all.
How to Fix It:
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Dig around the head carefully
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Unscrew the faulty head
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Replace it with the same make and model
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Turn the system back on and test
Underground Leaks
Soft, wet spots in your yard or unusually high water bills can indicate a leak in the underground piping.
What to Do:
Leaks require professional diagnosis and repair. Ignoring them can lead to flooding, lawn damage, and even foundation issues.
Wiring Issues
If your system’s controller is on, but valves aren't responding correctly, you might have a wiring short or disconnect.
This is especially common in older systems or those recently exposed to flooding or landscaping work.
When to Call for Sprinkler System Repair
If you’ve tried the above and your irrigation system is still not working properly, it’s time to bring in a professional. Continuing to run a malfunctioning system can waste water, damage your lawn, and inflate your utility bill.
At American National Sprinkler & Lighting, our licensed irrigation specialists provide fast, expert sprinkler system repair. From broken valves and heads to controller diagnostics and wire tracing, we can handle it all.
Schedule Your Sprinkler System Repair Today
We offer:
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Full system diagnostics
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Same-day emergency repairs
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Preventative maintenance
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Irrigation upgrades and retrofits
📞 Call us at (847) 388-0321 or
💻 Fill out our Contact Form to schedule service today.
FAQs About Sprinkler System Repair
Why won’t my sprinkler zone shut off?
It could be a programming issue, a stuck valve, or a wiring malfunction. Start by shutting off the controller. If water still flows, you may have a mechanical problem.
Can I fix a broken sprinkler head myself?
Yes! If you’re comfortable digging around it and replacing the part, many homeowners can DIY this fix. Just make sure to use the correct model.
Is it bad to let a zone keep running?
Yes—letting a sprinkler run constantly can drown your lawn, waste hundreds of gallons of water, and cause erosion or flooding.
Do you service commercial sprinkler systems?
Yes! We offer both residential and commercial sprinkler system repair and maintenance services across the Chicagoland area.