SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

is the water turned on?????

Jack,
Do you have a master valve (MV) for your system? If so, that could be faulty and be causing you to have the problem. Generally when all of the zones do not work, there is a problem with the COMMON wire in your system. If the common wire is cut or disconnected, none of your valves will operate, thus no water. Can you gain access to any of the valves to open them manually? If you can, and you get water manually, you know the problem lies within the wiring. Let us know what you come up with. Also, I know this may sound stupid, but make sure your controller is plugged in, controllers will not operate valves on battery back-up alone.

You should be able to tell if you have a Master Valve by looking on the controllers wire terminals. There should be a terminal labeled "MV" and if there is a wire connected to it, than you can assume you have a Master Valve. Metal detectors work alright to locate valves, and there are a couple of inexpensive tools out there that can also locate them. I would suggest the Rain Bird RB-PW2000 diagnostic tool. You can get one from SprinklerWarehouse for around $50.00 - http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=190 - It should be on that page.

The best way to locate valve boxes is usualy to have a map made when you install the system.

Barring that, in the four soccer venues I control, all the valves are directly in line with the sprinkler heads. If you can locate one valve box, you can usually triangulate to the others

Not always necessarily true, especially on residential irrigation systems. I've seen main lines run in all different directions and valves being located in no particular pattern to the next. Your best bet is an inexpensive locating tool "solenoid chatter box" for the DIYer