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It comes on, it doesn't.

uglijimus

New Member

Posts: 3

1

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 10:01am

It comes on, it doesn't.

Hi, I bought a home in March and it came with an underground sprinkler system. After figuring out how to open the valves and operate the control panel, I was able to use it which I did for about a week. I timed it as I was going on to vacation for a few days. When I came back, it wasn't going on. Struggled with turning valves, programming the control panel, etc. Nothing was working, not even on manual stations.

I was about to call a contractor to come out and take a look at it but then miraculously, one night, it just came on at the time I had programmed it before. The only thing that I did was wash my car in the backyard that same day. It kept going on for about a month and half or so and suddenly, about a week ago, it just stopped. Just like before.

I went out to the backyard and decided to water the lawn using the same spicket (sp?) I did when I washed my car previous. That same night, nothing happened. But the next night, (last night) it came on again! I don't know what's going on or if it's going to last, but I'm not quite sure what to do about it. Does anyone have any idea? To me, it sounds like some kind of water pressure problem??

thanks

Fireguy97

Advanced Member

Posts: 77

Location: Kamloops, In Beautiful British Columbia

2

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 11:19am

You can measure your water pressure to rule out that problem. I believe that there are too many variables to look into here. possibilities are; Leaks, wiring, connections, clock, programming, valves, master valve, backflow assembly, filters/blockages, etc. This looks like a job for a contractor to look into. You thoughts were right when you first had problems.

Mick
Irrigation Contractor

Certified Backflow Assembly Tester

hi.todd

Supreme Member

Posts: 417

Location: Houston, Texas

3

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 11:26am

Rainsensor!!! :thumbsup:
:thumbup: :thumbsup:

uglijimus

New Member

Posts: 3

4

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 11:57am

thanks for the advice. But until using the backyard spicket trick stops working, I think I'll wait on calling.


btw, what is rainsensor and how can it help me in this situation?

hi.todd

Supreme Member

Posts: 417

Location: Houston, Texas

5

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 12:08pm

You may have a rainsensor and you may not be aware of having it. If it gets wet, your system will not operate. It will appear as if you system needs repair. Once your rainsensor drys out, the system will operate normally. This is common. It is also common that the homeowner may be unaware of the rainsensor.

8o :thumbsup:
:thumbup: :thumbsup:

mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

6

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 2:07pm

If you find it's not the rain sensor as Todd mentioned I'd look for a loose ground wire. Sometime's it's touching sometimes it's not. Check the ground wire at the clock. Maybe even resplice it. Check it at the valves as well.

Fireguy97

Advanced Member

Posts: 77

Location: Kamloops, In Beautiful British Columbia

7

Thursday, August 26th 2010, 10:40pm

Quoted from "uglijimus"

But until using the backyard spicket trick stops working, I think I'll wait on calling.



Could it be that you don't actualy know how to turn the water to your system on? Can you turn the valves on manually at the valve boxes?

Have you measured your water pressure yet?

Mick
Irrigation Contractor

Certified Backflow Assembly Tester

uglijimus

New Member

Posts: 3

8

Friday, August 27th 2010, 10:53am

I will check and see if there is a rainsensor or not. Never thought about that.

I do know how to shut the valves off and turn them on (the ones that control the individual stations and the main ones leading out of my basement)

I do not know how to check the water pressure though...

btw, last night the sprinkler system did go on again (2nd night in a row).
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