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Why is My Sprinkler System Not Working? (12 Reasons Why)

A sprinkler system is a collection of many integrated parts consisting of pipes, wires, and valves that work together with an irrigation controller that is programmed to water your lawn on a schedule. Since an inoperable sprinkler system can seem overwhelming for a homeowner to troubleshoot and fix, we’re sharing 12 common reasons why your sprinkler system has stopped working.

Faulty Master Valve

A master valve is the primary valve in your irrigation system and it is located just after the double check valve. The master valve controls the water flow going to each of the individual valves in every zone. If the master valve fails, this will impact the entire system, and all of your sprinklers will stop working.

Faulty Zone Valve

Each zone within your irrigation system is controlled by an individual zone valve. If a zone valve fails, it will affect the watering within the corresponding zone. If you see that all sprinkler zones are working properly except for one, an individual zone valve may have failed. You may have a faulty zone valve if certain areas of your lawn keep dying while grass in other zones seems to thrive.

Main Water Valve Turned Off

If the main water valve to your home is closed, your sprinkler system will not turn on. In addition, the potable water at your faucets inside the home will not work either. If you don’t have any water inside your home or in your irrigation system, check that the main water valve is open.

Double Check Valve Turned Off

A double-check valve is a safety valve in your irrigation system and is used to prevent non-potable water from contaminating your potable drinking water supply. The double-check valve has 2 shut-off levers, and if either is closed, then your sprinkler system will fail to work.

Irrigation Timer Improperly Set

An improperly set irrigation timer may prevent activation of your sprinkler system. If you suspect that the sprinkler timer is the reason your sprinkler system is not running, check that the panel has power to it and that the watering schedule is properly set for the days and times that you want to water the lawn and landscaping.

Rain Sensor Activated

Most modern sprinkler systems have a rain sensor installed. A rain sensor is used to conserve water by keeping your lawn from being irrigated after a specific amount of rain is measured by the sensor. If the rain sensor is activated, it will keep your sprinkler system from turning on even if the sprinkler panel is programmed to activate it.

Rain Sensor Failed

If a rain sensor fails, it may keep your sprinkler system from working. A failed rain sensor may send a false positive signal to the irrigation controller telling it that it rained and not to activate the sprinklers as scheduled.

Faulty Valve Wiring

All of the irrigation valves throughout your yard are connected to the irrigation control panel with control wires. The wires carry an electrical signal sent by the control panel to the valve, telling it to open when the lawn should be watered. If a wire is broken or shorted, the signal to the valve will be interrupted and the sprinklers for that zone will fail to activate.

Broken Pipes

A broken or cracked water pipe may be the reason your sprinkler system is not working. If there is a broken pipe on the mainline or branch line, the sprinklers along that line would likely not receive enough water or water pressure to properly run. If you notice standing water in your lawn or that parts of your yard are always muddy, you should have your system inspected by an irrigation professional for a broken pipe prior to considering any drainage correction services.

Clogged Sprinkler Heads

A common cause of a failed sprinkler system head is due to a simple clog. A broken or clogged sprinkler head could cause your irrigation system to fail. If irrigation water cannot be delivered through the sprinkler body and emitter, then your yard cannot be watered by the system.

Failed Irrigation Timer

An irrigation timer sends electrical signals to each of the valve solenoids, telling them when to open and close. If the irrigation timer fails, no electrical signal will be present to activate the valve solenoids, and the irrigation system will stop working. If this happens, you’ll likely need to call a professional for this type of irrigation system repair.

Low Water Pressure

If there is low pressure coming from the water source, mainline, or branch lines, your irrigation system may fail to run. A standard spray-type sprinkler head has an operating range between 15 psi and 30 psi with a recommended pressure of 30 psi. If water pressure drops below the 15 psi minimum, then spray-type sprinkler heads may fail to pop up and irrigate your lawn.