Get your sprinkler system back to full strength
A sprinkler zone not working often signals a wiring issue between your controller and that zone, disrupting the electrical connection that tells water when to flow.
Controller replacement costs up to $325, and plumbers charge $50 to $100 per hour for sprinkler pipe repairs, so catching problems early helps you avoid higher expenses.
Water pooling in your yard or weak pressure in one zone points to a leaky underground pipe that needs prompt attention before damage spreads.
Hiring a local sprinkler repair professional takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting valve issues and wiring problems, keeping your system running smoothly all season long.
If your sprinkler zone isn’t working properly, you should hire a sprinkler repair technician to resolve the issue right away. A faulty controller, damaged or dirty zone valve, defective solenoid, or a leaky pipe could be the cause of the sprinkler zone issue. Let’s review some of the most common causes of this sprinkler system problem.
Sprinkler controllers (also known as irrigation controllers) are the command center of your sprinkler system, turning water on and off in each zone based on the settings you’ve created. The controller connects to each zone through a dedicated wire, so if there’s an issue with a particular zone’s wire, water might stop flowing to that area.
Unfortunately, wiring issues can be tricky to identify without professional help. However, there are a few simple solutions to try before you contact a pro. Sometimes, fixing a controller issue is as simple as making sure the device is on, replacing the batteries, or confirming that the watering settings are correct. If none of that works, call a sprinkler expert to take a look. They may need to repair the wiring or replace the controller entirely, which can cost up to $325.
Each sprinkler zone has a sprinkler valve that controls the distribution of water to the sprinkler heads in that zone. If one particular sprinkler zone won’t turn off, it might be because the valve is damaged or filled with debris, forcing it to stay open. Wet valve boxes are another potential sign of a faulty valve.
Replacing a broken sprinkler valve isn’t a beginner-friendly DIY project. You’ll need to shut off the water supply and disconnect the wiring before removing the old valve and swapping it out for an exact replacement. You might also have to cut and seal PVC pipes. For these reasons, we recommend bringing in a local sprinkler repair pro for this job.
The solenoid is an electrical device that connects to your sprinkler valve. It receives signals from the controller, which tell the solenoid when to open and close the valve (or, in other words, turn the water on and off in a particular zone).
Over time, a solenoid can become loose, get dirty, or break. If this happens, the damaged solenoid might release too much water into the sprinkler zone (if it keeps the valve open) or none at all (if it shuts the valve).
Depending on the exact problem, you might only need to clean the solenoid to get it working again. Otherwise, you might need a new one. If you’re comfortable getting your hands dirty, you can replace a damaged solenoid yourself, using our sprinkler maintenance tips as a starting point. However, this task involves shutting off the water supply, disconnecting the power, and taking apart your sprinkler valve, so if you aren’t comfortable with that, it’s better to hire a sprinkler expert.
If the sprinkler zone still turns on but is slower or weaker than the rest of your sprinkler system, you could have a leaky pipe in that zone. In situations like these, water will leak out of your underground pipes before it even gets to your sprinkler heads—which can result in reduced water pressure and water pooling in certain parts of your lawn.
Fixing a leaky pipe requires specialized skills, so it’s best left to the pros. For this job, a qualified plumber will start by finding the leak, digging into the ground to access the line, and repairing the sprinkler pipe. On average, plumbers charge $50 to $100 per hour for this type of work. Your total sprinkler pipe repair cost will depend on a few factors, including the pipe’s location and the extent of the damage.
When one (or more) of your sprinkler zones isn’t working, there are a few simple things you can try before calling a pro. For example, you can make sure the controller is on and programmed to the correct settings. If you’re up for more of a challenge, you could even try replacing a sprinkler valve or solenoid on your own.
However, if those DIY fixes don’t work, you’re unable to attempt them, or you don’t want to try DIYing it, bring in a pro. In many cases, repairing a sprinkler zone issue involves electrical and plumbing work. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a risk of electrical shock, flooding, and other damage to your sprinkler system.
Cody did a great job!
ItzelpaintingWonderful. I am going to have them remove and replace my driveway in the spring.
All Star Paving and SealingWe had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesDid an amazing job transforming my yard. Also installed sod in places, would recommend to everyone.
Cardinal Landscaping & Construction LLCAlways been satisfied with the service work and how they have taken care of my pool.
Bill Gerhardt sold the company to his employees at the end of 2019, apparently without a workable succession plan and without notifying prospective customers of this fact. Most aspects of the maintenance contract have not been fulfilled: no installation of anual plantings per contract, no...
They show up and they did take us on as a client which seems to be a problem with other lawn care providers. We have multiple properties and this one was located close to downtown and no one really wants to mess with it.
I was very happy with the service provided by AK Irrigation. They responded quickly to my email, and the woman I spoke with was polite and professional. I was able to get an appointment that same week. <br /> The technician (Tyler) arrived on time. He was very knowledgeable, and worked...
AK IrrigationThe worker came out when he was supposed to come. He informed me he would honor the Angie's List deal, but would not do any more work for me since my son in law owns lawn care company as well, even though they do not do the same type of work. He said he did not feel comfortable giving me...
Bello Giardino LLCE & L Lawn Care was super. They were very responsive before and after service. They were efficient and were able to complete the job within 1 day. I have had concern about one section of sod - the owner was pro-active and did a visit to evaluate. I have no doubt they will stand behind...
E&L lawn careFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Irrigation controller on the fritz? Here’s how to tell whether your sprinkler controller is bad—and some steps to take to mitigate the problem.
Drip irrigation vs. soaker hose: Which should a gardener choose? Here’s how to tell which of these watering options will work best for your landscaping needs.
Wondering how to find irrigation valves on your property? Locating them can be challenging. Learn how to tackle this project with our guide.
If your sprinkler system doesn’t turn off, many things could be to blame, including debris in the sprinkler heads, a faulty shut-off valve, and issues with the controller. Find out what to do when your sprinklers won’t turn off.
Need to repair a sprinkler or install a new one? Learn the parts of the sprinkler system and how they all work together to water your lawn and garden.
Irrigation can help your lawn, flower bed, and veggie gardens thrive. But what is irrigation? Follow this guide to learn how irrigation works.
