all About Irrigation

 If your controller displays irrigation in operation (with the Sprinkler Icon flashing), and your sprinklers are not functioning, it could indicate a problem with the wiring at the valves or the water supply to the irrigation system has been turned off.  If your system has a main valve (look for a wire at the P/MV terminal), then there's a chance the main valve might not be opening. Inspect the wiring at the main valves for any loose or corroded connections, or a faulty solenoid.  If you don't have a main valve, make sure your valves are receiving water. You'll need to find your irrigation valves and manually rotate the solenoids on the valves ¼ counterclockwise to activate them. If the sprinklers don't activate, it could be due to a valve that's been turned off supplying the irrigation system. If the sprinklers do activate, there might be an issue with the wiring at the valves. Look for any loose or corroded connections in the wiring.  If you don't have a main valve, also check the common wire connections at the irrigation valves for any loose or corroded connections.  Other possible reasons for your sprinklers not watering:  Do you have a rain sensor installed in your sprinkler system? If so, move the sensor bypass switch to the "BYPASS" setting. This will override the rain sensor and allow the controller to function normally.  Review your controller's settings, particularly the Watering Start Times and Watering Days.  Is the water supply turned on? During the "Spring Start Up" period, it's necessary to open the irrigation water supply valve. When the irrigation system is "Winterized," the water supply is turned off. 

The best time of day to water your lawn is early in the morning, before the sun rises. This allows the water to soak into the soil before it evaporates, reducing water waste and ensuring that your lawn gets the moisture it needs.

Sprinkler systems use a network of underground pipes and sprinkler heads to distribute water evenly across a lawn or garden. The system is controlled by a timer that turns the sprinklers on and off at preset times.

• Controller/Timer: The controller, or timer, is the brain of your system, telling your sprinklers what day, what time and exactly how much to water.
• Valves: Installed above or below the ground, usually near the water source, valves regulate water flow to the sprinklers.
• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): PVBs prevent water from your sprinkler system (and therefore any fertilizer or chemical contaminants) from re-entering the clean water supply. Toro manufactures pressure vacuum devices to meet your local building code specifications.
• Lawn Sprinklers: Installed in a special pattern for complete and even coverage, a properly designed automatic sprinkler system delivers precise coverage without gaps or runoff. 
• Rain Switch (Optional): A Rain Switch signals your system to shut off automatically when it’s raining. There’s no sense watering when nature is doing its part. The Rain Switch is a highly reliable and inexpensive option that saves countless gallons of water. 

If you want to maintain an efficient irrigation system and ensure your crops receive the right amount of water, it's essential to identify when your Lawn Sprinklers needs repair. Failing to recognize these signs early on can lead to costly repairs later and impact the well-being of your yield.

Here are five go-to signs indicating that your sprinkler set needs attention:

1. If you see puddles forming in certain regions, notice a sign of uneven watering, indicating clogged nozzles or misaligned sprinkler heads.
2. If water sprays out in a burst rather than a smooth stream or makes a hissing sound, check for air pockets or debris that may be in the sprinklers.
3. If sprinkler heads are not entirely popping up or water is not reaching as many crops as it usually does, you may have a low water pressure.
4. If your water bills unexpectedly increase, this is the first hint that there may be a leak in the sprinkler system or broken spray heads.

 A broken valve is usually the culprit here. If your irrigation system isn't turning off, the diaphragm in the valve could be sticking or broken.
Also, that solenoid could be putting out constant power to the valve, or the timer has malfunctioned and is putting out constant power to the valve.