In your busy life, it becomes challenging to water a lawn in time, and a rain bird sprinkler system makes the job easier. Though a rain bird sprinkler system is beneficial in many ways, the major concern starts when the sprinkler not turning on and need troubleshooting rain bird sprinkler system? Before going for the replacement, you should check the sprinkler head, valve zones, and controller settings. And everything is explained vividly in this guide.
Obviously, the repair cost can break your wallet. Some basic knowledge of troubleshooting knowledge can help you out.
So, walk on through the guide to get the solutions of those problems that you might experience.
Troubleshooting Rain Bird Sprinkler System
Rain bird sprinkler system is a combination of many components. If any part of them is faulty, the sprinkler system won’t turn on.
Below we have told you the troubleshooting of the basic problems with rain bird sprinkler system.
Before starting, keep the user manual on hand because there are differences among models. Scan the chart to get a quick solution:
| Problems | Troubleshooting Steps |
| 1. Water does not pop up from the sprinkler | Check sprinkler heads and clean them |
| 2. Sprinkler head is not rotating | Clean or replace it |
| 3. Low-water pressure | Maintain standard voltage |
| 4. Sprinkler system won’t turn on | Repair the valve zones |
| 5. Error LED lights flashing | Check the controller connection |
| 6. Uneven watering duration | Reset the controller |
1. Spray Head Troubleshooting
Due to spray head problems, you may see the sprinkler system comes on but no water. An inaccurate water pattern is also an indication of faulty spray heads. This is the most common issue in the system, and the most probable reasons are:
- Excessive water pressure
- Sprinkler head not rotating
- Nozzle blockage
- Leaking around the stem
Solution:
Step 1: Controlling excessive water pressure, and you can do this in two ways: use the remote control valve to fix the flow or install a pressure regulator on the valve.
Step 2: Clean the blockage with a soft bristle brush and remove any grass or twigs. Also, clear the area around the spray nozzle. If there is any hard object that can not be removed, then replace the spray head.
- Make sure the trip points are set correctly; if not, reset.
- Pull the tower of the system and rotate it to the left trip point. Remove the cap if necessary, pull the assembly out of the case, set the left trip point, and re-insert.
- Turn off the water and adjust the flow from the tip of the system using a flat-head screwdriver.
- If the problem still remains after the above procedures, replace the sprinkler heads.
If you follow the above steps, reset your system if your rain bird test all stations are not working.
Step 3: Check the leaking connection and find if there is debris between the wiper seal and stem. To check it, lightly step down on the stem line; water will pop up taking the debris. If you still see problems, then you need to replace the cap.
2. Troubleshooting Sprinkler System Valve
The rain bird sprinkler has two-zone valves, and an electric controller regulates these valves. When the valves have issues, it leads to:
- Leaks around the zone valve
- Low-water pressure
- Rainbird sprinkler system won’t turn on
- Leak at the sprinkler head far from the valve
Solution: When Single Zone Is Inactive
Step 1: measure the voltage of the controller using a multimeter. Test the common terminal and zone terminal wires. The standard voltage should be between 24v to 28v. If the voltage is high or low, then you need to replace the entire controller.
Step 2: check the low-voltage wires that are leading from the controller to the zone valve’s solenoid. Ensure they are intact and connected perfectly. If there is any disconnect or damage, then connect the wires or replace them.
Step 3: if the valve solenoid is faulty, it causes the above problems. In this case, replace the valve solenoid.
Step 4: there are chances of a problem with the valve itself. For primary cases, disassembling and cleaning the diaphragm can fix the problem. If it does not work, replace the diaphragm and spring. In some severe conditions, you need to replace the entire valve.
Solution: When Multiple Zones Are Inactive
Step 1: Check the transformer voltage supply to the controller. If the reading is under 22 volts, then replace the transformer.
Step 2: simply use a screwdriver to tighten the screws of the anti-siphon device that is built in the valve.
Step 3: if there is any leak at the zone valve, it may cause by a damaged and worn-out zone valve. You need to disassemble, clean, and rebuild the valve. If the difficulty is not resolved, then replace it.
Step 4: When Rain Bird sprinkler head won’t rotate, or incorrect flow direction, then it can be caused by the backward valve. Check the valve and fix it.
3. Rain Bird Controller Troubleshooting
Due to defects of the ESP-Me controller, you will face several problems. For example:
- Flashing LED light error
- Sprinkler system keeps running
- Days to water error
Solution:
Step 1: if the controller display is blank or frozen, ensure the controller is plugged in and getting enough power.
Step 2: Check the circuit breaker and reset it. The reason is an electrical surge, it can affect the controller. Unplug the unit and re-plug it after two minutes. If there is damage, you need to replace the surge.
How to Reset My Rain bird Sprinkler System?
If you have faced problems with the rainbird sprinkler system, reset the system; maybe it can solve the problem. Below we describe an easy process for you to reset it:
- First, turn the controller dialing to the ‘seasonal adjust’ written option.
- Now, under the display, press the left and right arrow buttons at the same time and hold on to pressing them.
- Release the buttons when you see ‘CLEARED’ on the display screen.
- Now, go to the controller dial again and turn it to the ‘Auto Run’ option.
And Boom! Your RainBird sprinkler system is now reset.
A Helpful Tutorial You May Need!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my Rainbird sprinkler system troubleshoot?
Rainbird Sprinkler system is a unit of multiple stations. If there is any connection problem, leaks, voltage issues, or damage, the sprinkler system won’t work properly. In this case, you need to troubleshoot the sprinkler system.
Why won’t my Rainbird sprinkler pop up?
When the sprinkler head is clogged with debris, it won’t pop up. Moreover, water can not reach the sprinkler head due to low water pressure, and as a result, it does not pop up from the ground.
How do I reset my Rainbird sprinkler system?
To reset the rainbird sprinkler system, do the following: u003cbru003e#. Set the time and duration with Day/Clock dialu003cbru003e#. Set watering day with Water Day positionu003cbru003e#. Scan between days with the left arrow if you want to set a scheduleu003cbru003e#. Set water interval press with the M/A indicator buttonu003cbru003e#. Fix the water time for each sector.
Final Words
Sometimes Rainbird sprinkler system won’t turn on because of a minor fault. Whereas, there are also problems with the inner mechanism. Here we have briefly described troubleshooting rain bird sprinkler system.
Following these steps, you can eradicate the initial problems. You may purchase potential parts to fix it. Soon you will have a sprinkler with optimal working conditions.
Most time, faulty sprinkler valves cause severe problems. After following our guide, if the problem still occurs, you need to consult a professional or buy a brand new system.
You Can Also Read:
- Hunter Sprinkler Head Not Rotating? Fix Now!
- How To Clean Out a Sprinkler Valve Box | Do It In An Easy Way
- How to Water Narrow Strip of Lawn? Master the Techniques Now!
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Enamored with the world of golf Jack pursued a degree in Golf Course Management at THE Ohio State University. This career path allowed him to work on some of the highest profile golf courses in the country! Due to the pandemic, Jack began Inside The Yard as a side hustle that quickly became his main hustle. Since starting the company, Jack has relocated to a homestead in Central Arkansas where he and his wife raise cattle and two little girls.
