Troubleshooting Problems in a Sprinkler System

Name: Troubleshooting Problems in a Sprinkler System
Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)

8 of the most common irrigation & sprinkler system problems are broken down into step by step instructions.

Created byMichael Haynes

Last updated 9/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Learn about the top 8 problems experienced in sprinkler system service and repair.
Watch and learn how to troubleshoot a timer as part of individual troubleshooting scenarios.
Put your fundamental skills learned in earlier courses to work in the field
Practice a troubleshooting methodology that will become second nature as you develop into a skilled technician.

Course content

2 sections • 10 lectures • 1h 53m total length

Introduction to Troubleshooting6:34
In this lesson, I give you a few thoughts and suggestions about the troubleshooting process. In the video, I say there's 9 issues and videos, but while filming, I combined two issues into one video. I had originally considered one zone stuck on and system stuck on as separate, but it made more sense to handle as one issue. So, there's actually 8 separate Troubleshooting scenarios in this course.

Download the 14 page PDF Troubleshooting Guide to follow along.
Troubleshooting an Irrigation Timer, Controller, or Clock15:59
quickly troubleshoot an irrigation timer by checking settings (time/date, start times, programs, run times, water days) and testing wiring and 24v ac voltage with a multimeter.

Entire System Won't Work14:57
Execute a step-by-step irrigation troubleshooting workflow, verifying the timer and zones, inspecting water sources and wiring, and identifying electrical or valve-related causes of a completely inoperative system.
Single Zone Won't Work10:15
Multiple Zones Won't Work13:51
Sprinkler System is Stuck On7:58
Diagnose a sprinkler system stuck on by evaluating whether a single zone or the whole program loops, checking timer settings and valves, then test and replace faulty components.
Single Zone has Weak Pressure6:47
Identify and fix a zone with weak pressure by performing timer-based troubleshooting, checking voltage, resistance, and solenoids, then inspect valves, pipes, leaks, and complete necessary repairs.
Entire System has Weak Pressure18:34
Identify why sprinkler system shows weak pressure with a step-by-step diagnosis from timer checks to valve and backflow inspection. Focus on master valves, pressure reducing valves, and the main supply.
Slow Leak13:05
Learn to diagnose a slow irrigation leak by checking meters, isolating the irrigation system, inspecting valve boxes and heads, adjusting timers, and evaluating advanced leak detection options.
Water Leaking from Sprinkler5:03
Identify three sprinkler head leak scenarios—leaks only while running, continuous leaks, and post shutoff drainage—and fix by replacing heads, installing check valves, or rebuilding valves, with timer checks.

Requirements

This Course is an intermediate level course, building on the fundamental knowledge shared in our previous Courses.

Description

Step by step troubleshooting methods for 8 of the most common problems that happen to a sprinkler / irrigation system.

12 Lectures | Intermediate Level

2 hrs of video content

14 page detailed PDF download Troubleshooting Guide

Lifetime access

Certificate of Completion

This is an intermediate level course that assumes you have basic knowledge of common irrigation repair tasks. There is a separate lesson on how to troubleshoot the timer, but not explicit instructions on how to replace heads, rebuild or replace valves, etc.

Curriculum:

* Introduction to Troubleshooting

* Troubleshooting a Timer, Controller, or Clock

* Entire Sprinkler System Won't Work

* Single Zone Won't Work

* Multiple Zones Won't Work

* Sprinkler System Won't Shut Off

* Single Zone has Weak Pressure

* Entire System has Weak Pressure

* Slow Leak Somewhere on the System

* Water Leaking from Sprinkler

First, we'll start with a discussion of establishing a troubleshooting mindset. I'll give you some tips on how to think about the possibility of multiple problems happening at once. As we go through each troubleshooting issue, you may get a little tired of hearing the first few steps over and over. It's for a purpose that I put all the steps in each video. For one, I like each video to be a stand-alone instruction, walking the viewer step by step through the resolution. Secondly, I want you to have these steps ingrained in your mind. To be an effective and profitable repair-person, you need to be able to quickly move through these first steps as if it's second nature, and not resort to following hunches or guesses.

Who this course is for:

This course is for irrigation and sprinkler system technicians and apprentices.

Troubleshooting Problems in a Sprinkler System

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 23min

8 Common Sprinkler System Problems8 lectures • 1hr 31min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: