Is your sprinkler zone still running even after the irrigation cycle has ended? A sprinkler zone that won’t stop running can waste water, increase your utility bills, and potentially damage your lawn if left unchecked.
The good news is that this issue is often caused by one of a few common problems. By understanding the possible causes and knowing what to look for, you can determine whether it’s a simple fix or if it’s time to call an irrigation professional.
Why a Sprinkler Zone Won’t Stop Running
A sprinkler zone that won’t shut off doesn’t always mean your irrigation system has a major problem. In some cases, the water you’re seeing is simply draining from the pipes after the system has finished watering. In other situations, a faulty valve or clogged component prevents the zone from closing completely.
Identifying the cause before attempting repairs can save time, reduce unnecessary part replacements, and help restore your irrigation system more quickly.
How to Identify the Cause
Before taking your irrigation system apart, observe how the sprinkler heads behave after the controller turns the zone off.
If only the lowest sprinkler head slowly drips water for a short period before stopping, the issue is likely normal low head drainage. However, if water continues flowing or the sprinkler heads keep spraying long after the cycle ends, there’s a good chance the valve isn’t closing properly.
Once you’ve identified the likely cause, you can begin troubleshooting using the steps below.
Common Reasons a Sprinkler Zone Won’t Stop Running
1. Low head runoff.
If low head runoff is an issue, water will seem to slowly seep out of the lowest head on the zone after it has turned off. This occurs because the irrigation pipes are full of water, and the water will drain out of the pipes if they are on a slope. The water should stop running quickly after the pipes empty out. An easy solution for this is to install a check valve on the low sprinkler heads or purchase a sprinkler head with a check valve already in it, then reinstall the head at the lowest head locations.
2. Solenoid valve failure or blockage.
If the valve is determined to be the problem, it is usually fairly simple to repair. Turn the main water supply off to the irrigation system and follow the steps below.
- Find the valve location in the field, and find the retainer bolts that connect the bonnet to the valve body. Loosen the bolts with a screwdriver or nut driver.
- Next, take the bonnet off of the valve body and locate the diaphragm and support ring. Carefully take the diaphragm out of the valve body and inspect it for damage or wear and tear. If the diaphragm needs replaced, you can usually get replacement parts from a supply house or local contractor.
- Check the valve body for dirt or debris that may be inside the valve itself or main sprinkler piping.
- Flush the main sprinkler line to clear out any debris.
- Be sure to reassemble the valve exactly how it was taken apart.
- Turn the water supply on and test the system.
How to Prevent Future Sprinkler Valve Problems
Routine irrigation maintenance can help reduce the chances of a sprinkler zone staying on unexpectedly. Inspect sprinkler valves for debris, clean filters when needed, and check that sprinkler heads aren’t damaged or leaking. Running seasonal inspections also helps identify worn parts before they cause larger problems.
If your irrigation system is older, replacing worn diaphragms or faulty solenoids during regular maintenance may help prevent future valve failures and keep each zone operating properly.
When to Call an Irrigation Professional
While many sprinkler valve issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, some problems require professional diagnosis. If you’ve cleaned the valve, inspected the diaphragm, and the sprinkler zone still won’t stop running, there may be an electrical issue, controller problem, or damaged valve that requires specialized equipment.
An experienced irrigation technician can quickly identify the cause, recommend the appropriate repair, and help prevent unnecessary water waste or damage to your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does only one sprinkler zone keep running?
If only one zone continues running, the problem is usually a stuck irrigation valve, a damaged diaphragm, or debris preventing the valve from closing properly. Checking the valve first can help identify the cause.
2. Is a sprinkler zone that won’t stop running always caused by a bad valve?
Not always. A sprinkler zone won’t stop running can also be the result of normal low head drainage, especially if water only trickles from the lowest sprinkler head for a short time after the cycle ends.
3. Can I prevent sprinkler valve problems in the future?
Yes. Regularly inspecting your irrigation system, cleaning valves, and replacing worn components can help prevent unexpected failures and keep each zone operating efficiently.
Conclusion
A sprinkler zone that won’t stop running is often caused by low head runoff or a valve that isn’t functioning properly. Knowing how to identify the cause can help you decide whether it’s a simple repair or something that requires professional attention. If the problem continues after troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to contact an irrigation expert to restore your system and keep your landscape healthy.
If your sprinkler system won’t stop running and you need further help, give us a call at (440)935-1182 or send us an email at [email protected].