If your sprinkler system won’t start, the symptom alone can’t identify the cause. Use these safe checks to describe what’s happening, then contact a sprinkler-system professional if it still won’t run.

What might keep a sprinkler system from starting

Possible causes include a controller or power issue, a water-supply problem, or a fault affecting a valve or zone. Without opening equipment, note whether the controller display is on, whether its normal controls respond, and whether the problem affects every zone or just one.

When to call a sprinkler-system professional

Contact a professional if the system still won’t start after you check its normal controls, if one or more zones won’t run, or if you notice a visible leak. Don’t open electrical equipment or take apart sprinkler components.

Get help with the sprinkler system

Use the Sprinkler System service page to look for providers who handle this work.

Need help with this? Find a local provider