Top Mistakes to Avoid When Using Irrigation Controllers

In the same way your water intake differs from that of your friend, sibling, or neighbor, water intake also differs between garden types. Luckily, irrigation systems have evolved to analyze tangible data and adjust based on the specific needs of your plants in real time. That said, it can be difficult to use an irrigation controller when you don’t know much about the technology. Let’s dive into common irrigation controller mistakes and how to avoid them. Incorrect Irrigation Controller Programming If you think you may have programmed your irrigation controller incorrectly, it is imperative to ensure that the programming is actually the problem. Like anything else, there could be a few reasons why your controller isn’t working properly, including a malfunctioning rain sensor, forgetting to turn your water on, broken sprinklers, a bad transformer, or a failing valve on the system out in your yard. Once you’ve determined that no other part of your irrigation system is damaged or otherwise malfunctioning, you can examine your controller. It’s likely that the controller itself is fine; it’s just incorrectly programmed. Here are some things to look for: an inactive system, unsaved start or run times, and an accidentally activated manual override. Regarding activation, even if you have it programmed correctly, it will only activate once the controller is set to automatic. Sometimes, you’ve just forgotten to save your start or run time, so the controller isn’t actually programmed yet. Both of those can be fixed with the press of a button. A manual override can often be solved by turning the controller off and on again. But if that doesn’t work, just check the sprinkler’s programming, delete anything that doesn’t belong there, save it, and set it to automatic. Neglecting Seasonal Irrigation Controller Adjustments Most irrigation controllers have a seasonal adjustment setting that lets you change your sprinkler run times based on your garden's needs throughout the year. This way, you can make small changes without having to reprogram the whole system. Some controllers even allow you to pre-program the monthly percentage so the controller adjusts automatically. That said, most settings work by changing the set watering times by percentage value. For example, if your run time is 10 minutes at 100%, it would be 8 minutes at 80%. You want to increase the percentage when it’s hotter outside and decrease it when it’s colder. You should change it at least four times per year. Adjusting your irrigation controller seasonally is important because lower temperatures and evaporation rates mean your plants don’t need as much water. That’s why you turn your irrigation off in winter and increase the percentage as the weather warms. Too much water will drown or infect your plants with disease, and not enough will dry them out or stunt their growth. Failing to Maintain Your Irrigation Controller System Because proper irrigation is crucial for optimal plant growth, it’s imperative to inspect your irrigation system multiple times per year. The same goes for your controller. Before the season begins, you should check the controller’s manual, replace the battery, and check for debris and wear on the wiring. This is also a good time to check the time and day settings and remove any end caps from drip lines or the last sprinkler head in each zone. You check the irrigation controller multiple times throughout the season, especially as the weather changes. It is important to inspect for leaks in the irrigation control valves, mains, and laterals. You also want to ensure your rain sensor is working properly so you can conserve water. You should also check the transformer to ensure the voltage is 19 and 30 volts AC. If you fail to maintain your irrigation controller, it can develop leaks, clogs, and other damage, including electrical damage. This will result in wasted water that fails to properly irrigate your landscape as well as environmental damage and increased utility bills. Inspections don’t take long, saving you from costly repairs later. Conclusion Overall, irrigation controllers are user-friendly once you know your plant’s required irrigation patterns. Plus, irrigation controller advancements are making it so that irrigation becomes more automated and autonomous, further reducing the amount of maintenance it needs. Now, you’re equipped with the ability to handle common irrigation controller snags that come your way.