Zone Not Activating - Sprinkler Controller

There are several different scenarios which may prevent a zone from watering. This article will cover several different scenarios and how to resolve them.

If you can activate a zone via the app but are unable to quick run a zone via the buttons on the controller itself, the buttons may have become obstructed by debris. You can try cleaning the buttons:

1. Use a clean dry toothbrush, gently and thoroughly scrub the space between the button and the controller house.
2. This is best done with the controller faced upside down.
   
   

If the issue persists, the controller may need to be replaced. Please reach out to our support team to see if your controller may be covered under warranty.

Conversely, you may notice the opposite: you are able to run zones using the physical buttons on the controller, but unable to run zones from the app. In this case, the issue could be related to the M Terminal, and the associated app settings.

Follow the steps below to check your advanced wiring settings in the app.

1. Open the Rachio app, select the respective sprinkler controller, and go to the settings wheel at the top right corner.

2. Go to controller settings > Advanced Wiring (M Terminal).

There, select one of the three options, according to your irrigation system:

• Master Valve (if your system utilizes a Master Valve)
• Well or Pump Start Relay (if your system has a pump start relay or indexing valve)
• Neither (use when there is nothing attached to your controller’s M Terminal)

If you are able to perform a quick run on the zone from the Rachio app or via the physical buttons on the controller itself, and the app shows the zone is running but your sprinkler heads are not throwing any water, please follow these steps:

1. Move the wire for a zone that is working with the non-working zone. For example, if Zone 1 isn't working, but Zone 2 is, remove the Zone 2 wire and move the Zone 1 wire into the Zone 2 terminal.
2. Then open the Rachio App and select the Quick Run button on your Home screen.
3. Run the zone you swapped the wire for and check if you see any water coming out of the original non-working zone. For example, if you moved the Zone 1 wire into the Zone 2 terminal, you will test Zone 2 in the app.

If the issue was resolved by swapping the wires, you have a defective terminal for the non-working zone and the controller will need to be replaced. In this case, please reach out to our support team tp see if your controller may be covered under warranty.

If the issue persists, you likely have physical problem with the irrigation system, such as a broken wire or a stuck solenoid valve. In this case, we recommend that you reach out to an irrigation specialist for assistance.

If there is no water coming out of any zones at all, here are a few things to check:

1. Is the water on? Sometimes a contractor may close the water to do some work in your yard and forget to turn it back on. Check your backflow preventer if the valves are open (there are usually two or more ball valves).

2. Do you have a Master Valve in your system? You can easily check this: If the Rachio controller has a wire inserted in the M terminal, your system has either a Master Valve or Pump.

• Check if the system runs by using the controller's buttons but not the app. This will indicate you need to enable the M terminal in your controller settings.
• If you have a pump, check if the PSR powers on with an audible click when the controller starts. If you have a Master Valve, manually open the solenoid by carefully unscrewing it a quarter of a turn - you should hear water flowing when you run the controller.
• If none of the above works, you might have an issue that will require an irrigation specialist to diagnose.
  
  3. If you do not have a master valve, the issue might be with the common wire of your irrigation system. Your Rachio controller has multiple C terminals. Try switching the wire for a different C terminal and run again.

Do you still need help?

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