CONTROLLER &
TIMER REPAIR
Your controller is the brain of the sprinkler system. When it goes blank, skips zones, forgets its program or runs at the wrong times, the whole yard suffers. We diagnose the controller, transformer and field wiring, then repair, replace and program it so your system waters on schedule.
WHAT YOUR CONTROLLER DOES
The controller, or timer, decides when each zone runs and for how long. It sends a low-voltage signal down a wire to each valve, turning zones on and off in sequence. It also handles start times, watering days, seasonal adjustments and input from rain or freeze sensors.
Controllers live a hard life in Texas. Garage and exterior units deal with heat, humidity, power surges and the occasional insect nest. Transformers fail, backup batteries die, station outputs burn out and screens fade. Wiring at the terminal strip can loosen or corrode. Sometimes the controller is fine and the program is simply wrong, like extra start times that make zones run two or three times a day.
Because the controller connects to everything else, symptoms that look like a controller problem sometimes come from the field wiring or valves, and vice versa. We test both sides before recommending a repair or replacement.
Placement matters too. A controller mounted in direct afternoon sun, near a dryer vent or somewhere that floods can fail early. When we replace one, we'll suggest a better spot if the current location is part of the problem.
Signs Your Controller Needs Attention
- Blank or flickering display
- Zones running at the wrong times or on the wrong days
- System running more than once a day unexpectedly
- One or more zones skipped during a cycle
- Program lost after a power outage
- Error messages or a fault indicator on the screen
- Controller clicking but no zones turning on
- Rain sensor not stopping the schedule
HOW WE REPAIR CONTROLLERS
We test from the power outlet to the valve so the fix addresses the real cause.
Check Power
We check the outlet, GFCI, transformer and internal fuse or breaker. Power problems are a common and often simple cause of a dead controller.
Review the Program
We look at the watering days, start times, run times and seasonal adjustment. Many "broken" controllers are running a program nobody meant to set.
Test Station Outputs
We measure the output on each station to confirm the controller is sending power to the zones it should.
Test Field Wiring
We check the common and station wires out to the valves for cuts, shorts and high resistance that can cause skipped zones or error messages.
Repair or Replace
We fix wiring, replace failed transformers or modules, or replace the controller when repair isn't practical, mounting it cleanly and labeling the wires.
Program & Walk Through
We set a schedule suited to your zones and the season, confirm every zone runs, and show you how to make basic adjustments.
CONTROLLER REPAIRS & UPGRADES
Depending on the age and condition of your controller, here are the paths we'll discuss.
Power & Transformer Repair
Failed transformers, tripped GFCIs and blown fuses repaired so the controller powers up reliably.
Terminal & Wiring Fixes
Loose, corroded or mislabeled wires at the terminal strip cleaned up, reconnected and labeled for future service.
Programming Reset
Clear out stray start times and outdated schedules and set a program that fits your zones, soil and season.
Like-for-Like Replacement
When a controller fails for good, we replace it with a reliable standard model that matches your zone count.
Smart Controller Upgrade
Weather-aware Wi-Fi controllers adjust watering automatically and let you control the system from your phone. See smart controllers.
Sensor Hookup
Rain and freeze sensors connected and tested so the controller skips watering when it should. See rain & freeze sensors.
A GOOD PROGRAM MATTERS AS MUCH AS A WORKING CONTROLLER
A controller can work perfectly and still waste water. Common problems include run times that were set for August and never turned down, multiple start times that repeat the entire cycle, and spray zones and rotor zones set to the same run time even though they apply water at very different rates.
On clay soil and slopes, long single runs often cause runoff before water soaks in. Splitting run times into shorter cycles with a break between them, called cycle-and-soak, gets more water into the root zone and less into the street. It can also reduce soggy spots that look like drainage problems. We also check your city's watering day rules so your schedule stays compliant.
Different zones need different treatment. Rotor zones on open lawn can run longer with fewer cycles, spray zones along beds need shorter runs, and drip zones may need longer, less frequent runs. A single run time for every zone is almost always wrong for most of them.
What We Set During Programming
- Watering days that follow local restrictions
- Start times that finish before mid-morning heat
- Run times matched to spray, rotor and drip zones
- Cycle-and-soak for clay soil and slopes
- Seasonal adjustment for cooler months
- Rain and freeze sensor enabled
WHEN TO REPLACE A CONTROLLER
Many controller problems are fixable: a bad transformer, a loose wire or a scrambled program. Replacement makes more sense when station outputs have failed, the display or board is damaged, parts aren't available, or the controller doesn't have enough stations for your zones.
If you're replacing anyway, it's worth considering a smart controller. They adjust watering to the weather and let you run zones from your phone, which makes troubleshooting and seasonal changes much easier. They aren't the right fit for everyone, and we'll give you a straight answer about whether one makes sense for your system.
Either way, we'll label the wires, mount the controller cleanly and leave you with a schedule that makes sense.
Before we leave, we'll make sure you know how to do the basics: turn the system off for rain, run a single zone to check it, and change the seasonal adjustment so run times go up or down with the weather. Those three things cover most of what homeowners need day to day.
CONTROLLER REPAIR ACROSS OUR TEXAS SERVICE AREAS
We provide sprinkler controller and timer repair throughout our Texas service areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston Metro communities as well as the Austin and San Antonio areas. We work on indoor and outdoor controllers from the common irrigation brands. See all the cities we serve or request service online.
CONTROLLER & TIMER REPAIR FAQ
MORE WAYS WE PROTECT YOUR YARD
Smart Controller Installation
Weather-aware Wi-Fi controllers installed and programmed zone by zone.
Learn moreRain & Freeze Sensors
Sensors that stop your system from running in rain or freezing weather.
Learn moreValve Repair & Replacement
Zones that won't turn on or won't shut off, fixed at the valve.
Learn moreTIMER ACTING
UP?
Blank screen, skipped zones or watering at the wrong time? We'll test it, fix it and program it right.