My Orbit Lawn Irrigation Timer Cannot Shut Off a Zone

Manually Activated Valve

• During drainage procedures, such as with irrigation system winterization, valves are left opened to drain and avoid water accumulation, which might freeze and damage the system during harsh winter climates. If the valve isn't closed and sealed off properly, the valve might not respond to the timer when the timer tells it to turn off. Locate the valve manifold box and tighten the large knob on the top of the valve, called the solenoid. Just in front of the solenoid is a bleed screw. Tighten this completely and turn the valve off at the Orbit controller.

Valve Blocked

• Sometimes water valves collect debris during the watering cycle, which can block the internal mechanisms of the valve and allow water to continuously run through it. You can remove the blockage using water and your hands only. Do not try to clean the valve with harsh cleaners or oil, unless the directions specify to do so, as you might damage the valve. Locate the irrigation shut-off valve and shut it off. Unscrew the solenoid of the valve in question. Remove the solenoid filter and plunger. Clean away all visible blockage, replace the clean filter and plunger, and test the valve from the Orbit timer again.

Schedules Overlap

• If many stations turn off but one fails to, then the malfunctioning station might have two different schedules activating it in close proximity. Orbit timers have a switch that allows you to set schedules for the same stations or zones within different programs. Flip the switch to the first program and observe the zone in question. Review the scheduled activation times for the zone. Flip the switch to the next program and repeat the process, until you find and adjust the overlapping schedule.

Long Duration

• An Orbit irrigation features a "Station Duration" setting on the dial, which tells the sprinklers how long to water once activated. If the zone doesn't shut off when desired, the duration time might be set too high. Twist the dial to the "Station Duration" and use the navigation buttons to review the watering duration times for each zone in each program. If the duration time is higher than desired, use the navigation buttons to lower it.