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Automatic Sprinkler Controller Box Information

Before you begin
Manage your controller box
Basic controller box features
Programming tips
Seasonal adjustments
Upgrade

Outdoor watering typically accounts for the majority of household water use — and water bills — during summer. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, please remember the convenience it provides also requires a responsibility to ensure it is working properly and efficiently.

Manual operation of automatic sprinkler systems provides an efficient method of irrigating lawns because you control the amount of water that is applied. However, if you set your controller box to run automatically and it is not programmed properly, your irrigation system could use up to 35 percent more water than homes without a sprinkler system. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your system is set properly for the most efficient water use.

Before you begin

  • Hire a licensed irrigator if you decide to install an automatic sprinkler system. The licensed irrigator should be knowledgeable about hydrozoning* and the most water-efficient irrigation technology.
    • Locate licensed irrigators in your area by using the search tool from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at http://www5.tceq.state.tx.us/lic_dpa/
    • *Hydrozoning is the practice of separating beds and turfs, which have separate watering needs, into different zones. This takes into consideration not only the varying watering needs of your landscape, but also differences in sunny and shaded areas.
  • The controller box of a new automatic sprinkler system should have:
    • A multiple scheduling option to allow watering of different zones with varying water needs.
    • A rain-shutoff device, such as a wireless rain sensor, is a convenient way to use up to 30 percent less water by automatically turning off your system when it rains. Be sure to place your rain sensor in an open area.
    • A water budget feature, which allows percentage adjustments without having to reprogram.
    • Test functions, which will allow you to monitor the effectiveness of your system and make needed adjustments.
  • Also look for new “smart” irrigation controllers that adjust watering run times by using weather data. These controllers apply water based on the evapotranspiration (ET) rate. ET is a measure of the amount of water required to maximize plant growth given the prevailing temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, among other factors.


Manage your controller box

Know how to operate your sprinkler system controller. If you know it’s going to rain, turn it off for the day. Remember, manual operation of your system is the most efficient, but if you are running your system automatically, be sure your controller box is programmed properly.

  • Things to consider:
    • What days do you want your automatic sprinkler system to operate? Be sure to follow your locally regulated watering schedule. Generally, you will only need to water 1 inch a week to maintain a healthy lawn and encourage deep root growth. Watering more frequently is wasteful, unnecessary, and can even damage your lawn.
    • What time do you want to start your automatic sprinkler system? Again, check your locally regulated watering schedule for appropriate watering days and times. It is best to water in the evenings or early morning (before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.). You can lose as much as 30 percent of water to evaporation by watering midday. Set your automatic sprinkler system to begin watering at a selected time between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.
    • How long is each zone being watered? To determine how long you should run your automatic sprinkler system per zone, set empty cans — such as tuna cans — in your yard and time how long it takes your irrigation system to fill each up to half an inch. This provides you with the proper watering run time for each zone. Watering twice a week will ensure that your lawn receives one inch per week.
  • Know how to set and adjust your controller box. Reference your user’s manual for specific instructions on how to set and adjust watering days and times for various zones. You can download operation manuals from several top manufacturers; here are links to several common brands:


    • Basic controller box features

    • A Program is where you store all of your settings. It consists of a set of stations set to specific start times and run times for the various zones. Systems that allow for multiple schedule options [A, B, & C] allow you to operate different valves on specified days with varying run times. Make sure each program simultaneously waters zones with similar landscape watering needs to maximize irrigation efficiency.
    • Stations control the valves that release water to the irrigation Zones in your yard or garden. Assign areas with similar watering needs to the same station or zone. This allows for more efficient watering since all emitters and/or sprinklers on a single valve will run for the same amount of time. Multiple stations or zones allow you to customize watering amounts for varying types of plants by allowing for specific run times for different valves.
    • The Start Time is the time at which a specific valve will open to irrigate a station or zone.
    • The Run Time or Station Duration is the time, in minutes, a specific valve will stay open to water a zone.
    • Off or Stop will stop programs from running until you toggle back to “Run.” Your programs will be saved. This is great during rainy periods.
    • The Manual button allows you to run a single valve for a specified amount of time. This is helpful when you want to tune-up your irrigation system and check for leaks, misaligned sprinkler heads, or clogged drip emitters.


    Programming tips

    • Begin by setting the correct date and time.
    • Next, set your watering days, and then set the beginning time and duration for each station.
    • Repeat the process to set a secondary schedule.
    • Group stations or valves that require the same watering frequencies on the same program (such as A, B, or C)
      • For example, use program A for lawn irrigation and B & C for other zones that require different frequencies of watering, such as Xeriscape, shrubs, vegetable gardens, etc.
    • Enter only one start time for each program even when there are multiple stations or valves.
    • Enter different start times on different programs (A, B, C) to avoid overlap of water times.
    • Use multiple start times if excessive runoff is a problem


    Seasonal adjustments

    Most people are not aware that lawns do not require the same amount of water with the change of each season. As a result, most lawns are irrigated the same amount year-round, resulting in water waste.

    • Reset: The controller controls the irrigation system, but YOU control the controller. Reset your irrigation timer each season. Reset the timer on the first day of the month in March, May, October, and December.
    • Keep fresh batteries. Be sure your controller box has a fresh battery so that it can maintain the watering schedule in the event of a power outage. Without this backup energy supply, the controller box goes back to the default settings — often watering every day.
    • Use a water budget: Set your controller to work with the seasons.
      • Run the system at 100 percent during June through September
      • Run the system 50 percent during October and March through May
      • Turn off your irrigation system from November through February
        • Landscapes need little or no supplemental water at this time.
        • Save money on your wastewater bill all year long by using less during the winter-averaging period.
    • Audit annually: Once a year, have your entire irrigation system, including the sprinkler control box, checked by a licensed irrigator to ensure that it is operating properly and efficiently. In addition to making any needed adjustments to your controller box, be sure to:
      • Repair broken sprinkler heads — watch for geysers or pooling at the base of the head.
      • Adjust misdirected sprinkler heads — don’t spray sidewalks, streets, etc.
      • Clear blocked sprinkler heads — trim high grass, shrubs, and other landscape items that are in the way.
      • Repair sunken sprinkler heads — make sure sprinkler heads pop up at the proper time.


    Upgrade!

    If your sprinkler controller box is several years old, you might not be taking advantage of newer features such as built-in rain sensors, water budgeting features or a multiple schedule option. Updating your sprinkler control box could save you a significant amount of water and money each season. Check with your local water provider to see if they offer a program to upgrade to a “smart” controller. Other options your local water provider may provide include programming assistance or irrigation check-ups.