Do you ever wonder why your Hunter sprinkler system runs twice? This is a common issue that many homeowners face with their irrigation systems. It can be frustrating to see your sprinklers turn on and off multiple times throughout the day, especially if you’re trying to conserve water. Fortunately, there are several reasons why this might be happening, and troubleshooting the problem can help you save water and money.
One of the most common reasons why your sprinkler system might run twice is due to programming too many start times. Hunter controllers allow you to set up multiple start times, which can enable running programs more than once daily. However, every start time will prompt the controller to go through all the station run times on the specified program. If you have assigned more than one start time to the same program, your sprinklers will repeat the watering sequence. To fix this issue, you can cancel the extra start times on your Hunter controller. Refer to your owner’s manual for assistance with programming and troubleshooting your sprinkler controller.
Another reason why your sprinkler system might run twice is due to water leaks, usually caused by high pressure from a broken solenoid. Low water pressure can also cause uneven watering, which can leave your lawn with yellow patches of grass. These issues don’t always mean the valve solenoid is bad. However, it is best to seek a professional opinion to diagnose and repair any leaks or other issues with your sprinkler system. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your sprinkler components, such as debris in the valve, diaphragm, and sensor, can also help prevent irrigation problems and save water.
Possible Causes of a Hunter Sprinkler System Running Twice
If your Hunter sprinkler system runs twice, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Here are some possible causes and troubleshooting tips to help you identify and fix the issue.
Programming Issues
One common issue that can cause your sprinkler system to run twice is programming errors. If you have multiple start times programmed for the same program, your system will repeat the cycle. Check your controller’s programming to ensure that you have only one start time per active program. Remember that the numbers 1-4 in the start times dial position represent the program start times, not stations.
Valve Issues
Another possible cause of your sprinkler system running twice is valve issues. If a valve is not closing properly, it can cause water to continue flowing even after the cycle has completed. Check your valve box for any debris that may be blocking the valve and preventing it from closing. If the valve is damaged, you may need to disassemble it and replace any faulty components such as the diaphragm.
Sensor Issues
If your sprinkler system is equipped with a rain or moisture sensor, it may be causing your system to run twice. If the sensor is faulty or improperly installed, it may not be detecting the moisture level correctly, causing your system to activate unnecessarily. Check your sensor’s wiring and make sure it is properly connected to your sprinkler controller. If the sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, you may need to replace it.
To troubleshoot your sprinkler system running twice, try the following tips:
- Check your controller’s programming to ensure that you have only one start time per active program.
- Check your valve box for any debris that may be blocking the valve and preventing it from closing.
- Check your rain or moisture sensor’s wiring and make sure it is properly connected to your sprinkler controller.
- Rinse your sprinkler heads to remove any debris that may be causing them to malfunction.
- If you are unsure how to troubleshoot your system, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.
Remember that running your sprinkler system twice can waste water and increase your water bill. By identifying and fixing the issue, you can save water and help prevent drought and disease in your lawn and garden.
Programming Issues
If your Hunter sprinkler system is running twice, one of the most common reasons could be programming issues. Here are some things to check:
- Programmed Start Times: If you have programmed multiple start times, your system will run more than once. For example, if you have programmed your system to run at 6:00 am and again at 7:00 am, it will run twice. To fix this issue, make sure you have only programmed one start time per active program. You can have multiple active programs, but each program should only have one start time.
- Assigned Stations: Each station should be assigned to a program (A, B, C, etc.). If a station is assigned to multiple programs, it will run multiple times. Make sure each station is only assigned to one program.
- Start Time Switch: Make sure the start time switch is set to “Auto” and not “Manual.” If it is set to “Manual,” your system will run every time you activate it.
- Valve Issues: If your system is still running after the programmed time has completed, there could be an issue with your valves. Check your valves to make sure they are working properly.
- Multiple Start Times: If you want your system to run more than once a day, you can program multiple start times. However, make sure you are not programming too many start times. Each start time will prompt the controller to go through all the station run times on the specified program.
- Active Program: Make sure you have an active program. If you do not have an active program, your system will not run at all.
- Morning Dew: If you have programmed your system to run in the morning, it may be running twice due to morning dew. The morning dew may be triggering your system to run again. To fix this issue, you can adjust your start time to a later time.
By checking these programming issues, you can help prevent your Hunter sprinkler system from running twice. If these steps do not help, you may need to call a professional to repair your system.
Valve Issues Hunter Sprinkler System
If your Hunter sprinkler system is running twice, one of the common issues that may be causing this problem is valve issues. The valves are responsible for controlling the flow of water to the sprinkler heads. If there is debris in the valve, it can cause the diaphragm to stay open, which can lead to the sprinkler system running twice.
To troubleshoot this issue, you can try disassembling the valve, rinsing off all the parts with clean water, and reassembling it. If this does not work or you cannot locate the valves, you may need to contact the contractor who installed your system.
Another possible issue is a faulty solenoid. The solenoid is a cylinder with two wires that controls the valve. You can test the solenoid by running that station manually from the controller and seeing if the plunger retracts when energized. If the solenoid is bad, you will need to replace it.
It is important to note that proper maintenance of the valves is essential to prevent issues like this from occurring. You should regularly check the valve box for leaks and debris, and ensure that the valve components are functioning properly.
Additionally, it is important to program your sprinkler system correctly. Make sure that the station run times are set correctly and that the watering cycles are programmed to run sequentially and in numerical order. If you have programmed multiple start times, this can cause the system to cycle through the program multiple times, which can lead to the sprinkler system running twice.
In the afternoon and evening, it is important to adjust the run time to ensure that the system is not overwatering. This will help prevent issues like this from occurring in the future.
In summary, valve issues can be a common issue that can cause a Hunter sprinkler system to run twice. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try disassembling the valve, checking for debris, and testing the solenoid. Proper maintenance and programming of the system can also help prevent issues like this from occurring.
Sprinkler System Sensor Issues
If your Hunter sprinkler system is running twice, it could be due to sensor issues. A rain sensor is designed to prevent the sprinkler system from running when it is raining. However, if the sensor is malfunctioning, it may not be detecting the rain, causing the system to run twice.
To troubleshoot this issue, you should first check if the rain sensor is working properly. You can do this by manually activating the sensor and checking if it interrupts the watering cycle. If it does not, you may need to replace the sensor.
Another common issue with sensors is that they can become clogged with debris, dirt, or other materials. This can cause the sensor to malfunction and not detect rain properly. To fix this issue, you can clean the sensor with a soft brush or cloth.
If you have a wireless rain sensor, you should also check if it is properly connected to the sprinkler controller. Sometimes, the connection between the sensor and the controller can become loose, causing the sensor to malfunction. You can check the connection by referring to your owner’s manual or contacting customer service assistance.
Remember that a properly functioning rain sensor can help you save water, especially during drought or disease seasons. It can also prevent overwatering, which can lead to soil erosion and other irrigation problems.
Here is a table to summarize the steps to troubleshoot sensor issues:
| Steps to Troubleshoot Sensor Issues |
|---|
| 1. Check if the rain sensor is working properly. |
| 2. Manually activate the sensor to check if it interrupts the watering cycle. |
| 3. Clean the sensor with a soft brush or cloth. |
| 4. Check if the wireless rain sensor is properly connected to the sprinkler controller. |
By following these steps, you can identify and fix any sensor issues that may be causing your Hunter sprinkler system to run twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sprinkler system run twice?
If your Hunter sprinkler system runs more than once, it could be due to programming too many Start Times. Hunter controllers allow you to set up multiple Start Times to enable running programs more than once daily. Each Start Time will prompt the controller to go through all the Station Run Times on the specified program. Check your controller settings to ensure that you have not programmed too many Start Times.
Why are my run times changing?
If your sprinkler system’s run times are changing, it could be due to a faulty controller or a power surge. Check your controller settings to see if they have been reset or if there are any other issues that could be causing the problem. You may need to replace your controller or contact a professional to troubleshoot the issue.
Why is my sprinkler system cycling?
If your sprinkler system is cycling, it could be due to too many programmed start times. Only one start time per active program is required, and a second start time will cycle the program an additional time. Check your controller settings to ensure that you have not programmed too many start times.
Why are my sprinkler zones running at the same time?
If your sprinkler zones are running at the same time, it could be due to a wiring issue or a faulty valve. Check your wiring connections and valve settings to ensure that they are correct and functioning properly.
Why is my irrigation system turning on when it’s not programmed?
If your irrigation system is turning on when it’s not programmed, it could be due to a faulty controller or a wiring issue. Check your controller settings and wiring connections to ensure that they are correct and functioning properly.
Why is my sprinkler system running when it’s supposed to be off?
If your sprinkler system is running when it’s supposed to be off, it could be due to a faulty valve or a wiring issue. Check your valve settings and wiring connections to ensure that they are correct and functioning properly.
If you are having trouble troubleshooting your sprinkler system, contact a professional for assistance. They can help diagnose and fix any issues you may be experiencing.
Sprinkler Expert