Irrigation System Loses Pressure After 5 Minutes – Water Supply vs Controller

An 18-station system that runs 5 minutes then loses pressure, with good household pressure, indicates water supply cannot meet irrigation demand.

Diagnosis

1. Run a zone; monitor pressure drop.
2. Check household pressure simultaneously—if it also drops, supply is insufficient.
3. Test controller output with volt/ohm meter: if 24 VAC holds while pressure drops, controller is fine.

Solutions

• Add storage tank + booster pump.
• Install larger pressure tank.
• Reduce zone flow (smaller nozzles, fewer heads).

Well pump may need recovery time; irrigation uses far more water than showers.