Inground Sprinklers Won't Start After Winterization

Symptom: Water On, Clock Shows Active, No Heads Pop Up

After winterization, main valve turned on, controller shows "rain drop" (active), but no water to heads. Manual valve operation also fails.

Suspect: Master Valve Not Opening

Many systems have a master valve (MV) after the main shutoff. It must be energized by the controller (MV/PS terminal) before any zone valve gets water.

Check Controller

1. Look at controller terminals: wire on MV or PS?
2. If yes, locate that valve (near main shutoff) and check if it's manually bled open (bleed screw closed?).
3. Test MV voltage at controller when a zone runs.

If No Master Valve

Main shutoff gate/ball valve may not be fully open (gate broken, ball not turning). Verify flow downstream.

Quick Test

Open a manual drain or hose bib on the mainline after the shutoff—water should flow freely.