Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Irrigation

Irrigation Pump Short-Cycles After Cycle Completes

Pump in garage runs a split second every minute after irrigation cycle ends.

Likely Cause

Controller has unused stations programmed with run times. Even without valves wired, the controller energizes the pump start relay. Clear run times on unused stations. Alternatively, controller may be failing and sending phantom signals.

Irrigation: Rain Bird Controller On But Pump Not Starting: Test PS/MV Terminal Voltage; Nelson SmartZone EZ: Zone 2 Won’t Shut Off – Pump Relay or Controller Fault; Irritrol RD-600 Only Outputs 15VAC: Controller or Wiring Fault?; Rain Bird Controller: New Unit Doesn’t Start Pump – Wiring or Pump Issue; Hardie Controller Manual Station Error: Replace Panel or Upgrade to Rain Dial; Hunter Pro-C "P Err" and Zone Errors – Pump Start Relay Wiring; Rain Bird System Requires Manual Pump Switch – Relay or Wiring Fault; Rain Bird RC-7Bi: Zone 3 Valve Won't Open, Pump Dead-Heads and Blows Fittings; Rain Dial RD-600 Timer Flashes and Pump Surges Briefly Then Stops; Pump Runs Automatically But Delivers No Water: Relay or Controller Sync

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