One of Six Zones Not Working: DIY Troubleshooting Steps

New Homeowner's Guide to Fixing a Single Dead Zone

New desert homeowner, 8 months in. Irrigation handyman started system 2 months ago. Now one zone (shrubs/trees/flowers) doesn't work. No leaks, no noises, no diagram. Three companies no-showed. Must DIY.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1. Find the valve for that zone – Look for valve boxes (green lids) in the non-working area.
2. Test manually – Turn the small solenoid bleed screw or lever on the valve. Water should flow.
3. If water flows → Electrical issue. Check wire connections at valve; replace with waterproof wire nuts.
4. If no water → Supply issue. Check main valve, filter, or upstream valve.
5. Water manually – Use the valve's manual bleed to water plants until fixed.

No Diagram? Map It Yourself

Run each zone manually and flag heads. Label valves accordingly.

Most single-zone failures are wiring—start there.