Troubleshooting a Toro EL-6+ Sprinkler System After Main Water Shutoff

If your two-zone Toro system (with bronze valves) stops working in both auto and manual modes after you shut off the main house supply, the issue is hydraulic—not electrical. Since the breaker is fine and manual valve operation yields no water, trace the supply line.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Check for a closed isolation valve between the house main and the irrigation tie-in. A ball valve or gate valve may have been accidentally turned.
2. Verify flow controls on the valves (the knob on top of each bronze valve) are fully open (counterclockwise).
3. Shut off the house main again. Open the manual bleed on both valves. Then slowly reopen the house main. This purges air and reseats diaphragms.
4. Inspect the backflow preventer test cocks and shutoff handles—ensure they're open.

If Still No Water

There may be debris lodged in the valve seats from the pressure drop/restore cycle. Disassemble and clean the valves. Also verify the controller's common wire is intact (though manual operation bypasses the controller).

Since you have no manual, download the Toro EL-6+ manual from Toro's website for wiring diagrams and valve service instructions.