Running a rain bird sprinkler system manually is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Rain bird sprinklers are designed to provide efficient and convenient watering for lawns and gardens. Knowing how to manually operate your system gives you more control over when and where you water.
What is a Rain Bird Sprinkler System?
Rain bird is a popular brand of in-ground and automated sprinkler systems for watering lawns and gardens. Their systems consist of an electronic controller unit connected to a series of underground PVC pipes with sprinkler heads placed around the lawn or garden. The controller automatically runs the system based on set schedules and run times. However, rain bird controllers also allow for manual operation of the sprinklers.
Benefits of Rain Bird Systems
- Water savings – Rain bird sprinklers are designed for efficiency with options like rotating nozzles to prevent overspray.
- Healthier landscape – Proper watering keeps plants hydrated and thriving.
- Customizable – Systems can be designed for the unique shape and size of your landscape.
- Automatic operation – Set a schedule so you don’t have to remember to water.
- Zoning – Different sections of the landscape can have separate run times and schedules.
How to Manually Turn on Rain Bird Sprinklers
You may want to run your rain bird system manually to water new plantings, do supplemental watering in hot/dry weather, or test part of your system. Follow these simple steps to turn on your rain bird sprinklers without using the pre-set program:
- Locate the rain bird controller box which is usually mounted on an exterior wall or fence. It will have a door that opens to access the control panel and buttons.
- Turn the dial to the “Manual” setting. This bypasses the preset program so you can choose which zones run and for how long.
- Use the Zone buttons to select which zone(s) you want to activate. Each zone number corresponds to a section of sprinklers on your system.
- Press the Start/Pause button to start watering the selected zone(s). The display will show which zones are running.
- Let the zone(s) run for your desired amount of time. Press the Start/Pause button again to stop watering.
- When finished, turn dial back to “Run” so the controller resumes the preset watering schedule.
That’s all there is to it! By following those simple steps you can override the preset schedule and turn on any of your rain bird sprinkler zones whenever needed. Just be sure to switch it back when done.
Manual Operation Options
When running your rain bird system manually, you have a few options to customize the watering:
Select Specific Zones
Use the numbered Zone buttons to choose individual zones or multiple zones at once. This allows you to target just one section of your landscape that needs water or run multiple zones in sequence.
Adjust Run Times
Determine how many minutes each zone should run. Use shorter times for a light sprinkling or longer times for deeper watering. Make note of the Run Times you set for reference.
Repeat Zones
Repeat a zone more than once in the manual run by starting and stopping it as needed. For example, run zone 1 for 5 minutes, stop, then repeat it again for 5 more minutes.
Delay Between Zones
A short delay can be added between zones by using the Delay button. This allows previous zones time to absorb water before the next starts. Try a 1-5 minute delay if puddling occurs.
Manual Operation Tips
Follow these tips when running your rain bird sprinklers manually for best results:
- Inspect spray heads while the system runs to check for leaks, clogs, or malfunctions. Make repairs if needed.
- Avoid watering during the heat of the day when evaporation is highest.
- Water early in the morning or evening for best absorption. Avoid windy times.
- Monitor new plantings and gardens for the amount of water needed. Adjust run times accordingly.
- Break up watering times into shorter cycles to prevent runoff. For example, 3 cycles of 3 minutes instead of 1 long run.
- Check soil moisture before watering. Only water when the top few inches become dry.
Troubleshooting Manual Operation
If you encounter any problems when trying to manually run your rain bird sprinkler system, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Display is Blank
- Check power supply. Reset circuit breaker and check fuses.
- Inspect wiring connections for damage. Contact irrigation professional if wires are damaged.
- Try unplugging the controller for 1 minute and plug back in to reset it.
Zone Won’t Activate
- Check for broken spray heads or pipes in that zone.
- Inspect valve box for damaged solenoid or dirty/clogged valves.
- Zone may have automatic seasonal adjustment turned off. Check settings.
- Wiring issue between valve and controller. Have an irrigation pro diagnose.
Multiple Zones Activating
- Common wire path is damaged causing a short. Have repaired by a pro.
- Faulty solenoid or wiring causing valves to open incorrectly. Replace damaged parts.
Always consult your rain bird owner’s manual for full troubleshooting tips specific to your sprinkler controller model. Contact an irrigation professional for any repairs needed beyond basic maintenance.
Automatic Mode for Rain Bird Systems
While manual operation is useful at times, running your rain bird system on automatic mode is best for regular lawn and garden watering. Here’s an overview of programming a rain bird controller:
Set Current Date/Time
Ensure controller clock is set to the precise current date and time in your location. This allows for accurate automated schedules.
Program Run Times
Enter desired run times for each zone – the number of minutes that section will water when active. Typical range is 5-15 minutes per zone.
Create Watering Schedules
Use the programming buttons to set what days/times each zone should activate. Most controllers allow for multiple schedules (i.e. mornings and evenings).
Select Odd/Even Days
Choose whether zones run on odd days, even days, or any day of the month to better spread out watering.
Set Seasonal Adjustments
If allowed on your model, percentage adjustments can reduce run times in rainy months and increase in hot months.
Refer to your specific rain bird controller manual for full details on programming it for automatic operation tailored to your landscape.
Rain Bird Sprinkler Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure your rain bird sprinkler system continues running efficiently. Be sure to make the following checks and repairs as needed:
Spring Inspection
- Activate each zone manually and inspect all sprinkler heads for leaks, clogs, and alignment issues.
- Clear any debris around heads and ensure they are upright and rotating smoothly.
- Check for underground leaks by looking for pooling water or very wet areas when system runs.
Fall Blow Out
- Have a professional perform a fall blow out to drain all water from pipes before winter freeze.
- Shut off and winterize controller unit. Store it in a dry indoor location.
Seasonal Adjustments
- Make seasonal run time adjustments on controller to match plant needs.
- Check zone run times in both spring and fall to see if any tweaks are needed.
Replace Worn Parts
- Replace any broken sprinkler heads, nozzles, gaskets, valves, or fittings.
- Examine and replace old wiring as needed to maintain conductivity.
Proper rain bird sprinkler maintenance will keep the system running optimally year after year. Be sure to address any issues discovered promptly.
Rain Bird Sprinkler Installation
For new sprinkler system installation, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional certified in rain bird products and irrigation design. However, here is an overview of the basic rain bird installation process:
System Design
- Map out zones, pipe layout, and head placement based on landscape size and features.
- Pick an appropriate rain bird controller and electric valves for the number of zones needed.
Pipe Layout
- Dig trenches around lawn/garden for mainline and lateral pipes.
- Install PVC pipe and connect to control valves, maintaining proper depths.
- Connect main water line to backflow preventer leading to system.
Heads and Wiring
- Place sprinkler heads along laterals where desired, following design plans.
- Run valve control wires through pipes back to the controller.
- Connect valve wires to appropriate zones on controller.
Programming
- Set date, time, watering durations, and schedules on sprinkler controller.
- Activate zones to test programming and make any adjustments.
- Explain controller settings to homeowner.
Proper rain bird installation from the start will ensure maximum efficiency and longevity of your sprinkler system for years to come.
Conclusion
Manually operating your rain bird sprinkler system gives you precise control over when and where you water your lawn and gardens. Just use the dial to switch to manual mode, select the desired zones, start the watering, and stop it after an appropriate duration for your plants’ needs. Maintain your rain bird system properly through regular inspections, seasonal blow outs, replacing worn parts, and scheduling professional maintenance as required. For new rain bird installations, hire an experienced irrigation specialist to ensure proper design, components, and functionality tailored to your landscape. With the convenience of automated watering combined with the option for manual operation, rain bird sprinkler systems provide an ideal irrigation solution.