If your Rain Bird irrigation system is blinking red and green, there are a few potential causes to investigate. The blinking light is an indication that there is some kind of issue that requires attention.
Check for Faulty Wiring
One of the most common reasons for a Rain Bird to blink red and green is faulty wiring. Here are some wiring issues that could cause the blinking light:
- Loose or damaged wires – Check all wiring connections to make sure they are tight and undamaged. Look for any cracks or fraying in the wire insulation.
- Short circuit – A short circuit occurs when two wires touch each other or a hot wire touches a ground wire. This allows electricity to flow improperly. Inspect wires for signs of melting or burning.
- Faulty solenoid – The solenoid is responsible for turning water flow on and off. A bad solenoid that is stuck open or closed can cause wiring problems.
- Bad transformer – The transformer converts high voltage power into 24VAC to operate the valves. If it is defective, it can cause blinking lights.
- Faulty timer – An issue with the electronic timer can lead to improper voltage and cause the blinking light problem.
Carefully inspect the wiring from the timer box throughout the system. Check for any visible damage and use a multimeter to test for shorts or improper resistance readings. Replace any damaged wiring.
examine the Valves
Issues with the valves can also lead to blinking lights on a Rain Bird system. Each zone in the system has a valve that opens to allow water to flow to the sprinklers when activated. Here are some valve problems that could cause the blinking light:
- Stuck valve – Debris, corrosion or mineral deposits can prevent the valve from opening fully or closing fully.
- Leaking valve – A valve that leaks even when turned off will cause the blinking light.
- Bad diaphragm – The rubber diaphragm operates the valve’s internal solenoid. A tear or hole in the diaphragm will lead to valve malfunction.
- Damaged solenoid – As mentioned previously, a stuck or shorted solenoid coil can cause electrical issues.
- Improper valve size – If the valves are not sized properly for the flow rate of water, pressure issues can occur causing problems.
It’s a good idea to open up each valve box and inspect the valves. Look for leaks, stuck components, mineral deposits or other visible issues. Test the valves manually to ensure proper opening and closing.
Problems with the Sprinkler Heads
The sprinkler heads are another component that can create electrical issues and cause blinking lights. Here are some sprinkler problems to look for:
- Broken or leaking head – This will prevent proper pressure and flow through the system.
- Clogged nozzle – Debris that clogs the nozzles can cause backpressure on the valves.
- Damaged riser – Risers bring the water up from the supply lines to the sprinkler heads. Damage underground can lead to flow restriction.
- Bad seal/gasket – Leaking water where the riser meets the sprinkler head indicates a worn seal/gasket.
- Wrong spray pattern – Having the wrong spray pattern for the area being watered can lead to pressure problems.
Do a thorough inspection of all the sprinkler heads. Look for any issues with the body, nozzles, seals and more. Replace any damaged heads and ensure nozzles are clear of debris. Proper sprinkler head operation is vital for the system to function correctly.
Flow and Pressure Problems
In addition to electrical and mechanical problems, flow and pressure issues can also cause a Rain Bird system to blink red and green. Here are some potential areas to check:
- Supply lines – Any leaks, clogs or breaks in the underground water supply pipes to the system will cause pressure problems.
- Control valves – Master valves or flow control valves that are not opening fully or are leaking when closed can reduce pressure.
- Well pump – For irrigation systems running off a well, an issue with the pump or pump motor can impact water flow.
- Clogged filters – Debris buildup in the system’s filters will restrict flow. Backflush or replace filters if clogged.
- Zones running simultaneously – Too many zones operating at once can cause pressure drops and flow restriction.
Use pressure gauges to test the system. Check for adequate pressure both when the system is off and while zones are activated. This can help pinpoint where pressure loss is occurring.
Electrical Issues in the Timer
While wiring and solenoid problems are common, there are some other electrical issues that could cause blinking lights in a Rain Bird timer itself. These include:
- Power surge – A strong power surge due to lightning, power grid fluctuations or other causes can damage the timer’s delicate electronics.
- Corrosion – Moisture getting into the timer can corrode connections and cause malfunctions.
- Burnt circuit board – Similar to a power surge, voltage spikes can fry the circuit board in the timer.
- Battery problems – Low backup batteries or dead AA batteries in the timer can prevent normal operation.
- Damaged display – If the LCD or LED display is cracked, it can cause erratic behavior.
Carefully inspect the physical timer or clock for any signs of water damage, burnt components or cracked housing. Test the batteries and replace any dead ones. The timer may simply need to be replaced if it was damaged internally.
Conclusion
Blinking red and green lights on a Rain Bird irrigation system is the controller’s way of signaling that a problem exists. By methodically checking the various components and electrical connections, you should be able to isolate the issue. Faulty wiring, valves, sprinklers, flow/pressure problems or timer damage are the most common culprits. Correcting the problem will stop the blinking and allow the system to function properly again.