Rainbird E4C Manual (2024)

FAQs

Why does my Rain Bird sprinkler system keep running? ›

If your sprinklers are running now, then first turn the dial to the off position. The timer should turn off the water now, if it doesn't you may have a problem with one or all of your sprinkler valves. Please call 800-RAINBIRD or call your local professional irrigation contractor for assistance.

Is the water turned on, is the controller plugged in and programmed correctly, are there isolation valves that might be turned off? Verify valve operation by using the manual bleed. This might indicate a controller or wiring problem if the valve works properly when using the manual bleed.

Set the day(s) of week for program to turn on: o Turn dial to the SELECT DAYS TO WATER section. The days of the week are abbreviated on the controller dial, starting with MON (Monday). The display screen will say MON ON or OFF to let you know if that day is set to be a water day (ON), or not a water day (OFF).

If your controller is off and the water keeps running there is an issue with 1 or all the valves or supply lines.

A common reason for a controller to repeat a cycle is too many programmed start times. Only one start time per active program is required, a second start time will cycle the program an additional time. NOTE: In the Start Times dial position, the numbers 1-4 do not represent stations.

If your systems suddenly turn on manually, you may have a leaking line or component. Regularly check the different zones in your backyard. Sprinkler valves rely on the diaphragm seal to control water flow which is activated by a magnetic solenoid controlling internal vacuum pressure.

The valve is ON if the ball valve is in the parallel position, while if it is in a perpendicular position, the valve is turned OFF. A quarter turn is all that is required to turn on a ball valve. Make sure to turn on the valve as slowly as possible. This is the perfect time to monitor the individual sprinkler valves.

Spray nozzles (such as the Rainbird MPR nozzles), use a constant fan of water and put down water the fastest, with a precipitation rate (sometimes matched) of 1.5 – 3.0 inches (38 – 75 mm) per hour, depending on the spray radius and coverage design. Generally, these can run up to 15 minutes per watering.

DAY CYCLE: The number of days before the cycle repeats, i.e., 7-day cycle: one week long: 3-day cy- cle: once every three days. WATERING DAYS: set weekdays ON or OFF as watering days (7-day cycle).

What does "cyclic" mean on a Rain Bird? ›

Watering frequency options include watering on Odd days, Even Days, Custom days, or Cyclic Days. An example of Custom Days is above, where you choose the specific days each week that will water. An example of Cyclic Days is below. This is where you water every “blank” number of days, and you choose how often that is.

Turn the system water supply off and examine the sprinkler zone's irrigation valve. Check for debris or dirt in the valve; clean out the valve. If cleaning the valve doesn't work, it could be the solenoid—the mechanism that houses the valve's diaphragm. You may need to replace the irrigation valve's diaphragm.

More often than not, there will be a valve that is stuck in the “open” position on the pressurized system. When the valve remains open, water continues to run down the line, which causes your sprinkler to continuously run even when the timer is in the “off” position.

The most common reason for a valve to remain on, or weep, is debris. New installations without proper flushing, recent mainline repair, or well water can cause debris to flow into the valve and get caught between the diaphragm and the seat.