Why does my irrigation timer run but no water comes out?

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Practical answer

Do not extend run time until you know water is actually leaving the emitters.

What to check first

• Run each zone manually and watch which lines, drippers, or sprayers actually emit water.
• Check controller power, start times, run times, active days, rain-delay settings, and battery backup.
• Look for one dry zone, weak pressure, leaking fittings, or valves that click but do not open.
• Compare the damaged plants with the zone layout rather than the whole garden.

What not to assume

• Do not increase all watering times when only one zone or line is failing.
• Do not assume the timer display means water reached the plants.
• Do not leave new plantings dependent on an untested schedule during a heatwave.

When this needs more than a quick check

Collect more detail or request help if:

• plants are dying while the system appears to run
• one zone has weak pressure or does not open
• water is leaking near walls, paving, or the pool area
• the system needs seasonal redesign rather than a quick timer change

Details to collect before requesting help

• photos of the controller, valves, pipes, drippers, and dry areas
• garden size, planting type, and whether there are pots, trees, hedges, or lawn
• current schedule if known
• city or village and how urgent the repair is

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