Why Your Sprinklers Keep Running Nonstop

If your sprinkler system won’t shut off, it’s more than a minor annoyance—it can lead to sky-high water bills, oversaturated soil, and damage to your lawn. At S&S Sprinklers, we regularly help Northern Utah homeowners troubleshoot sprinkler systems that are stuck running. In this post, we’ll break down the most common causes, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to call in a pro.

Common reasons your sprinkler system won’t turn off

If your sprinkler system is stuck running, there’s almost always a mechanical or programming issue at the root of it. Let’s explore the most common causes homeowners in Northern Utah encounter and what they mean for your system’s health.

1. Timer or controller is misprogrammed

One of the most frequent causes of nonstop watering is a misprogrammed sprinkler controller. Many systems allow for multiple programs (A, B, and C), and it’s surprisingly easy to accidentally set overlapping schedules that keep the water flowing much longer than intended.

Some common culprits include:

• • • Multiple start times programmed across different zones or days
    • Overlapping watering windows, especially on smart timers
    • Controller resets after power outages or electrical surges
    • Outdated controllers that glitch or don’t retain settings properly

Even advanced smart controllers can occasionally fall out of sync due to Wi-Fi issues, firmware bugs, or user error. If you’ve checked the basics and your system is still running nonstop, the controller is a good place to start.

The team at S&S Sprinklers can review your irrigation programming, diagnose hidden scheduling conflicts, and recommend upgrades to modern, weather-based controllers that help conserve water and reduce utility bills.

2. A sprinkler valve is stuck open

Every sprinkler zone is controlled by a valve that opens and closes to allow water through. If a valve gets stuck in the open position, that zone will continue to receive water no matter what the controller says.

Common reasons for stuck valves include:

• • • Debris or sediment inside the valve body preventing closure
    • A cracked or worn diaphragm that can’t seal properly
    • A faulty solenoid, which misinterprets or fails to receive controller signals
    • Manual override knobs left open from a prior service or inspection

This issue typically presents as one zone that won’t shut off, even if the others do. It’s a mechanical failure that requires proper inspection and repair.

At S&S Sprinklers, we specialize in fast, reliable valve diagnostics. Our techs can clean, rebuild, or replace stuck valves as part of a routine tune-up or emergency repair visit.

3. Wiring or electrical faults

Sprinkler systems rely on low-voltage electrical wiring to communicate between the controller and the valves. If there’s a short, cut wire, or corrosion along the circuit, it can cause one or more valves to stay energized—even when they’re supposed to shut off.

Look for signs such as:

• • • Frayed or chewed wires inside the valve box
    • Rusty connections or terminals affected by moisture
    • Zones that activate randomly or don’t respond to manual commands
    • A system that behaves inconsistently across days or times

Diagnosing electrical faults takes experience and specialized equipment. We use multimeters to test voltage at each zone and identify problem circuits.

If you're dealing with this kind of issue, S&S Sprinklers can trace wiring problems, make safe repairs, and restore proper function to your irrigation system.

4. Manual valve left open

Most sprinkler systems have one or more manual shutoff valves near the main water line or the backflow preventer. If one of these is left in the open position—especially after winterization or maintenance—water can continue to flow even when the timer is off.

What to check:

• • • Ball valves or gate valves near your home’s foundation or meter box
    • Handles turned parallel to the pipe (which means “open”) instead of perpendicular
    • Valves that are difficult to turn or stuck due to mineral buildup

Sometimes, homeowners don’t even realize these valves exist, especially if they’re buried or located in utility boxes. If you suspect this could be the problem, a technician can identify and adjust all critical valves.

S&S Sprinklers can walk you through your system layout and mark key shutoffs for easy use during emergencies or seasonal adjustments.

5. Sprinkler system leak or backflow issue

Although rare, a hidden leak or malfunctioning backflow preventer can create suction or pressure imbalances that keep water moving through your system—even when it’s supposed to be off.

Potential signs include:

• • • Hissing or bubbling sounds near valves or manifolds
    • Constant trickling from one or more sprinkler heads
    • Water pooling in a specific area of the lawn
    • Mold or excessive moisture near valve boxes or hose bibs

Backflow assemblies, especially in Northern Utah, can develop issues after freezing winter temperatures if not properly winterized. A cracked assembly may not seal correctly, allowing unregulated flow.

When leaks or pressure issues are suspected, S&S Sprinklers can perform a full system inspection, including backflow testing and leak detection, to locate and resolve the problem quickly.

Why this matters for your landscape

A sprinkler system that won’t shut off is more than just an inconvenience—it poses a serious threat to the health of your landscape and your wallet. Left unchecked, nonstop watering can create a chain reaction of issues that affect everything from your soil to your plumbing.

Here’s what can happen if the problem isn’t addressed quickly:

• • Waterlogged soil disrupts healthy plant growth. When the ground stays constantly saturated, it prevents air from reaching plant roots. This creates ideal conditions for root rot, mold, and other fungal diseases that are hard to treat and can wipe out entire garden beds or turf areas.
  • Lawn roots stay shallow and weak. Healthy lawns rely on deep root systems that grow downward in search of moisture. When your grass is constantly soaked, it doesn’t need to reach deeper—and that makes it more vulnerable to heat stress, drought, and even foot traffic.
  • Soil compaction and erosion can occur. Excessive watering softens the soil, and that can lead to surface compaction or erosion, especially on sloped properties. Over time, this leads to uneven patches, pooling, and bare spots where grass can't regrow.
  • Irrigation components face unnecessary strain. Sprinkler valves, pipes, seals, and fittings aren’t designed to handle nonstop water pressure. When they’re constantly pressurized, they’re more likely to crack, leak, or burst—especially in older systems or poorly winterized lines.
  • Utility bills skyrocket. Continuous watering can easily double or triple your monthly water bill. This is especially noticeable in summer when both temperatures and outdoor water usage are already high.
  • Potential damage to hardscaping or structures. Water that pools against sidewalks, driveways, or home foundations can cause long-term damage, including shifting, cracking, and staining of materials like pavers or concrete.

Ultimately, the longer your sprinkler system runs unchecked, the higher the risk—to your plants, your property, and your plumbing. Fast diagnosis and repair by a qualified technician is essential.

At S&S Sprinklers, we specialize in identifying the root cause of irrigation issues and implementing long-term solutions that protect your lawn and landscaping investment.

How we fix nonstop sprinkler problems

At S&S Sprinklers, we take a comprehensive approach to irrigation system repairs. When we respond to this issue, our technicians:

• • Inspect the controller for scheduling and hardware issues
  • Test each zone manually to locate stuck valves or damaged wiring
  • Check pressure, backflow components, and shutoff valves
  • Perform targeted repairs or recommend system upgrades if needed

If your system is outdated or has multiple problem zones, we may suggest a sprinkler system overhaul with modern components, better layout, and water-saving features.

Proudly serving Northern Utah

S&S Sprinklers provides expert sprinkler system tune-ups, repairs, upgrades, and installations throughout Northern Utah, including:

• • Ogden
  • Layton
  • Clinton
  • Clearfield
  • Roy
  • North Ogden
  • South Ogden
  • Riverdale
  • Pleasant View
  • And nearby communities

Whether it’s a simple valve repair or a full irrigation system redesign, our team delivers reliable, honest service that keeps your lawn healthy and your water use efficient.

Don’t let your sprinklers run away on you

If your sprinklers won’t stop running, don’t wait for your next water bill to find out how serious the problem is. S&S Sprinklers can diagnose the issue, fix it fast, and make sure your system is running the way it should.

Call now or request a free estimate to schedule your sprinkler inspection. We serve homeowners across Ogden and surrounding areas with expert sprinkler repairs, smart upgrades, and landscape irrigation solutions built to last.