How to Turn on a Rainbird Sprinkler System

Running a sprinkler system manually allows you to water-in applied fertilizers.

A Rain Bird controller tells the valves of a sprinkler system when to open and close. This allows you to control when and for how long your lawn receives water. Many types of fertilizer or pesticides require you to water your lawn after application. Waiting until your sprinkler system's scheduled start time to apply water to your lawn can cause the applied chemical to kill your grass. Fortunately, Rain Bird controllers allow you to apply water to your lawn without changing set watering times.

Things You'll Need

• None

Instructions

1. Pull down on the thumb tab covering the controls of the Rain Bird controller.

2. Turn the main control dial, located under the cover, to auto.

3. Slide the program switch to the program you intend to run manually. Push the button labeled "Manual Start/Advance."

4. Close the cover plate.

5. Allow the selected program to run until completed. Set a second program as described if your lawn requires additional water.

Tips & Warnings

• The controller will reset after you manually run the sprinkler system and return to the programmed watering times.

References

• Rain Bird: ESP Modular Series Operating Manual
• Rain Bird: ESP-LX Modular Controller Installation, Programming, and Operation Guide