Low-voltage wires connect the controller to each valve: one zone wire per valve and a common wire shared by many.
Wire repair means testing continuity, locating breaks and making waterproof splices or replacing wire runs.
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Signs You May Need This Repair
- One or more zones won’t turn on
- Several zones failed at once
- Intermittent zones
- Zones failed after digging
Common Causes
- Digging or construction
- Corroded splices
- Rodent or root damage
- Loose terminals
How a Technician Handles It
- Test continuity of zone and common wires
- Trace wires to locate the break
- Excavate and repair with waterproof splices
- Replace damaged runs where needed
- Test each zone
Repair or Replace?
Breaks are usually spliced. Systems with many failing splices or damaged runs may benefit from rewiring a section.
DIY or Call a Pro?
Wire tracing and electrical testing need specialized tools, so this is usually a job for a technician.
Typical Cost
See our Sprinkler Wire Repair Cost Guide for typical ranges. Prices vary by location, parts, access and how much diagnosis is needed.
Related Problems
- How Do I Know If My Sprinkler Common Wire Is Bad?
- Why Are Multiple Sprinkler Zones Not Working?
- Why Won’t My Sprinkler Zone Turn On?
- How Do I Know If My Sprinkler Solenoid Is Bad?
Related Repairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a sprinkler wire is broken?
A technician tests continuity and traces the wire.
Can one broken wire stop several zones?
Yes, if it’s the common wire.
Why should splices be waterproof?
Splices in wet valve boxes can corrode if they aren’t.
Bottom Line
Sprinkler wire repair restores the connection between the controller and valves. Testing and tracing find the break without unnecessary digging.
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