How to Test If Your Reticulation Controller Is Faulty: A Complete Guide for Perth Homeowners
The Heart of Your Irrigation System
If your garden isn’t receiving the water it needs — or your sprinklers are stuck on, cycling at odd times, or not working at all — the culprit may be your reticulation controller. Also known as an irrigation timer, this small device is the brain of your watering system, coordinating when and how long each zone runs.
A faulty controller can lead to water waste, dead plants, and frustrated mornings in the Perth heat. At Jarrah Group, our Perth Hills handyman team often gets called to diagnose and fix these exact issues. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to test your controller, spot early signs of trouble, and know when to call for expert help.
What Is a Reticulation Controller?
A reticulation controller is an electrical timer that sends low-voltage signals to solenoid valves. These valves open and close, controlling water flow to different irrigation zones across your lawn or garden.
Modern controllers offer:
Multiple zone programs
Seasonal adjustments
Manual overrides
Wi-Fi/smartphone integration
If the controller fails, none of this happens — or it happens unpredictably.
Common Signs Your Controller Might Be Faulty
1. Zones Not Activating
One or more zones won’t run, despite being scheduled.
2. System Won’t Turn Off
Sprinklers keep running past their program time or won’t stop manually.
3. Blank or Flickering Display
The controller screen is unreadable or unresponsive.
4. Time or Program Keeps Resetting
Loss of memory when power is interrupted, or internal fault resets settings.
5. Water Usage Spikes
Over-watering caused by stuck valves or timers running too long.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues in Glen Forrest, Darlington, or Mundaring, your best move is to start with basic testing.
Step-by-Step: How to Test Your Reticulation Controller
Before replacing your controller, it’s important to rule out user error, programming mistakes, or power supply issues.
Step 1: Check the Display and Power Source
Is the display on and readable?
Check if the controller is plugged in properly.
Test the outlet with another device.
If the controller runs on battery backup, replace the batteries.
Some controllers appear dead due to simple power outages.
Step 2: Perform a Manual Start
Most controllers have a MANUAL or TEST mode.
Turn the dial or press the manual start button.
Select one zone.
Run it for 2–5 minutes.
If nothing happens, note whether you hear a faint click or see any display change. No response? Move to the next test.
Step 3: Check the Fuse or Internal Battery
Many controllers have a small internal fuse. If it’s blown, no zones will operate.
Remove the front panel (only if safe and permitted)
Inspect for a glass fuse or circuit breaker
Replace with the same rated fuse if necessary
Warning: If you're not confident, ask a Mundaring handyman or licensed irrigation tech to assist.
Step 4: Inspect Wiring and Terminal Blocks
Loose, corroded, or broken wiring can stop signals from reaching solenoids.
Check that each wire is inserted and screwed in securely
Look for burnt terminals or discoloured wiring
Confirm the common wire (often white) is connected properly
Use a multimeter to test voltage output:
Set to AC voltage (usually 24V)
Place one lead on the COM terminal and the other on a zone terminal
Activate that zone manually
You should read 24–28 volts
No voltage? The controller output is faulty.
Testing the Controller’s Solenoid Output
If you're getting voltage output, but the valve isn't activating, test the valve itself.
What you need: Multimeter, access to valve box
Steps:
Turn off controller power.
Disconnect solenoid wires.
Set multimeter to resistance (ohms Ω)
Place probes on solenoid terminals
Normal reading: 20–60 ohms
No reading (infinite resistance): Faulty solenoid or broken wire
Zero ohms: Short circuit — replace solenoid
Common Faults You Can Fix Yourself
Replace backup batteries if the controller keeps losing settings
Check and reprogram seasonal watering times
Replace blown fuses with same-rated parts
Clean corrosion from terminal blocks
Reseat wires that may have loosened due to vibration or age
When to Replace the Controller
If your controller is:
More than 10 years old
Showing signs of physical damage
Unresponsive to manual or programmed operations
Frequently resetting or losing memory
…it may be time for a new unit.
Popular modern features include:
Wi-Fi control via smartphone
Rain and moisture sensors
Multiple independent programs
Flow sensing and leak alerts
Ask a Perth Hills handyman to help select and install a new controller that suits your garden’s size and watering schedule.
Smart Controller Options for Perth Homes
Want to upgrade? Consider these trusted brands:
Hunter Hydrawise – great smartphone interface and predictive weather adjustment
Rain Bird Wi-Fi – durable and user-friendly with flow sensors
Orbit B-hyve – affordable smart features and solid scheduling tools
Our team can install and program your system, show you how to use the app, and integrate weather features for better water savings.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Future Controller Issues
Mount controllers indoors or in weatherproof housings
Replace backup batteries annually
Schedule seasonal checks for leaks, wiring, and coverage
Don’t overload zones (too many solenoids per output)
Use surge protection if lightning is common in your area
We offer annual reticulation inspections and tune-ups for Perth Hills properties.
Why Choose Jarrah Group for Irrigation Repairs?
Based locally in Glen Forrest
Experienced with all major controller brands
Full irrigation diagnostics and upgrades
Respectful, insured, and transparent service
Whether it’s a basic timer repair or a complete smart controller upgrade, our handyman Perth team gets the job done right.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Faulty Controller Dry Out Your Garden
If your irrigation system is playing up, your garden could be under threat. Diagnosing a faulty controller doesn’t need to be difficult — and you don’t need to suffer through dead patches or wasteful overwatering.
Let Jarrah Group take care of testing, repairing, or upgrading your reticulation controller so your garden stays green and your system runs efficiently.
