Irrigation Help

Hunter irrigation troubleshooting made simple. Below are answers to the questions we’re asked most about Hunter controllers, solenoid valves, sprinklers, MP Rotators and rain sensors, drawn from over 30 years in the irrigation industry. Search for your problem below, or contact us if you can’t find the answer. For product manuals and specifications, visit Hunter Industries.

Common Hunter Irrigation Troubleshooting Questions

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Controllers
My controller is showing a flashing sprinkler icon but the sprinklers aren't running. What's wrong?General ⌄
The flashing sprinkler icon means the controller is sending power to the zone, so the controller itself is working. The problem is downstream. Check: (1) Is the water supply valve open? It may have been turned off for winter. (2) Check the wiring at the valve — a loose or corroded wire connection is the most common cause. (3) If you have a rain sensor, switch it to BYPASS and see if the zone runs. (4) Check the solenoid on the valve is screwed in snugly.
My system is watering more than once a day. I only set one program. Why?General ⌄
Hunter controllers allow multiple start times per program, and it's easy to accidentally enter more than one. Go to your start time setting and check how many start times are programmed for your program — delete any extras so only one remains. Each start time runs the entire program again from the beginning.
My X-Core controller screen is blank. Is it dead?X-Core ⌄
Not necessarily. The X-Core runs on 240V AC power with a battery backup. First check the power connection at the back of the controller. If power is fine, check the backup battery — a flat battery can sometimes cause display issues. Try replacing the battery. If the screen is still blank with power confirmed, the transformer or the controller board may have failed.
How many zones can I run at the same time?General ⌄
Hunter controllers are designed to run one zone at a time unless you have a specific multi-zone setup. Running multiple zones simultaneously can overload the transformer and cause issues. If you need multiple zones running together you need a controller with that capability and a correctly sized transformer. For residential use, sequential single-zone operation is standard.
General
Do you ship to rural areas and how long does delivery take? ⌄
Yes we ship Australia-wide including rural areas. We use Australia Post and Startrack depending on location and parcel size. Metro areas typically receive orders within 2-4 business days. Rural areas can take 5-10 business days depending on location. We dispatch within 1-2 business days of receiving your order. Tracking is provided automatically once dispatched.
MP Rotators
What is an MP Rotator and when should I use one instead of a standard spray nozzle?MP Rotator ⌄
MP Rotators are slow-application rotating nozzles that fit onto standard Hunter Pro-Spray or similar spray bodies. Instead of a fixed spray pattern, they rotate multiple streams of water slowly across the area. This gives a much lower application rate — typically 10-15mm per hour versus 40-60mm for standard sprays — which means water soaks in rather than running off. They're ideal for sloped areas, clay soils, or anywhere runoff or pooling is a problem. They also use significantly less water than standard nozzles.
Can I mix MP Rotators and standard spray nozzles on the same zone?MP Rotator ⌄
No — this is a common mistake. MP Rotators apply water much more slowly than standard spray nozzles. If you mix them on the same zone, either the MP Rotator areas will be overwatered or the standard spray areas will be underwatered. MP Rotators must be on their own dedicated zone with matched precipitation rates across all heads on that zone.
Sensors
My Rain-Clik sensor is stopping the system from watering even though it hasn't rained. What do I do?Rain-Clik ⌄
The Rain-Clik uses small cork discs that expand when wet and contract when dry. If the sensor has been exposed to humidity or isn't drying out properly it can stay triggered. Check that the sensor is mounted where it gets good airflow and sun to dry out. You can also adjust the sensitivity dial on the sensor — it controls how much rain is needed to trigger it and how quickly it resets. If it keeps triggering incorrectly the discs may need replacing or the sensor may be faulty. You can bypass it from the controller while you troubleshoot.
Solenoid Valves
My zone won't turn off — water keeps running even when the controller is off. What's causing it?PGV ⌄
This is almost always debris caught in the valve diaphragm. Even a tiny grain of sand can stop the diaphragm from sealing properly. Turn off the water supply, unscrew the bonnet on the valve, remove the diaphragm, rinse everything thoroughly with clean water, and reassemble. If that doesn't fix it, the diaphragm may be worn or torn and needs replacing — diaphragm kits are available separately and are inexpensive.
Can I replace just the solenoid coil instead of buying a whole new valve?PGV ⌄
Yes — Hunter solenoid coils are replaceable separately. If the valve body is in good condition but the coil has failed, just replace the coil. The Hunter solenoid coil is the same across the PGV range. Unscrew the old coil, screw the new one on hand tight. We stock replacement coils.
What's the difference between the PGV and PGV Jar-Top?PGV ⌄
Both are the same valve — same quality, same performance. The Jar-Top version has a twist-off bonnet that you can open by hand without any tools, making it easier to service in the field. The standard PGV uses screws. If you're installing in a location that might need regular servicing, the Jar-Top is more convenient. Otherwise they're interchangeable.
What voltage do Hunter solenoid valves run on?PGV ⌄
All Hunter solenoid valves operate on 24V AC — this is the standard voltage used by all Hunter controllers and most irrigation controllers. They are not compatible with 12V DC systems or mains voltage. The controller's transformer converts 240V mains power down to 24V AC for the valves.
Can I manually open the valve without the controller?PGV ⌄
Yes. To manually open a Hunter PGV valve, turn the solenoid (the black cylinder on top with two wires) anti-clockwise about a quarter to half turn. This bleeds the pressure and opens the valve. To close it again, turn the solenoid clockwise until snug — don't overtighten. This is useful for testing or in an emergency.
Sprinklers
What is the difference between the PGP and the I-20?PGP ⌄
Both are Hunter gear-drive rotors but they suit different applications. The PGP is Hunter's most popular rotor — adjustable arc from 50 to 360 degrees, good for most residential lawns, reliable and simple. The I-20 is a heavier duty rotor with a larger body, higher flow rates, and better suited to larger areas or where you need more water volume. For a typical home lawn the PGP is usually the right choice. For larger properties, sports fields or commercial turf the I-20 is more appropriate.
How do I adjust the arc on a PGP sprinkler?PGP ⌄
The PGP has a simple arc adjustment. With the head popped up (you can pull it up by hand), use a flat-head screwdriver in the slot on top to set the arc. Turn left to decrease, right to increase. The left stop is fixed — you set the right stop. Arc range is 50 to 360 degrees. You don't need to dig up the head to adjust it.
Hunter irrigation troubleshooting – checking an X-Core controller

Most X-Core controller problems come down to power, wiring or a flat backup battery. Check the Controllers questions above, or browse our range of Hunter controllers.

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