Quick Answer:
If your irrigation won’t run because the smart shutoff treats scheduled high flow as a leak, create a dedicated irrigation exception or schedule profile, raise the shutoff delay for sustained flow, confirm the backflow device is installed and functioning correctly, then test one zone while watching event logs and recalibrate after a full cycle.
Why This Happens
Many smart water shutoff systems are designed to stop water immediately when they see a sudden or sustained high flow that looks like a broken pipe. Irrigation cycles intentionally draw higher flow for several minutes, and the device can confuse that pattern with a real leak. If the system is too sensitive or the timing is short it will cut water mid-cycle.
Two common causes are sensor behavior and app logic: Smart shutoff misreads pressure drops when the pump or long runs change pressure, and the controller may flag normal cycling as an issue so the App shows leak but no leak exists message appears.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Create an irrigation exception or schedule profile
- Open the shutoff system app or web console and look for “exclusions,” “irrigation,” or “schedule profiles.”
- Make a profile that marks known sprinkler times and zones as irrigation so the device ignores the expected flow during those windows.
- Set the profile to match your controller schedule (days, start times, and expected run length).
2. Increase the shutoff delay for sustained flow
- Find the setting for shutoff delay, minimum run time, or leak recognition threshold.
- Increase the delay so the system allows several minutes of continuous flow before triggering a shutoff. Start with a conservative value that exceeds your longest zone run time.
- Record the original settings so you can restore them if needed.
3. Verify the irrigation backflow is installed correctly
- Check that the backflow preventer is installed upstream of the shutoff device if the manufacturer recommends it, and that it is oriented and supported correctly.
- Make sure any shutoff or bypass valves used for testing are closed after work; a loose or leaking backflow assembly can confuse the smart device.
- Confirm there are no cross-connections or drip systems that could change expected flow patterns.
4. Test one zone while watching event logs
- Run a single irrigation zone manually from your sprinkler controller.
- Watch the smart system’s event log or live monitor to see when it records flow and whether it flags a leak.
- If the device cuts water, note the timestamp and the flow reading. This helps you tune delay and thresholds precisely.
5. Recalibrate after a full irrigation cycle
- After making changes, run an entire scheduled cycle under normal conditions.
- Allow the system to observe normal flows so it can adapt and relearn baseline usage if it supports calibration.
- Recheck logs and adjust settings again if any zone still triggers a shutoff.
What Not to Do
- Don’t bypass safety by removing devices—configure irrigation exceptions and backflow correctly. Physically removing or permanently disabling a shutoff defeats its purpose and risks major water damage.
- Don’t rely on one quick test only; one-off checks can miss intermittent behavior.
- Don’t leave a temporary bypass open after testing; restore normal operation immediately.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a licensed irrigation technician or plumber if you cannot get reliable readings after making the software and delay adjustments.
- If the backflow preventer leaks, is installed incorrectly, or you suspect cross-connection issues, hire a pro to inspect and repair it.
- Contact the shutoff device support or a qualified electrician if logs show hardware faults or communication errors you can’t diagnose.
Safety Notes
- Smart shutoff devices protect your home from large, damaging leaks. Do not disable them as a substitute for proper configuration.
- When testing, run only one zone at a time and monitor the valve boxes so you can stop flow quickly if needed.
- If you work near electrical components, turn off power and follow manufacturer guidance or hire a professional.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did the system shut off during a scheduled run? The device saw sustained high flow and treated it as a leak because the irrigation profile or delay wasn’t set correctly.
- Will increasing the delay make my home vulnerable? A modest increase for irrigation windows is safe if you keep proper scheduling and do not disable the device entirely.
- How long before I should call a pro? If you cannot stop false shutoffs after creating an exception and adjusting delay, call a pro the same day to avoid missed watering or repeated interruptions.