Dowd Irrigation

Resources & Support

Everything you need to program, maintain, and troubleshoot your irrigation controller — manuals, how-to videos, and expert tips.

Timer Manuals

Timer manuals for sprinkler manufacturers - Hunter and Rain Bird

Hunter Industries

Rain Bird

Programming Videos

System Won't Turn Off and Keeps Running

Usually caused by multiple start times being set incorrectly. Set only one start time for Program A and turn all others — including Programs B, C, and D — to OFF.

Multiple Programs (A, B, C, D)

Controllers support multiple programs (A, B, C, D) for running different zones on different schedules. We generally do not recommend this as overlapping start times can interrupt your watering cycle before it finishes.

Programming Station Run Time

Learn how to set the number of minutes each station (zone) runs per cycle. Typical times are 20 minutes for sunny lawns, 12 minutes for shaded areas, and 8 minutes for shrubbery.

Programming Start Time

A start time is when your system begins its daily run. Set only one start time per program — multiple start times cause the system to water more than once per day.

Run a Single Station Manually

Manually activate a single station from the controller to test or inspect it. Select the station and turn the dial to Run (Auto).

Manual Run of All Stations

Run all stations in sequence from the controller — useful for testing the system or checking that all heads are working. Turn the dial to Run (Auto) to begin.

Programming Days of Operation

Select the specific days of the week your system will run, such as Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, based on your lawn’s watering needs.

Setting Days to Water (Odd or Even)

Set the controller to water on odd or even calendar days instead of selecting specific days — commonly used when local water regulations restrict irrigation schedules.

Setting Pump Operations

This setting is not used in most residential systems and should be left unchanged. It only applies when a property draws water from an alternate source such as a pond or lake.

Understanding Rain Sensor Bypass

The Rain Sensor Bypass switch should normally remain set to ACTIVE. If the display shows SEN OFF during rainfall and you need to water anyway, move the switch to BYPASS.

Reset Settings to Default

If programming errors occur, reset the controller to factory defaults and start fresh.

Seasonal Adjustment

Increase or decrease watering times for all stations at once using a percentage — 150% adds half more run time, 75% reduces it by a quarter. Useful for adapting to hot or cool weather without adjusting each station individually.

Programming Tips

  • Different plants have different watering needs. Understand the foliage and landscape types in your yard.
  • Group stations that require similar watering schedules under the same program.
  • Enter only one start time for each program, even when there are multiple stations.
  • Use different programs (A, B, C) if you need different watering schedules.
  • Use multiple start times only when runoff or drainage problems require shorter watering cycles.