When all zones exhibit low pressure, what should be checked first?

When all zones exhibit low pressure, the first thing to check is the mainline leak or supply pressure. This is crucial because if there is a leak in the mainline, it can lead to a significant drop in pressure across all zones. Additionally, it’s important to verify the supply pressure to ensure that the irrigation system is receiving adequate water pressure from the source. Low supply pressure can affect the performance of the entire system, resulting in inadequate water distribution.

By starting the troubleshooting process with the mainline leak or supply pressure, you can quickly identify whether the issue is due to a physical breach in the system or an insufficient water supply. If the mainline is intact and pressure is adequate, other components such as individual valve operation or pump efficiency may then be assessed. This approach helps in pinpointing the cause efficiently, thereby allowing other potential issues to be addressed only once the foundational problem regarding supply and leaks is resolved.