Question
Jim,
I have a sprinkler system was funcitioning properly and then multiple zones started to come on as the system zones cycle.  Verizon and Atmos gas had been digging and a system test of the Hunter pro C and wire tracing doesn't seem to come up with any problems.  I even replace the controller and the problem is still persisting.  Have I got a nicked common that I can't locate or has dirt entered the system and messed up the control valves. (the utility workers cut a water line and repaired it)

Answer
Hey Chip I hope this helps. It sound like some of your wires might be nicked and the hot field wires are touching each other. First try determining what valves are running together. Lets say valve/station #1 and vlave/station #2 are running together. On the back of the controller un-hook the wire to the terminal marked #2 and turn on valve #1. If valve #2 still runs with valve #1 and the wire is off of terminal#2, then you have some crossed wires in the field. Usually if dirt has entered the valve and it is stuck on, the valve would run all the time, no matter if the controller was on or not, unless the system has a master valve. If it has a master valve, you would see a wire in the back of the controller hooked to either the master valve terminal, or the pump start terminal. Do you know if it has a master valve? I would need to know this if the wires are not crossed. I would trace your wires out and anywhere the new lines crossed your field wires, I would dig them up and inspect them. Good luck and let me know if I can be of anymore help. Thanks and have a great day.