diff --git a/esphome/components/sprinkler/__init__.py b/esphome/components/sprinkler/__init__.py
index 6aa76dcd2f..5097abc7e7 100644
--- a/esphome/components/sprinkler/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/sprinkler/__init__.py
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ SPRINKLER_ACTION_SET_RUN_DURATION_SCHEMA = cv.Schema(
 SPRINKLER_ACTION_QUEUE_VALVE_SCHEMA = cv.Schema(
     {
         cv.Required(CONF_ID): cv.use_id(Sprinkler),
-        cv.Optional(CONF_RUN_DURATION, default=0): cv.templatable(
+        cv.Optional(CONF_RUN_DURATION, default="0s"): cv.templatable(
             cv.positive_time_period_seconds
         ),
         cv.Required(CONF_VALVE_NUMBER): cv.templatable(cv.positive_int),