After a long, dark winter, the first signs of spring are a welcome relief. It’s never too early to start planning a beautiful summer lawn, and your inground sprinkler system will play an important role in reaching that goal.
The frigid winter season can really take a toll on outdoor equipment, and that’s why it is important to bring your sprinkler system back to life the right way. In this blog, let’s explore how to best reawaken your irrigation equipment to ensure it operates at top performance all summer long.
When to Turn On My Sprinklers in the Spring
Determining the best time to turn your sprinkler system back on after winter will vary, depending on where you live. Generally speaking, reviving your sprinkler system between late March to middle May is normally a safe time, regardless of where your home is located.
Why Do I Need to Wait Until Spring to Start My Sprinklers?
The most important aspect of turning your sprinkler back on is to ensure the ground will no longer be frozen when you fill the system’s pipes up with water. Frozen pipes can break, and overstrain the sprinkler system, causing it to malfunction, leak and run up your water bill.
How Do You Start Up a Sprinkler System After the Winter Thaw?
Restarting a sprinkler system in the springtime is not overly complex, but there are some very important steps to follow, including:
- Reseal all plugs and drain valves, so they can hold water again.
- Carefully open the supply valves to allow water to pressurize the pipes.
- Visually inspect the entire system, including the main water lines, backflow devices, and valves.
- Reconnect power to the control timer, booster pumps, or well system.
- Reenergize each sprinkler zone, and check all components for proper function.
- Adjust the sprinkler heads’ height, and pressure flow.
- Replace clogged nozzles, and repair any leaking pipes.
- Adjust sprinkler heads for proper direction and water volume.
- Check and recalibrate rain sensors, timers, control wiring, and solenoid and shut-off valves.
- Conduct annual backflow testing, to ensure sprinkler system is not contaminating the home’s drinking water lines. Most municipalities require professionally certified irrigation backflow testing, by law.
Should I Do the Sprinkler Spring Start-Up Myself?
Some homeowners can perform sprinkler start-up procedures themselves assuming they have the time, and mechanical skills to complete the task. However, for those unfamiliar with how to “summerize” their sprinkler system, it is best to call a sprinkler system professional to take care of the entire process.
Contact Pacific Lawn Sprinklers for Professional Sprinkler Start-Ups & Inspections
The glorious summer season is too short to spend time worrying about your home’s inground sprinkler system. Since 1980, the highly knowledgeable and experienced professionals at Pacific Lawn Sprinklers have helped our customers maintain beautiful lawns with our complete lawn sprinkler installation, repair, and maintenance services.
You can count on us to ensure your lawn will look its best all summer long. When it comes to sprinkler systems, we’ve got you covered! Pacific Lawn Sprinkler is your one-stop lawn irrigation solution!
Contact our experts to learn more.
