Warmer spring days are here. It teases lush green lawns and thriving gardens. But winter’s chill? It can hurt your irrigation system. Don’t let a bad system turn your landscape dreams into a dry reality.
Starting your irrigation system right in spring is key. Problems can pop up if you rush or skip steps. This guide walks you through each step. Get your irrigation system ready this spring!
Step 1: The Pre-Startup Inspection: Assessing Winter’s Impact
This part is about looking at the system. Do this before turning on the water. See what winter did.
Inspect the Controller
The controller runs your system. Does it have a battery backup? Check that it works. Look for damage, like cracks or corrosion.
Make sure the controller’s battery backup is working. This saves your settings if the power goes out.
Examine Sprinkler Heads and Nozzles
Check sprinkler heads and nozzles. Are there cracks or breaks? Are any nozzles clogged? These simple things can cause big problems.
Replace any broken sprinkler heads or nozzles. Do this before you move on. You’ll save water in the long run.
Check for Leaks and Damage Above Ground
Look for leaks in pipes. Find cracks or breaks above ground. Check for animal damage. Rodents love to chew on things.
Write down any damage you see. You’ll need this when you start the system. Then you can get things fixed.
Step 2: Backflow Preventer: Ensuring Water Safety
Backflow preventers are important. They keep your water safe. You need to test them.
Understand the Importance of Backflow Prevention
A backflow preventer stops dirty water from going into the cities clean water supply. It’s crucial for everyone’s health.
Visual Inspection of the Backflow Preventer
Look for damage on the device. Check for corrosion, too. If it looks bad, call a pro and don’t wait for the annual inspection.
Step 3: Gradual Water Introduction: A Slow and Steady Approach
It’s key to add water to the system slowly. This prevents damage. Rushing can cause bursts.
Partially Open the Main Water Valve at the Backflow Preventer
Slowly adding water pressure is vital. It stops pipes from bursting. Take your time to protect your investment.
Open the main valve about 25% at first. That way it won’t shock the system.
Check for Immediate Leaks
Focus on the area by the backflow preventer and valve boxes. Look at any pipes you can see. Watch for water spurting.
Listen for hissing sounds. They can mean leaks. Even small leaks waste water, which equals money.
Gradually Increase Water Pressure
Slowly open the valve more. Don’t crank it all the way open at once.
Increase the valve opening slowly. This gentle approach is safer for your pipes.
Step 4: Zone-by-Zone Activation: Fine-Tuning for Optimal Performance
Test each zone one at a time. Adjust them for the best performance. It makes a huge difference.
Activate Each Zone Individually
Use the controller to turn on each zone. Do it one after another. It helps spot issues.
Use the controller’s manual override or test cycle. This lets you turn on each zone by itself. It’s easy.
Observe Sprinkler Head Coverage, Pressure, and check for leaks
Watch how the sprinkler heads spray. Is the pressure good? Look for clogs or leaks. Adjust as needed.
Adjust sprinkler heads for the best coverage. Make sure there aren’t dry spots. You need head to head coverage for correct irrigation.
Identify and Address Any Issues
Fix common problems. These include low pressure, clogged nozzles, or leaks. Find the root cause and fix.
Use a sprinkler head tool, usually a small flathead screwdriver and Allen wrench, to tweak spray patterns. Small changes will have a big impact. Your plants will thank you.
Step 5: Programming and Scheduling: Optimizing for Efficiency
Set up the controller for smart watering. Save water and money by using this.
Review and Adjust Controller Settings
Change settings for the season. Adjust how often and how long you water. You will need to change it regularly.
Use the controller’s seasonal adjust feature. It changes watering times with the weather. You will not have to do it manually.
The best option for watering efficiency is to install a smart water sense labeled controller. It will help make most of the adjustments automatically.
Implement Water-Saving Strategies
Think about using rain or soil moisture sensors. Smart controllers are a good idea, too.
Think about adding a rain sensor. It stops watering when it rains. This keeps you from overwatering.
Monitor Performance and Make Adjustments
Keep an eye on things and make changes as needed. Plants and weather change. So should your settings.
Check soil moisture often. This will help to make sure plants get enough water. Healthy plants are happy plants.
Conclusion
Starting your irrigation system in spring needs a few steps. Take your time and do each one well. Then the system will run great.
Regular maintenance is key for a healthy system. Don’t skip checkups throughout the season. A little preventative care goes a long way.
Follow these steps, and your irrigation system will give your landscape the water it needs. All season long, it will conserve water. What could be better?
Remember, we are always here to help! We can come out and complete the startup for you, fix any repairs, and upgrade your system. If you’re still determined to complete it all on your own but have a question, no problem! Reach out to us and we will help you the best we can at no charge.