As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, it's time to prepare your landscape for the upcoming growing season. One of the most important tasks on your spring to-do list is reactivating your irrigation system. Properly restarting your irrigation system ensures that your plants receive the water they need to thrive while conserving water and minimizing waste. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of reactivating your irrigation system in the spring, from inspecting and testing the system to adjusting settings and scheduling watering cycles. With a little time and effort, you can ensure that your landscape stays healthy and vibrant throughout the spring and summer months.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Before turning on your irrigation system, take some time to visually inspect the entire system for any signs of damage or wear. Walk around your property and look for leaks, cracks, or broken components such as sprinkler heads, pipes, or valves. Pay close attention to areas where the system is exposed to freezing temperatures or potential damage from landscaping activities.
Step 2: Clear Debris and Obstructions
Clear any debris, dirt, or obstructions from around sprinkler heads, valves, and other components of your irrigation system. Remove any debris that may have accumulated over the winter months, such as leaves, branches, or mulch, to ensure that water can flow freely through the system without interference.
Step 3: Turn On Water Supply
Once you've completed the visual inspection and cleared any debris, it's time to turn on the water supply to your irrigation system. Locate the main shut-off valve for your irrigation system and slowly open it to allow water to flow into the system. This is usually located in your basement or crawlspace. Once this portion is completed, make your way to the backflow preventer near your irrigation valve box. Working from right to left, open each valve to let the water pass through the backflow device. Lastly, there are two flat head screws on the backflow device that need to be turned to a 45 degree angle. Listen for any unusual sounds or signs of water leaks, and check for any visible leaks or water spraying from components.
Step 4: Check Controller Settings
Inspect the settings on your irrigation controller to ensure that they are programmed correctly for the upcoming season. Verify the time, date, and watering schedule settings, and make any necessary adjustments based on your landscape's water needs and local watering restrictions. Consider updating your controller with a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels for optimal efficiency.
Step 5: Test Each Zone
Activate each zone of your irrigation system individually to test the functionality of sprinkler heads, valves, and pipes. Turn on each zone from the controller and observe the operation of sprinkler heads to ensure that they are functioning properly and covering the intended area. At first, the sprinklers will be spewing air until the lines are completely filled with water. Look for any signs of uneven watering, overspray, or malfunctioning components, and make note of any areas that may require adjustments or repairs.
Step 6: Adjust Sprinkler Heads
Adjust the direction, angle, and coverage of sprinkler heads as needed to ensure uniform water distribution and avoid overspray onto sidewalks, driveways, or buildings. Use a screwdriver or sprinkler adjustment tool to rotate or reposition sprinkler heads as necessary, taking care not to damage or break them in the process.
Step 7: Check for Leaks and Repair as Needed
Inspect the entire irrigation system for any signs of leaks, including damp spots, puddles, or wet areas in the landscape. Check around valves, fittings, and connections for signs of leaking water, and repair any leaks or damaged components immediately to prevent water waste and potential damage to your landscape.
Step 8: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Establish a regular maintenance schedule for your irrigation system to keep it operating efficiently throughout the growing season. Perform routine checks and inspections, adjust settings as needed, and address any issues or repairs promptly to ensure optimal performance and water conservation.
Reactivating your irrigation system in the spring is an essential step in maintaining a healthy and vibrant landscape. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can ensure that your irrigation system is functioning properly, efficiently delivering water to your plants, and minimizing water waste. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy a lush and beautiful landscape throughout the spring and summer months, all while conserving water and promoting environmental sustainability.
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