Spring Start-Up
FAQ: Starting Up Your Sprinkler System After Winter or Long
Shutdown
Q: What procedures should I
follow when starting up my system after the winter months or after a
long period of inactivity.
A: The best way
to get your system up and running in the spring is to have your
contractor go through their startup procedure. They will be able to
check and make sure all the components are working properly and help
to ensure that your system is ready to work for the season.
If you decide to attempt to start up the irrigation system yourself,
please refer to this checklist for important steps to follow.
-
Before turning on any water to the system, make
sure all manual drain valves are returned to the "closed"
position.
-
Open the system main water valve slowly to allow
pipes to fill with water gradually. If these valves are opened
too quickly, sprinkler main lines are subjected to high surge
pressures, uncontrolled flow and water hammer.
-
Verify the proper operation of each zone valve
by manually activating it from the controller.
-
Walk through each station on the controller,
checking for proper operation of the zone. Check for proper
operating pressure (low pressure indicates a line break or
missing sprinkler), proper rotation and adjustment of sprinkler
heads, and adequate coverage. Check and clean filters on poorly
performing sprinklers. Adjust heads to grade as necessary.
-
Reprogram the controller for automatic watering.
Replace the controller back-up battery if necessary.
-
Uncover and clean the system rain sensor, if
applicable.
-
Finish and clean any in-line filters for drip
irrigation zones.
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