Spring will be here soon, and it's time to get your lawn and grass back in shape! As the weather warms up, your grass, plants, and flowers will start to grow again, but they'll need plenty of water to thrive. That's where lawn sprinklers come in. Using a sprinkler system, you can quickly and efficiently water your lawn without wasting time or energy.
So, say goodbye to dragging hoses around your yard and hello to a lush, green lawn. With the help of a professional and a little bit of effort to turn on your sprinklers the right way, you'll be able to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space all season long.
How to Turn on Your Sprinklers Correctly After Winter?
In winter, your lawn doesn’t need watering, so it makes total sense to turn off your sprinkler system and perform winterization. Now that spring is coming, you’ll need to turn your system. There is a safe way to do this to avoid damaging your system and incurring unnecessary sprinkler repair expenses.
Here’s what should be done to turn on your sprinklers for spring safely:
1. Check if the soil is frozen before turning on the system to avoid damage.
Get ready to get your green thumb on! It's time to prepare your sprinkler system for spring, and it might take you a little while, depending on the size of your property, the number of sprinkler heads you have, and the condition of your system. Shutting down your sprinkler system for winter and reviving it in the spring are no easy tasks, but if you do it right, you'll only have to worry about avoiding those pesky sprinkler heads while mowing your lawn.
Hold on a second. Before you turn on those sprinklers, you need to make sure the soil is thawed out. Grab a shovel and dig at least one foot into the ground in a remote area of your yard. If the soil is still frozen, don't panic. Just wait a few weeks before trying again. Trust us, you don't want to activate your sprinkler system when the ground is frozen, or you'll end up with some damaged components. If you can't wait longer to water your lawn, grab a hose and water the old-fashioned way until the soil is thawed out.
2. Turn on valves slowly and monitor for leaks or other issues.
Turning on most solenoid valves is as easy as twisting them 90 degrees to the left like you're opening a jar of pickles. They might drip a bit when you first turn them on but don't worry. It won't last long. Double-check that the valve isn't stuck in the "on" position, or you might have a soggy lawn.
For pressure vacuum breakers, you've got two ball valves to work with — one on each side of the valve. If you want to turn it on, ensure both valves are parallel. If they're perpendicular, the valve is off. Give each ball valve a quarter turn to get things going, and do it slowly. While at it, keep an eye on those individual sprinkler valves — they might need extra TLC.
3. Inspect and clean each sprinkler head, and make necessary repairs or adjustments.
Take a stroll around your yard and check all the sprinkler heads. If you notice any damage, like a broken line or busted head, dig it up and fix it immediately. Don't forget to adjust the spray pattern of the heads and let them run for a bit to see how the coverage looks. If any of the heads seem clogged or wonky, give them a good cleaning or adjust them until they're spraying properly again.
Our professional contractors at Water Works Unlimited Inc. can do the correct sprinkler maintenance for you. We’ll check each and every sprinkler head and perform necessary repairs or adjustments to get your system working in no time!
4. Test each sprinkler zone to ensure proper coverage and identify any issues.
When it's time for the first spring watering, you may be lucky and not need to tinker with your sprinkler nozzles. It’s still a good idea to give each zone a test run one at a time, and our pros can do that efficiently. We’ll make sure your spray patterns are hitting all the right spots.
If there's a broken sprinkler head lurking in your system, this is when it'll reveal itself. If your sprinklers seem to be spitting out water with lower pressure than usual, that could mean a water line break.
We’ll keep an eye out for soggy patches in your soil, which can help you pinpoint the source of the leak. If we find a break, we’ll shut off the sprinkler system until we repair it.
5. Set up and program the controller properly, including accurate date and time settings.
Program the timer and create schedules for each zone. Make sure the controller is set up correctly and that the date and time are accurate. Check the watering times during the day to ensure everything works perfectly. Don't water at night because you might miss potential problems.
Once everything looks good, follow the instructions for programming the controller. This is a tall order, so best to hire a professional to set up the controller for you.
When Is the Best Time to Turn On Your Sprinklers?
Starting up sprinkler systems in the spring varies depending on where you live and the local climate. In North Carolina, you need to start preparing to open them in April. To avoid freezing pipes, waiting a few weeks past the last frost date is typical before turning on the sprinklers. When turning on the water, it's important to do it slowly to avoid damaging the pipes and fixtures with water velocity and water hammer.
Starting up your sprinkler system in the spring is easier than you think. By manually turning on the sprinklers and opening the valves slowly, you can make sure the pipes and sprinkler heads aren't damaged. Hire a pro like Water Works Unlimited Inc to ensure this is done right. We can assist you through the process of starting up your sprinkler system and guarantee that your lawn grass gets the water they need to thrive this spring and summer.
Trust Water Works for Safe and Effective Spring Startups
Say goodbye to winter and hello to a lush, vibrant lawn with Water Works Unlimited, Inc.! Our team of professionals makes spring startups a breeze, ensuring that your Raleigh irrigation system is ready to go when you are.
Don't risk damaging your system by attempting a DIY spring startup. Let our affordable and reliable irrigation services bring your system out of hibernation and get it running smoothly. Whether you're planning to entertain guests, grow a garden, or just enjoy your outdoor space, we've got you covered.
Don't wait until it's too late — schedule your spring startup with us today by calling 919-570-7808. Sit back, relax, and watch your lawn come to life!
