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Sprinkler system startup is an important part of getting your irrigation ready for the spring watering season.
As temperatures rise and lawns wake up, a little preparation helps you catch winter damage, restore proper water flow, and make sure your irrigation system is ready before your landscape needs regular watering.
Sprinkler System Startup: Get Your Irrigation System Ready For Spring
Your irrigation system has spent the winter sitting idle, so now you’re moving from inspection to operation. Start carefully, work through each part of the system, and give yourself time to spot problems before normal watering begins.
1: Check the Season’s Temperature Before Starting
The first thing to establish is whether your system is ready to come out of winter mode. Freezing conditions can damage pipes and backflow equipment, so use your local conditions and the time of spring to decide whether it’s safe to proceed.
| Season | What to Look for | What to Do |
| Early Spring | Freezing temperatures and winter damage | Inspect equipment and wait for safe conditions. |
| Mid-Spring | Increasing growth and changing weather | Start the system, flush zones, and test coverage. |
| Late Spring | Warmer temperatures and higher water demand | Fine-tune the watering schedule and monitor performance. |
2: Inspect Before You Add Water
Now that the checklist has given you a starting point, take a closer look at the equipment that endured the winter. Finding damage while the system is dry is easier and safer than discovering it after the lines are pressurized.
- Check for Damage: Examine the backflow preventer, valves, pipes, and exposed fittings for cracks or splits.
- Clear Sprinkler Heads: Remove debris around each head and clean rotor nozzles where necessary.
- Create a Flush Point: Remove the final sprinkler head or fitting on each zone so debris and air have somewhere to escape.
3: Restore Water Flow Slowly
With the equipment inspected, you’re ready to bring the system back online. Move slowly here so pressure builds gradually and gives you a chance to catch leaks or other problems.
- Open the Backflow Preventer: Return its handles and test ports to their operating positions.
- Open the Main Supply: Slowly turn on the main water supply, taking at least 30 seconds to move from closed to open.
- Check for Leaks: Watch the mainline, backflow preventer, and master valve for puddles, misting, spraying, or wet spots.
4: Flush and Test Every Zone
Once water is moving through the system, you can clear out debris and verify that each zone is working. Keep following the water as it moves through the system so problems don’t stay hidden underground.
- Flush Each Zone: Open zones manually and let water flow through the designated flush point.
- Restore Flush Points: Replace removed end caps, sprinkler heads, or rotors after flushing.
- Test Coverage: Run each zone from the controller and walk the area to check spray patterns and performance.
5: Set the System for the Season
Your sprinkler startup is nearly complete, but the controller still needs to match current landscape conditions. Finish by adjusting the system for spring rather than immediately using a midsummer watering schedule.
- Adjust the Schedule: Set watering days and run times according to current weather and landscape needs.
- Check Sensors: Clean and uncover rain sensors or weather accessories so they can operate properly.
- Monitor Performance: Watch the system during its first scheduled cycles and make adjustments as needed.
Get Your Sprinkler System Ready for Spring
A successful sprinkler system startup sets the stage for a healthier, more reliable watering season.
Once you’ve inspected the system, restored water flow, flushed the lines, and tested each zone, your irrigation should be ready to keep up with your landscape as spring turns into summer.
FAQs for Sprinkler System Startup
How do I start up my sprinkler system in the spring?
Wait until freezing temperatures have passed, then inspect the backflow preventer, valves, sprinkler heads, and controller. Slowly restore the water supply, flush each zone, test coverage, and adjust the watering schedule for spring.
Is it too early to turn on my sprinkler system during the spring?
It may be too early if your area can still experience freezing temperatures. Check your local forecast and wait until the risk of freezing has passed to help prevent damage to pipes, valves, and backflow equipment.
What are some things to do to get my sprinkler system setup for spring?
Inspect the system for winter damage, clear debris from sprinkler heads, check valves and the controller, and slowly restore the water supply. Then flush and test each zone before setting a spring watering schedule.
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