Spring has finally come to Ohio, and with it comes a lot of outdoor lawn and garden prep. Now is a great time to tune up your sprinkler system so it is ready to work through the warm days ahead. Design Rite Sprinkler Company in Milford has put together a springtime checklist to ensure your system is prepped and ready to irrigate your lawn and garden.

Here is an expert’s guide for essential spring sprinkler system tuneup:

• Check the Soil: While the outdoor air temperature might be warm, the soil temperature might not be. Dig down about a foot beneath your landscaping to determine if the soil has thawed. If the ground is still frozen, it can cause damage to the pipes in your system if you try to turn it on.
• Check the Settings: Make sure the settings and irrigation controls are correct. Check the date and time to ensure the water will turn on at the proper time. Take a minute to wipe away any debris, grime, or dust on the timer and replace the backup battery in the control.
• Check for Obstructions: Debris can build up on sprinkler heads throughout the winter months. Check for any signs of blocked sprinkler heads or obstructions to the system. Cleaning off any buildup or removing these blockages will ensure even water distribution to your entire property.
• Check for Damage: Snow removal, lawnmowers, and other equipment can snag and break sprinkler heads and lines. Replace any broken, cracked or worn pipes, nozzles, and heads to protect your lawn from any water damage later in the season.
• Check the Valves & Gauges: Inspect all your valves to make sure they are working properly. Also, check the water pressure with a gauge to ensure the correct amount of pressure is present to keep the system running properly. Before you turn any water on, turn all your valves to the off position to eliminate the risk of a high-pressure water surge called a “hammer surge” that can damage pipes and valves.
• Check in With a Pro: A thorough visual inspection of all the parts of your sprinkler system is a good idea for any homeowner to do in the spring. However, if you want peace of mind that any issues will be taken care of before you start using your sprinkler system, calling in the professionals is a must. Contact your local irrigation system experts to test and clean your system to ensure it is working correctly.

One way to check off all the spring sprinkler system tuneup to-dos on your checklist is to call Design Rite Sprinkler Company. Contact them at (513) 248-8999 to set up an appointment, or visit them online for more information on all their irrigation services. You can also find the team on Facebook.