As summer gets into full swing, it’s common for homeowners to start wondering when exactly they should turn their sprinkler system back on. Warming temperatures are the first sign you will soon need to begin watering your lawn and plants again. According to the landscaping and lawn maintenance professionals at Metro Sod & Seeding, it’s important to turn your sprinklers on at just the right time and in the right way to make sure your yard thrives all season.

Below, the Lincoln, NE-based company provides helpful guidelines for starting up and shutting off your sprinkler system:

• The Best Time of Year to Turn Your Sprinklers On: In general, spring is the ideal time of year to turn your sprinklers back on. However, it could be any time during the months of March, April, and May. It will ultimately depend on when the soil underneath your lawn has completely thawed out from the winter. Starting the system before this has happened can damage the pipes underground.

• Steps for Properly Activating a Sprinkler System: One of the most vital things to remember when activating your sprinkler system is to turn the water on slowly to allow the valves to pressurize. Failing to do so can cause a water hammer, which may harm the sprinkler heads and fittings. You must locate your shut-off valves and put each of them in the “on” position. Then, it’s a good idea to check every sprinkler valve and look for leaks in the lines. All of the sprinkler stations should also be inspected to make sure none of the heads are broken. The last step is to set the timer for watering. Many homeowners find it beneficial to hire a sprinkler maintenance service to take care of these steps and ensure everything is working properly.
• When & How to Winterize Your Sprinklers: Understanding when and how to winterize your sprinklers is just as important as starting them back up. Typically, the system should be shut off as summer turns to autumn and before the freezing temperatures arrive. The water supply and timer will need to be turned off, the pipes should be drained, and you will want to insulate the backflow preventers and valves if they are above ground.

Knowing how to correctly turn your sprinkler system on and off is essential for saving water and preventing a system failure. If you feel more comfortable leaving this task in the hands of an expert, contact Metro Sod & Seeding at (402) 730-4421. You can also visit them online to browse their full list of services.