Starting up your irrigation system after a long winter isn’t as simple as opening the valves and switching on the controller. Following the right startup procedure ensures your sprinklers work correctly all year, providing the ideal amount of moisture to every area of your lawn. Understanding the spring startup process will help you get your irrigation system ready for the growing season.

What Is a Spring Startup?

Custom-designed irrigation systems consist of several zones and moving parts, designed to deliver the perfect amount of water to your lawn. Properly winterizing the system means depressurizing everything, closing valves, and taking steps to protect the pipes and other parts from freezing weather. During a spring startup, your irrigation professional reverses these steps and inspects the system for problems that developed over winter.

What Does Spring Startup Entail?

Each system has a unique process, but most startup procedures are similar. To start, your irrigation contractor will check and reseal any drain valves and plugs before carefully opening and repressurizing the system. Once water is flowing through the pipes, they’ll perform a visual inspection of the system, including the backflow devices and valve manifolds.

Checking out the system while it’s under pressure gives your contractor the opportunity to inspect the lateral lines and adjust sprinkler heads, emitters, risers, and rip lines. In addition to cleaning and replacing any clogged nozzles, they’ll also look for other issues to be addressed before the growing season begins.

Offering industry-leading expertise and award-winning service, Maxum Irrigation has kept lawns lush and green throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island for over 15 years. Whether you need a custom-designed irrigation system or help with spring startup, always count on their team of experienced professionals to exceed your expectations. Visit their website for more on their wide range of services, follow their Twitter for more expert tips and advice, or call (860) 525-7000 to discuss your needs with their team.