Turning on lawn sprinklers without dewinterizing equipment first can cause plumbing problems. If the ground or buried water lines are still frozen, or air pressure rises too quickly, the channels could rupture. To prepare to irrigate the turf this spring, follow the below steps.

How to Dewinterize Sprinklers

1. Turn on Control Panel

Once temperatures rise and the soil around your sprinkler lines thaws, locate the main control panel for the system. You might need to replace batteries and wipe away winter grime before turning your panel on. When the device is activated, set the time, date, and irrigation zone information. 

2. Clean Sprinkler Heads

Next, locate all sprinkler heads poking out of the ground and check the assembly for broken or missing parts. This could include loose nozzles, corroded wiper seals, and dented risers. Replace any damaged components.

Ensure the water doesn’t back up and cause plumbing problems by unclogging the holes of each nozzle with a toothbrush. You'll also know if water will spray in the desired direction. Help release air in pipes by keeping the valve farthest from the water hookup open, and then remove the nozzle.

3. Open Main Water Valve

Turning on the sprinklers too quickly could be dangerous since water running through the empty lines causes air pressure to spike. The air buildup could cause the sprinkler heads to shoot out of the ground, rupture your pipes, and kick-start additional plumbing problems. Prevent this by opening the main water valve gradually, then wait a few minutes before opening it wider.

This helps control the speed that water and air flows through the pipes. If there are branch lines, repeat the process with the main valve of each. After, screw the nozzle back on and close the previously-opened, farthest away valve.  

4. Test the Entire System

After valves are in the right position and sprinkler head nozzles are secure and damage-free, turn on the system for a trial run. Listen for strange sounds, such as banging, which could indicate air is still in your pipes. Look at each irrigation zone to make sure the spray patterns are correct.

 Contact the professionals at Ray's Heating, Plumbing, Electric to check over your work. Based in Salmon, ID, and serving clients in Lemhi and Custer counties since 1971, these technicians will provide plumbing repairs and air conditioner services to prepare your home for spring. Find out whether your sprinkler dewinterizing was performed correctly by calling (208) 756-3649. See which plumbing problems the team can solve online and rate their work on Facebook.