After winter, we all get excited at the first signs of spring. We start making our lists for all the outside projects we want to begin working on and those we want to complete. However, many might not remember to put their sprinkler or irrigation system on the to do list. To ensure your system is running efficiently through the warm seasons here are a few things to prevent problems down the line.
- Make certain the ground is completely thawed. Use a shovel or spade to see if the ground is still frozen, at least a foot down. If you encounter ground that is still frozen, wait a week or two and recheck before prepping your system to prevent damage.
- Inspect your sprinkler control panel. Remove any dirt or cobwebs from the controls, confirm the date and time is current, and that your water settings are correct for your landscape. Replace your backup battery if it older than 6 months.
- Locate each sprinkler head and clean away any dirt or rocks that could block the water flow. Inspect each spray head for damage. You will need to replace any broken or worn heads, nozzles, valves or pipes. Sprinkler heads that are damaged or not working properly can result in too much water in some areas and not enough in others.
- Avoid a water pressure surge—which can cause a break in your water line—by opening the main water valve slowly so water fills the pipes gradually. For systems without air pressure relief valves, remove the sprinkler heads at the highest point of each zone. This allows the air to be pushed from the pipes when the water starts to flow.
- Make sure your water pressure is at a safe range for sprinkler systems. Too much water pressure can damage the pipes, valves and sprinkler heads.
- Once all the water lines to your sprinkler system are full, run a test to determine all sprinkler heads are working and covering the needed areas. Adjust or repair as necessary.
Now your system should be ready and set to keep your landscape looking beautiful and lush throughout the spring and summer season.
Have more questions? Call us – we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
