The transition from winter to spring signals the time to reactivate home irrigation systems that were shut down to protect them from freezing temperatures. Waking up a winterized sprinkler system requires careful attention and a methodical approach to prevent damage to pipes and components. The primary objective is to reintroduce water pressure gradually, ensuring the entire system functions correctly before relying on automated programming. Taking these steps slowly safeguards against the sudden stress that can cause leaks or pipe failure after months of dormancy.
Preparing the System Components
Before any water is reintroduced, a thorough physical inspection of the system’s components is necessary to confirm their readiness. Start by locating the main water shut-off valve, which controls the water supply specifically to the irrigation system; this valve is often found in a basement, garage, or utility room. Ensuring this valve remains completely closed prevents accidental or premature pressurization of the lines.
Following the main supply check, confirm the status of all drain valves that were opened during winterization to allow water to escape the pipes. These valves, typically located at low points in the system, must be fully closed and sealed. Any valve left even slightly ajar will result in significant water loss and a failure to build pressure once the system is activated.
Safely Pressurizing the Main Line
The process of reintroducing water into the system must be executed with extreme caution to avoid water hammer. Water hammer is a pressure surge that occurs when a fluid in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly, potentially rupturing weakened pipes or damaging fittings. To mitigate this risk, the main shut-off valve supplying the irrigation system should be opened slowly, turning it only a quarter of the way at first.
This minimal opening allows water to trickle into the empty main line, displacing air gently and gradually filling the pipes. The next focus is the backflow prevention device (BPFD), which is typically located outdoors and prevents irrigation water from contaminating the main drinking water supply. BPFDs usually feature a set of two or more test cocks and two ball valves that require specific manipulation.
The ball valves on the BPFD should be opened sequentially, starting with the valve closest to the water source, using very slow, partial turns, perhaps a 45-degree rotation at a time. After each small turn, pause for several minutes to allow the air to escape through the sprinkler heads or any open components, which prevents the rapid compression of trapped air. Listen carefully for any sounds of running water, which could indicate a large leak or a major break, signaling the need to immediately close the main valve and investigate.
Testing and Adjusting Individual Zones
With the main line fully pressurized, the next stage involves testing the functionality of the system zone by zone using the automatic controller. Manually activating the first zone allows observation of all connected sprinkler heads under full operating pressure. Watch for any visible leaks around the base of the heads or in the surrounding soil, which may indicate a faulty seal or a broken underground pipe connection.
Check that each sprinkler head pops up to its full height and maintains a steady, consistent spray pattern. Heads that fail to rise or produce a weak, sputtering stream may be clogged with debris, such as soil or mineral deposits, which restricts the flow of water. Proper head rotation and spray trajectory are important to ensure uniform water coverage across the designated area.
If a head is not operating correctly, a minor adjustment or cleaning may be required. Many modern heads allow for the arc and radius to be adjusted using a small flat-head screwdriver or a specialized tool inserted into the top of the casing. For a clogged nozzle, temporarily shutting off the zone and unscrewing the nozzle allows for the removal of any obstructing sediment before reassembly.
Systematically move through every zone on the controller, observing the pressure, coverage, and integrity of the components in each area. This hands-on operational check is the best way to identify and correct any issues that arose either during the winter months or during the initial repressurization process.
Setting the Seasonal Watering Schedule
Once all zones have been successfully tested and any necessary repairs or adjustments are complete, the final step is programming the controller for the season. The irrigation schedule should be programmed based on the current local climate conditions and the specific needs of the landscape. Initial run times are often shorter in the early spring than in the peak heat of summer.
Employing a “cycle and soak” method can significantly improve water efficiency, especially on sloped areas or compacted clay soils, by preventing runoff. This technique involves setting shorter multiple cycles, such as running the zone for five minutes, allowing a 30-minute soak time for water absorption, and then repeating the cycle two or three times. Adjusting the controller’s rain delay or seasonal adjust feature allows for quick modifications in response to local weather forecasts or unexpected precipitation events.