It’s not a bad idea to start prepping for the Spring and Summer months – even as early March or April. Since much of the midwest has been particularly dry this year – with Denver being no exception – many homeowners have been taking action to start their sprinkling systems early this year. Contrary to popular opinion, you can start up a sprinkling system as soon as the first frost has dried up. If you can get a shovel one foot into the ground, you can get a go on kicking the sprinkler system into gear.
If you’re big on DIY and you like the idea of starting up your sprinkler system solo, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly perform a sprinkler setup to get ready for the upcoming warm weather.
1. Close all of the drain valves on the system. Look for the drains on the water supply line and sprinkler zone valve manifold.
2. Make sure to close the valves on the vacuum breaker and don’t forget to close the test valves on the vacuum break also.
3. Visually inspect the vacuum breaker and the zone valve manifold for possible freeze breaks or damage that may have occurred over the winter and make any necessary repairs before turning on the water. Also, make sure to watch out for spiders in your zone valve boxes.
4. Inspect the wiring to your zone valves for any loose connections or damage.
5. Turn the water on to the system.
6. Cycle through each zone and let the water run for at least 3-5 minutes.
7. Make adjustments to the sprinkler heads as necessary and clear away any overgrown grass. Put the water on your lawn – not on the concrete or asphalt.
8. Make a note of any broken sprinkler heads and make repairs as necessary.
9. Look for water coming up through the ground as you inspect each zone and make note of any problems. Depending on the soil conditions and the depth of the sprinkler lines, the water may have to run longer before water coming up from underground broken lines shows up on the surface.
10. Low water pressure coming out of the sprinkler heads may indicate that there may be a broken underground sprinkler line.
11. Make repairs to broken underground lines as necessary.
12. Set your sprinkler clock program for your desired watering day and time (the most common water time is between 10 and 15 minutes per zone). Zone coverage area and location of the zones may require adjustments to the watering times. It is best to water during early morning hours or in the evening after the sun goes down to avoid water evaporation from the lawn.
While setting up your sprinkler system for use in the warmer months may not be for everyone (hey, that’s what we’re for!), this guide should help ease some of the confusion about how to make the necessary changes to switch your lawn watering system from hibernation mode into action.
Call us at 303.451.5057 to save on discounted spring start up specials. We’re open 7 days a week with no extra charges.
We service:
- Air Conditioners
- Evaporative Coolers
- Sprinkler Systems
