Steps to De-Winterizing your Sprinkler System
How to Safely Start Your Sprinkler System in the Spring
Freezing temperatures have ceased and springtime is officially here, which not only means warmer weather, but also that it’s about time to start up our sprinkler systems and begin watering again. However, it’s important than when you do so, you do it the right way to avoid damaging pipes or irrigation components.
Should you need help during any step of the process, you can contact our team for quality sprinkler system services and we’ll be happy to help. In the meantime, we’ve listed some steps for you to follow below.
Step 1: Slowly Open the Main Water Valve to the System
This enables the pipes to gradually fill with water. If the valves are opened too quickly, then the sprinkler system main lines are subjected to high surge pressure, and uncontrolled water flow which can cause damage.
Step 2: Manually Activate Each Zone
Verifying the proper operation of each station valve allows you to spot any problem areas, which we’ll get to in step 3.
Step 3: Do a Walk-Through
Walk through and see that each zone is operating as it should. If there’s low pressure anywhere along your sprinkler system, then you may have a line break or a missing sprinkler. Check also for proper rotation and adjustment of sprinkler heads, and adequate landscaping coverage. Lastly, check and clean the filters on any poorly performing sprinklers.
Step 4: Reprogram the Controller
Reprogram your sprinkler system controller for automatic watering. Replace the controller back-up battery if needed. It’s a good idea to set watering times for when you can keep an eye on your sprinkler system, to ensure that it’s working correctly when you need it to.
Step 5: If Applicable, Uncover and Clean the Weather Sensor
Not all sprinkler systems include this component, but if yours does, be sure to check it so you can ensure your sprinkler system will work as effectively as you need it to this spring and summer.
How to Prevent Sprinkler System Water Hammer
The most important thing to remember about starting up your sprinkler system this spring is to turn the water on slowly, to avoid what’s called water hammer. Water hammering occurs whenever there is a sudden change in water flow, like when you open or close a valve or start or stop a pump. The noise you’re hearing is a surge of water slamming against the inside of your system after a short (but enormous) spike in water pressure. If you turn on your water too quickly, water hammering may cause leaks, burst fittings, or even pop off sprinkler heads.
Invest in Sprinkler System Maintenance
Ensuring that your sprinkler system is properly winterized and de-winterized each year is an important part of caring for this system. When you invest in professional sprinkler system maintenance, our team will come out and disable your system for you in October, before it has the chance to freeze up, and we’ll come back out in the spring to ensure it’s working properly at start up.
We also provide professional installation and repairs for the various components of your sprinkler system. Given outside factors such as inclement weather, it probably comes as no surprise that your sprinklers can develop problems over time—too much pressure, spigots that fail to rotate, and more. There’s no need to worry when you have our team on your side though.
Advanced Home Services is the standard when it comes to great service. Contact us today!
