The wait is over — spring is finally here! Now that warm weather is FINALLY on its way, there are things you must do to your home and property in order to prepare it for the spring conditions. One of these spring tasks includes getting your sprinkler system up to speed.
Not So Fast!
Before attempting to turn on your sprinkler system, make sure the soil is frost-free. Using a shovel, pierce the soil at least 12 inches deep and check to see if anything is frozen or if frost is present. If so, wait until this is no longer the case as turning on the sprinkler system too early can damage the underground pipes.
Release the Air
Turning the water on for the first time will cause an increase in air pressure in the pipes that can cause your sprinkler heads to literally shoot out of the ground. In order for this not to happen, open the pressure relief valves to remove the air from the pipes. If your sprinkler system isn’t equipped with this, remove the sprinkler heads in the highest point of each zone. When you begin to refill the pipes with water, do it slowly to prevent a surge of air pressure from pushing through too fast.
Fill Each Zone
Start off by slowly opening the shutoff valve to the water supply line so the main irrigation line becomes filled. From here you can fill each zone by opening the respective zone valve, just make sure you do this at a slow and steady pace. Once water flows out of the headless sprinklers without any air bubbles, you can replace the sprinkler heads.
Prepping your home’s sprinkler system is a must for the spring season if you want to maintain your lawn and soil.
Turf Unlimited is a full service lawn care provider, offering a wide variety of lawn care, fertilization, and pest and weed control services to the Massachusetts or New Hampshire area. For more information about our services call 888-649-9919 and schedule your free, in-home estimate today.
