Winter is over, the sun is shining on your face, and the birds are chirping away happily. There are finally some green patches on your lawn. An irrigation system is the best way to water your lawn effortlessly.
You need to de-winterize your irrigation system as spring approaches. De-winterizing an irrigation system can take a long time, especially if you have a large property. Before switching on the main valve, ensure your irrigation system is ready for spring.
This guide will help you understand how to activate your irrigation system without causing damage to your irrigation system.
Check Your groundwork
When activating an irrigation system for spring, timing is vital. If you start the irrigation system too soon after winter, ensure the soil is still not frozen. Starting up the irrigation system too early after winter will lead to damage which may be costly to repair
However, if you are starting up the system later into the spring, you do not have to worry about frozen soil.
Check Your Control Panel
Before switching on the irrigation system for spring, it is vital to ensure the system is in perfect working condition. The control panel is the brain of your system, and if it is not functioning correctly, nothing will work.
Check the scheduling of the irrigation system, the dates, times, and irrigation zones. While at it, it would not hurt to check the battery and replace them for the new season, so you have one less thing to worry about.
If you encounter any problems when checking your irrigation system control panel, a quick google check of the make and model will help you. You can contact a professional to help you out.
Service Each Sprinkler Head
To ensure that the irrigation system is ready for spring, you should service all your sprinkler heads. Inspecting the sprinkler heads may be time-consuming, depending on the size of the property.
Ensure you check the functionality of each sprinkler head and look out for obstructions. Obstruction in the irrigation system can make the sprinkling pattern uneven.
Check all the sprinklers for damage. It is prudent to have spare nozzles and sprinkler supplies to repair any damages that may have occurred. If there is extensive damage to the irrigation system, you may need to engage a professional.
Open the Main Valve Slowly
Slowly open the main valve. If you open the valve too fast, you may cause a water hammer. A water hammer happens when there is a water pressure surge in the pipes, and it can damage the irrigation system.
Open the valve slowly, wait for the water to fill the pipes, and listen for a flow. Open the valve a few degrees at a time until the system is fully running. You may want to remove the sprinklers to flush out any dirt and debris in the pipes and reattach them after the water starts flowing freely.
If your irrigation system has many branches, ensure you repeat the process for every valve.
Check All Irrigation Zones
When the water starts flowing, check each irrigation zone individually. Look out for any issues the sprinklers may have. Run each zone from the control panel for at least two minutes. Look out for uneven sprinkling patterns or pooling of water.
Check the irrigation system for any leaks. Repair any damages to the system before opening it fully. If the irrigation system operates optimally, you can open the main valve to its full operating position.
Countercheck the programming of the control panel and reset it if need be.
If the system is operating optimally, your irrigation system is ready for the spring season.
Getting your irrigation system ready for spring can be an overwhelming task. If you need help or have questions about your irrigation system, contact us, and we will come to you as soon as possible.
Your Expectation in a Summarization Appointment
When people schedule a summarization appointment, they do not know what to expect. Here is what you can expect when scheduling a summarization appointment with Quench Irrigation.
Water Source Location and Labeling
Our technicians will locate and label the irrigation system water source when we get to your property. When found, the technicians activate the system along with the backflow device. The technicians will also check for any leaks in the irrigation system. According to the local laws, we will schedule a test if your irrigation system needs any testing.
If you use a pump to get water from a well or a pond, our technicians activate your pump and its accessories. They also check the pump for prime and suction, leaving you with a smooth water flow.
Inspection of the Mainline and Valves
Once the Quench Irrigation technicians get to your property, they will charge the mainline slowly until they are full. They will also check the valves for leaks when pressurized.
Additionally, the technicians will inspect the valves and their wiring to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
Diagnosis of Controllers and Sensors
The technician will activate and complete a diagnosis of the irrigation system. They do a complete electrical test to ascertain that all circuits work well and can last the season. After the diagnosis, they will do a complete program evaluation and optimization.
For clients with smart controllers, the technicians check the strength and connectivity. The technicians will replace the battery and check all sensors for efficiency.
If you do not have a smart controller yet, talk to our technicians about the benefits of having a smart irrigation controller and get yourself one
Zone Check
The Quench Irrigation technician will do a zone check of the irrigation system. They will activate each zone and inspect for leaks and clogs. Additionally, they will adjust the coverage of the sprinklers to avoid water pooling on some points.
System Efficiency Inspection Report
The final step of a summarization inspection is issuing a system efficiency inspection report. The inspecting technician will issue you with a thorough inspection report. The report is divided into three sections
• High Priority Issues – repairs that require immediate attention
• Design Concerns – recommendations to enhance your irrigation system’s design
• Efficiency Upgrades – recommendations to increase the effectiveness of your system
After the inspection report, your irrigation system will be ready for the spring season.
Contact Quench Irrigation to schedule an appointment for an irrigation system installation or schedule a summarization appointment.