How to Turn on a Sprinkler system in the Spring

When spring arrives and the weather starts to warm up, it's time to turn your irrigation system on and start watering your landscapes. Most sprinkler system owners turn off the system in the fall to prevent winter damage. Winterizing the system prevents water from freezing in pipes and keeps pipes and fittings from breaking during colder months. However, once freezing temperatures end, you need to turn your sprinkler system back on. Luckily, it's a simple process.

Starting a sprinkler system in spring safely is crucial to avoid water waste and eliminate repair costs. Important steps must be taken to ensure you don't damage pipes, valves, or other components during this process. This complete guide explains how to turn on a sprinkler system for spring and help your lawn thrive.

When to Turn on a Sprinkler System in Spring

Check the temperature before opening any valves. You should wait until the risk of frost has passed to avoid flooding your lawn and paying for costly landscaping damage. Generally, it is best to wait until after the last typical frost date in your area to start your irrigation system, whether it's drip irrigation for vegetable beds or sprinklers for your lawn. The last frost date is the estimated time of year when freezing temperatures cease.

Avoid turning the system on as soon as the weather starts warming up. To check if your ground is frost-free, use a shovel and dig at least 10-12 inches below the soil surface. If the shovel is not digging into the ground as it should, wait a few days before starting your irrigation system.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Sprinkler valve key
• Pen and paper (to write any problems)

Steps to Turn a Sprinkler System Back on In Spring

Here are the steps you need to follow to start your sprinkler system again for a season.

1. Inspecting the System for Winter Damage

Before starting the process, inspect the sprinkler system for damage from harsh winters. Freezing weather, strong winds, and flooding can cause sprinkler problems. Carefully check all sprinkler heads, exposed valves, pipes, and fittings for visible signs of damage. If you find any broken or cracked component, repair or replace it before turning on the system.

2. Find the Main Shutoff Valve

The first step is to locate the sprinkler main shutoff valve. This valve is usually located in valve boxes in the basement, around the yard, or in the crawl space. Once you locate it, make sure it is off, meaning the handle should be 90 degrees to pipe. Keep the valve closed for now.

Note: The shutdown valve for your sprinkler system is different from the shutoff valve for your home's main water supply.

3. Set the Controller Settings to Manual

Set the sprinkler system to manual mode on the controller. When the system is fully on, you must test and monitor every zone to ensure they are working properly. So, leaving the system on automatic settings won't do.

4. Find the Vacuum Breaker

Next, locate the vacuum breaker fitting for your system. This is often above ground and located close to the home foundation. A vacuum break is a copper or plastic valve assembly. It has two large valves connected to two pipes, each with a small shutoff valve, and two small bleeder valves with small screw-type shutoffs.

5. Close Screws (Test Cocks) on Vacuum Breaker

The vacuum breaker has two small test valves, also known as test cocks, that resemble slotted screw heads. Over the winter, if your system was winterized, these shutoffs should be partially open at a 45-degree angle from the attached nipples to prevent water from freezing and shattering the valve. These valves need to be closed in spring. Use a flat-head screwdriver to close both test cocks by twisting them. Make sure they are now perpendicular to the nipple.

6. Open the Shutoff Valves on the Vacuum Breaker

The next step is to open the two large shutoff valves on the vacuum breaker. They usually have butterfly-type handles. Like test valves, these valves should have been perpendicular to the pipe over the winter. Now, open each valve by turning the handle until they are parallel to the pipes.

7. Cap Bleeder Valves

Vacuum breaker test valves have small metal caps that thread on a bleeder nipple to protect them and keep dirt out of holes at the end of the valve. These caps are removed during winterization to prevent them from blocking airflow and freezing. If your valve has these, they should be back in their place in the spring. Use pliers to tightly snug them on threads.

8. Open the Main Valve Slowly

Head back to the main shutoff valve and open it slowly. Turning a system on quickly will create a water hammer, which can damage fittings and sprinkler heads. So, slowly open the valve halfway and leave it for a few minutes to listen to the water flow. Then, open the valve all the way. If you have a ball valve, turn the handle until it's parallel to the pipe. For the in-ground shutoff valve, spin it counterclockwise using the sprinkler valve key until it stops.

9. Run a Test

Now, manually test each sprinkler zone for 3-5 minutes. Activate each zone individually at a time. When a zone turns on, sprinklers will start to blow out air and sputter for about a minute, then shoot water streams. Make sure each sprinkler is working properly and releasing a steady flow of water.

10. Check Valves and Vacuum Breaker

When the water is turned on, and the system is tested, check valves by opening each valve box in your yard to ensure there are no leaks or damage. Additionally, inspect the vacuum breaker, the connected piping, and the bleeders for leaks. If the bleeder cap is leaking, tighten it gently with pliers.

Reprogram the Controller and Start Irrigating Your Lawn

Once your sprinkler system is inspected and working properly, reprogram the sprinkler controller automatically. Program your irrigation zones according to the weather, sunlight exposure, and yard watering needs to ensure your grass and flowers can grow to their full potential. After the system runs, adjust spray patterns, correct other problems you found during the test, and water your lawn.

The Bottom Line

Turning on your sprinkler system again in spring after harsh winters is the first and foremost step in helping your lawn start healthy growth. Turning the system too soon or making any mistake can lead to damaged components, which can be expensive to repair. Follow this spring sprinkler start-up guide to start your system and ensure it runs efficiently. You can start a system yourself or hire a professional if you're unsure and need help with repairs.

DripWorks carries a wide range of high-quality sprinklers to meet your landscape's unique needs. Our products from top brands will ensure your lawn stays well-hydrated and in top condition. Explore our sprinklers collection here.