Spring in Southern Alberta is a welcome sight, but it also brings with it the essential task of waking up your outdoor utilities. While the first week of May is our general rule of thumb for activating underground sprinkler systems, the ideal timing depends on your specific lawn and climate. Factors like your grass type, the clay or sand content in your soil, and our unpredictable local climate all play a role in determining when your yard is ready for its first soak.
Before you turn your water on, it’s essential to understand that every system is unique. Taking a careful, methodical approach to how you turn on your underground sprinkler system can save you headaches down the road.
Turning on Your System: The Importance of a Slow Start
The process may seem detailed, but precision is your best defense against system damage. The most significant risk during spring startup is water hammer—a surge that occurs when water is reintroduced too quickly, slamming into control valves and sprinkler heads with destructive force.
To protect your investment and avoid costly repair bills, you must open all valves slowly, allowing at least 5 full seconds for pressure to build gradually. We have highlighted this critical advice in Steps 4, 7, and 8 of the guide below.
If you have any doubts about your setup or simply have a busy spring schedule, our team is always available to handle the technical details for you.
How to Turn on the Underground Sprinkler System: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Secure the Outdoor System
Start on the outside of the house and find your irrigation system’s mainline(s) and valve box. Make sure that everything is closed tightly, including:
- Solenoids
- Bleed screws
- Hose bibs
- Ball valves
Once everything has been secured, locate the mainline inside the house.
Step 2: Locate the Mainline
Locate your main water shut-off for the house. Ensure this valve is all the way open—if left partially closed, it will restrict water flow to your irrigation system, affecting its performance.
- Identify the DCVA: Find your isolation valve and cross-connection device (Double Check Valve Assembly).
- Safety Check: City of Calgary bylaws and the National Plumbing Code require an annual test of the DCVA by a certified professional before the system is activated. If you use fertilizer injection, you must have a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) device instead.
- Close Drains: Ensure any interior boiler drains or hose bibs on the line are secure.
Step 3: Pressurize the Mainline
Verify once more that all valves are closed, then slowly open the main interior irrigation valve (take at least five seconds to prevent water hammer).
- Monitor for Leaks: Listen for flowing water. The line should fully pressurize and become silent within 20 seconds.
- Verify with the Meter: If you hear water or see your water meter turning, check for open faucets in the house or leaks in the line before proceeding.
Step 4: Charge the Irrigation System
Once the interior line is stable, move outside to open the external isolation valve:
- Open Slowly: Again, open the valve gradually to avoid pressure shocks.
- Check Performance: Confirm there are no leaks between the external valve and the control valves. Ensure all upstream valves are fully open to maintain optimal pressure.
Step 5: Test the Zones
Manually activate each zone using the solenoid or bleed screw to check for broken sprinkler heads or pressure drops.
- Electronic Test: Run each zone a second time using your irrigation timer to confirm the electronics and solenoids are communicating correctly.
Step 5: Program the Timer
Set your watering schedule for the season. For spring activations, consider reduced runtimes or upgrading to a weather-based smart controller, such as the Hunter Hydrawise, to automate adjustments based on local Calgary weather.
Common Spring Irrigation Mistakes
Avoid these frequent pitfalls to keep your system running efficiently all season long:
- The “Fast Flip”: Turning the main water valve on too quickly. This is the number one cause of DIY system damage.
- Ignoring the Backflow: Failing to inspect the backflow preventer for small hairline cracks that occurred over the winter. These must be tested before turning on the irrigation system.
- Setting and Forgetting: Using your mid-summer watering schedule in May. Early spring soil is often already moist from snowmelt. Overwatering now can lead to root rot.
- Skipping the Filter Clean: Sediment often settles in the lines over winter. Failing to flush the system can lead to clogged nozzles and uneven coverage.
When to Call for Repairs
Sometimes, a spring startup reveals issues that require an expert’s touch. Call a professional if you notice:
- Geysers or Low Pressure: If one head is shooting water 10 feet in the air while others are barely trickling, you likely have a broken line or a missing nozzle.
- Sputtering Heads: If your sprinklers are coughing air and water long after the system should be pressurized, there may be a leak in the mainline.
- Wet Spots: If a specific area of your lawn is soggy or pooling water even when the system is off, you likely have a weeping valve that isn’t closing properly.
- Controller Error Codes: If your screen shows Sensor, Fault, or Off, there may be a wiring issue caused by winter pests or corrosion.
Service Costs
Our activation services are thorough, efficient, and designed to get your system running at peak performance.
| Service Level | Base Price (1–4 Zones) | Additional Zones |
| Standard Activation | $185.50 | +$8.75 per zone |
| Annual Members | $159.00 | +$8.75 per zone |
*Note: Pricing varies by region. These prices are specific to Lethbridge.
Call in the Pros Section: Something About Lethbridge
While many homeowners feel comfortable handling their spring startup, every irrigation system is unique. If these steps don’t quite match your setup or you’d prefer the peace of mind that comes with a professional touch, we are here to help.
Having a certified technician turn on your underground sprinkler system ensures that hidden leaks, faulty heads, or pressure issues are caught before they impact your lawn or your water bill.
For professional activation services you can rely on, contact Naiad Irrigation Systems today! Located in Lethbridge? We’d love to hear from you.
Book a service or call us today @ 587-200-3994. We provide top-notch services from Irrigation Association-certified professionals.
