After a long winter, spring is finally here. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the season of yard cleanup and outdoor home maintenance has begun.
Before you get too excited, though, remember that we all spent some time dormant over the winter, including your irrigation system. You blew it out and turned it off to protect your pipes from freezing, but now it’s time to turn it back on.
If this is your first spring with an irrigation system, or if you’ve forgotten over the last year, here’s a refresher on when and how to turn your irrigation system on.
When Should I Turn on my Irrigation System?
It’s typically recommended that you turn on your irrigation system on the first Monday in May. That said, with Calgary’s unpredictable weather, it’s important to wait until it’s warm enough that the ground no longer freezes overnight. With that in mind, waiting until the May long weekend to de-winterize your underground sprinkler system may be best.
If you’re concerned, check your ground for frozen areas. With a shovel, dig about one foot down. If you hit frozen ground, wait another week or two before reinitializing your irrigation system.
How to Turn On Your Irrigation System
- Find Your Main Valve
Your main water valve is typically found in your basement or crawl space. Ensure it is turned off by positioning it perpendicular to the pipe.
- Set System to Manual
Before testing your sprinkler zones, switch your system to manual mode rather than automatic. This allows you to test each zone individually. If your control panel battery is older than 6 months, consider replacing it to prevent malfunctions.
For additional guidance, refer to your system’s owner’s manual.
- Inspect Your Sprinkler Heads
Before turning on your system, Perform a visual inspection of your sprinkler heads, checking for damage, ice, and debris. Clean or replace any damaged heads to prevent uneven watering and system damage.
- Open Main Valve
Return to the main water valve in your basement or crawl space. Slowly open it just enough to allow water to start flowing. Wait for the water to reach the mainline, then continue opening it gradually, minute by minute, until fully open.
Be aware: Opening the valve too quickly can create a surge of water, potentially damaging your pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.
- Test Zones
With the system in manual mode, test each sprinkler zone from the controller. Ensure all sprinkler heads are rotating and spraying correctly. Check for leaks and remove any blockages or debris.
If a zone has low pressure, it may indicate a leak or other issue that requires further inspection.
- Program Controller
Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions, seasonal changes, and municipal regulations. Regularly update your controller settings to ensure optimal watering efficiency.
Call in the Professionals
Save yourself the trouble and call in the professionals at Naiad Irrigation. We’ll ensure your irrigation system is in top working condition for the spring and summer. We offer worry-free activation along with a diagnostic test of your system.
Our complete activation services include:
- Turning on your irrigation system.
- Adjustment of heads and nozzles for optimal coverage.
- Timer/controller programming, as needed.
- Full visual inspection of the entire system.
- Post-inspection consultation if anything else is required.
Don’t risk downtime for your sprinkler system this spring. Contact the experts at Naiad Irrigation to have your irrigation system turned on.
Book a service or call us today @ 587-200-3994. We provide top-notch services from Irrigation Association-certified professionals.
