Spring is the perfect time to revive your lawn and garden, and your irrigation system plays a crucial role in this process. Restarting your irrigation system after winter is essential for ensuring your plants have access to the water they need to thrive.
1. Inspect and Clean Your System
Before turning on your system, it's important to thoroughly inspect it for any damage or debris that may have accumulated over winter. Here's what you should do:
- Check for leaks: Look for any signs of water leaking from pipes, sprinkler heads, or valves.
- Inspect sprinkler heads: Make sure all sprinkler heads are clear of debris and can rotate freely.
- Clean the filter: The filter in your irrigation system traps dirt and debris, preventing it from clogging the system. Clean or replace the filter as needed.
- Test the backflow preventer: This device prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your drinking water supply. Ensure it's functioning properly.
2. Turn on the Water Supply
Once you've inspected and cleaned your system, you can turn on the water supply.
- Start slowly: Begin by opening the main water valve gradually, allowing the system to fill slowly.
- Check for leaks: As the water flows, check for any leaks that may have been missed during the initial inspection.
- Run a test cycle: Run your irrigation system for a short period to ensure it's working correctly.
3. Adjust Your Schedule and Settings
After your system is running, it's time to adjust your watering schedule and settings to meet the needs of your lawn and garden.
- Consider your plant needs: Different plants have different water requirements. Research the specific needs of your plants and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
- Monitor soil moisture: Check the soil moisture regularly to ensure your plants are receiving enough water, but not too much.
- Adjust run times: As the weather warms up, you may need to adjust the run times of your sprinklers to provide adequate watering.
4. Regular Maintenance
Once your irrigation system is up and running, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure it continues to operate efficiently throughout the growing season.
- Check for leaks: Regularly inspect your system for leaks, especially after heavy rains or storms.
- Clean sprinkler heads: Remove debris from sprinkler heads and ensure they're rotating freely.
- Test the backflow preventer: Ensure it's functioning correctly and doesn't need any repairs.
- Winterize your system: In the fall, prepare your system for winter by draining the pipes and shutting off the water supply.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully restart your irrigation system in spring and ensure your lawn and garden thrive throughout the growing season.
