Cracking Open Your Irrigation System for Spring: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Manual guide for initiating your irrigation system operation.
April 15, 2023
Springtime is getting closer, and those longer days and warmer temperatures mean it's high time to reawaken your sprinkler system. But before you dive into sleeves of mud and the sweet scent of freshly damp earth, there are a few crucial steps to ensure your greenery gets the H2O it needs without any hiccups.
The Lowdown on Kickstarting Your Irrigation System
The initial stage is to give your irrigation system a thorough once-over. Examine every nook and cranny like a precocious puffin pup, searching for any cracks, damages, or wear on the pipes, fittings, and emitters (be it sprinklers or drip irrigation). Skipping this may seem like a no-brainer, but hey, better safe than sorry - especially once summer swoops in, 'cause efficient irrigation systems are vital for maintaining a lush lawn and thriving garden. Once you've given it a solid green light, it's time to turn your attention to your ol' buddy, the controller.
If your controller runs on 24VAC, take a minute to do a thorough inspection of the backup batteries. Battery-powered controllers, on the other hand, will demand fresh new batteries to keep things running smoothly while you're traveling or simply neglecting your domestic responsibilities (hey, it happens to the best of us). It would be a shame to shrug off replacing the batteries because we know how much plants love a good party AND power. Trust us, your foliage will thank you!
Other matters to address when cracking open your irrigation system include:
- The assurance the soil is unfrozen
- Confirming that the controller is functioning correctly and programmed accordingly
- Correctly opening the ball valve
- Correctly setting the drain valves of the manifolds
- Cleansing the irrigation system
- Accurately closing the drain valves
- Checking the solenoid valves and zones
When Should You Get to Work?
The ideal time to perform these taskies is in the early spring, once winter's frozen grasp has loosened and temperatures ascend. Hiring a qualified pro to give your system a once-over and fix any issues is always a good wager, ensuring your system steams ahead and remains spic and span throughout the upcoming irrigation season.
Is All This Really Necessary?
Invigorating your irrigation system and preparing it for the green season is a vital process, shedding light on potential troubles before they start causing more damage for your lawn and lovely plants. Ignoring this process can leave you with a thirsty plot, even when Mother Nature is generously offering a drink. Don't skimp on giving your garden a little TLC – it's definitely worth it!
- Ensure that your home-and-garden, including the garden, benefits from a well-functioning irrigation system by paying close attention to the emitters, sprinklers, and all other components during the initial examination of the system.
- After confirming that the irrigation system is in good working order, consider improving your lifestyle and expanding your gardening knowledge by learning about soil analysis and home irrigation methods to grow a lush lawn and healthy plants effectively, making use of the power that efficient irrigation systems possess.
