Spring Startup Checklist

Spring startup is one of my favorite times of year. It's like waking up an old friend. But rush it, and you'll create problems that haunt you all summer. Here's my 35-year-tested startup checklist.

Before You Turn Anything On

1. Walk the property. Look for any obvious damage — sunken areas, exposed pipe, broken heads, heaved valve boxes.
2. Check the backflow preventer. Look for cracks or damage from winter. Make sure test cocks are closed.
3. Inspect the controller. Replace the backup battery. Check the time and date. Clear any old programs if you want to start fresh.
4. Check all wires at the controller. Look for corroded connections or loose wires.

Turning On the Water — SLOWLY

This is critical. Never just crank the main valve open. A sudden surge of water can cause water hammer, blow out fittings, and damage components.

1. Open the main shut-off valve very slowly — about 1/4 turn, then wait 30 seconds. Listen for any sounds of rushing water where there shouldn't be any.
2. Continue opening slowly over about 5 minutes until fully open.
3. Check the backflow preventer for leaks while the system pressurizes.

Testing Each Zone

Run each zone manually from the controller and do a walk-through:

1. Check every head. Are they popping up fully? Are any tilted or sunken?
2. Check the spray pattern. Is coverage even? Any heads spraying onto pavement or buildings?
3. Look for leaks. Check around heads, at valve boxes, and along pipe runs.
4. Check for clogged nozzles. Dirty or clogged nozzles show up as weak spots or uneven spray patterns.
5. Note the pressure. Does each zone seem to have adequate pressure? Low pressure on one zone could indicate a leak.

Adjust Your Schedule

• Start with shorter run times in spring. Your lawn doesn't need as much water in April as it does in July.
• Water in the early morning (4-8 AM) for best absorption and least evaporation.
• Adjust as the season progresses. Increase run times as temperatures rise.

Write It Down

Keep a notebook with your zone layout, head counts, and any issues you find during startup. Next spring, you'll thank yourself.