As the winter season fades away, it's time to bring your irrigation system in North Carolina back to life in the spring. However, it's not as simple as turning it on and letting it run. There are several steps that need to be taken to ensure your irrigation system is operating efficiently and effectively. To start, the backflow prevention device must be reinstalled and your system must be carefully pressurized. Irrigation startups also include thoroughly checking each irrigation zone as well as the rain sensor and sprinkler heads. Additionally, programming your irrigation system should not be skipped when starting it up to provide proper coverage for your lawn and landscape as the new growing season begins.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your irrigation system is operating efficiently and effectively, providing your plants with the water they need to thrive. If you're unsure about how to start up your irrigation system or if you encounter any issues during the process, it's always best to contact a professional for assistance.
The Backflow Prevention Device is Reinstalled & The System is Pressurized
The first step in starting up your irrigation system in the spring is to reinstall the backflow prevention device. This device is crucial for preventing contaminated water from flowing back into your home's water supply. Once the backflow prevention device is reinstalled, it should be checked by a certified professional to ensure it is working properly.
Then, the next step is to pressurize the system. This involves slowly turning on the main water supply to the irrigation system and allowing the water to flow through the pipes. It's important to do this slowly to avoid introducing a sudden change in water pressure as it could damage the pipes and sprinkler heads.
Each Zone, Rain Sensor & Sprinkler Head is Checked
Once the system is pressurized, the next step is to check each zone, the rain sensor, and the sprinkler heads to ensure everything is functioning properly. This involves turning on each zone and checking to make sure that the water is flowing evenly and that there are no leaks or clogs. If necessary, an irrigation zone must be recalibrated to ensure it is delivering the right amount of water to its specific area.
The rain sensor should also be checked to ensure that it's working properly and will shut off the system during a rainstorm. This will help you curb your water consumption by adjusting the system's operating schedule if your area recently received rainfall. Finally, each sprinkler head should be inspected to make sure that it's providing proper coverage and is not blocked or damaged.
The Programming of Your Irrigation System is Checked

The final step in starting up your irrigation system in the spring is to check the programming. This involves setting the system to run at the appropriate times and for the appropriate durations. It's important to adjust the programming based on the specific needs of your lawn and landscape, as well as the weather conditions in your area. For example, during hot and dry weather, your lawn may need more frequent watering, while during cooler and wetter weather, it may need less.
Get your irrigation system ready for the new season. Call us to schedule our irrigation startup service!
If you're looking for a professional irrigation startup service, we've got you covered! Our team of experts at Greenway Irrigation will ensure that your irrigation system is properly started up and ready to go for the spring season. We'll take care of everything from reinstalling the backflow prevention device and checking each zone, rain sensor, and sprinkler head to programming it correctly. With our professional irrigation startup service, you can rest assured that your irrigation system will be in top shape for the upcoming season.
We offer our irrigation startup service to residential property owners in and around Cary, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, NC. Call us today at (919) 217-4340 to schedule your irrigation startup service!