Spring Irrigation System Start-Up Procedure

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety glasses Work gloves Hearing protection (if using power equipment) High-visibility vest when working near parking lots or roadways Safety Precautions Open water supply valves slowly to prevent water hammer. Do not pressurize damaged irrigation systems. Keep personnel clear of valve boxes and sprinkler heads during startup. Ensure electrical components are dry before operation. Report any major leaks or backflow failures immediately.

Irrigation maps (if available) Irrigation controller keys/access tools Hand tools Repair supplies (sprinkler nozzles, risers, fittings, caps) Backflow test report (if required) Startup inspection form

Pre-Startup Inspection

Inspect all landscaped areas for winter damage. Locate and inspect: Irrigation controller(s) Backflow preventer(s) Valve boxes Quick-couplers Exposed piping Verify all irrigation repairs identified during fall shutdown have been completed. Remove debris from valve boxes and around backflow assemblies. Inspect controllers for damage, moisture intrusion, or power issues.

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Prepare Backflow Assembly

Verify all test cocks are in the winterized position. Inspect backflow assembly for: Freeze damage Cracked fittings Corrosion Missing insulation or covers Close all test cocks. Place backflow isolation valves in the closed position prior to introducing water.

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Important Water must be introduced slowly to prevent damage from water hammer. Slightly open the upstream isolation valve. Allow the irrigation mainline to fill slowly. Listen and inspect for leaks while system pressure builds. Once pressure stabilizes, fully open the upstream valve. Slowly open the downstream isolation valve. Inspect the backflow assembly and exposed piping for leaks.

Restore controller from "Off" or "Rain Mode." Verify: Date and time settings Seasonal adjustment settings Program schedules Zone assignments Replace backup batteries if applicable. Confirm weather sensors and rain sensors are functioning properly. Adjust watering schedules based on spring conditions and water conservation requirements.

Run each zone individually. For each zone: Activate zone manually from the controller. Observe operation of all sprinkler heads. Check for: Broken heads Leaks Low pressure Overspray onto sidewalks, buildings, and parking lots Tilted or sunken heads Improper rotation Clogged nozzles Make minor repairs as needed. Record deficiencies requiring future maintenance.

Drip Irrigation Inspection

Operate each drip zone manually. Inspect: Emitters Tubing Filters Flush valves Repair or replace damaged tubing and emitters. Verify water is reaching all planted areas. Flush drip lines if necessary.

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Valve and Zone Verification

Confirm all electric valves open and close properly. Inspect valve boxes for leaks. Verify no valves remain stuck open after operation. Ensure zone numbering matches controller programming.

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Evaluate system performance for: Uniform turf coverage Proper rotor and spray head adjustment Head-to-head coverage Water conservation opportunities Damage from snow removal or winter maintenance activities Adjust sprinkler arcs and nozzles as necessary.

Final System Inspection

Verify: Mainline is fully pressurized. No active leaks exist. Controllers are programmed correctly. Sensors are operational. All zones function properly. Valve boxes are secure. Backflow assembly is functioning normally. Repair needs are documented.

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During startup: Water only as needed for spring conditions. Adjust runtimes to prevent runoff. Repair leaks immediately. Limit overspray onto pavement and building surfaces. Utilize weather-based controller adjustments where available.

Documentation

Complete a Spring Irrigation Start-Up Record for each branch. Startup Record Example Site: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________ Completed By: ___________________ Number of Zones Inspected: _______ Backflow Inspected: □ Yes □ No Leaks Found: □ Yes □ No Repairs Completed: □ Yes □ No Deficiencies Identified: Follow-Up Work Required: Signature: ______________________