The goal of any irrigation system is to water a garden as efficiently as possible. While a well-built system, professionally installed by EAGLE Irrigation, is a good start, there are some tips and strategies to follow that will improve irrigation efficiency.

For clients who don’t wish to do their own spring startup, we offer bi-annual maintenance plans that will take care of both spring preparation and winterization.

EXAMINE YOUR SOIL

Seasonal changes can be deceptive; a warm spring day does not necessarily mean your ground has thawed enough for irrigation to resume. To avoid damaging your pipes, use a shovel to check that the soil has thawed fully, up to 12 inches.

PREP YOUR CONTROLLER

Make sure your system’s controller is ready for summer by replacing the batteries, double-checking the time and date, and cleaning off the face and buttons. Make sure that all programmes or settings fit the needs of your lawn.

HOW TO START UP YOUR SYSTEM

The process of starting up is simply the opposite of shutting down your system.

Locate the solenoid valves the garden and close them.
Open the main water.
Check all irrigation system
Repair any damage
Double check the controller, power, rainsensor

INSPECT YOUR SPRINKLER HEADS, NOZZLES, PIPES, AND VALVES

Take a walk around your property and make sure that all sprinkler heads are clear and unobstructed by rocks or other debris. Make sure the heads are clean and free of compacted dirt, and check for any heads that have been buried. This is a great time to replace any parts that are cracked or damaged by garden tools or machinery. A damaged or overworn sprinkler can result in inefficient watering and an unhealthy lawn or landscaped beds.

It’s also extremely important to spend time inspecting your system’s valves. Make sure there are no leaks and that manual valves are in the closed position before turning on the water.

MIND YOUR PRESSURE

Water pressure is a major factor to be aware of when starting up your sprinkler system in the spring. When turning the system on for the first time, it’s important to open the main valve slowly and gradually in order to avoid burst pipes and expensive damages.

It’s also necessary to check the overall water pressure of your property to ensure that your underground irrigation equipment works efficiently and for as long as possible. By using a water pressure gauge, you can judge the pressure going through your irrigation system and adjust to an appropriate level.

TAKE A WALK

Once you’ve taken care of the initial precautions and your system is up and running, take a walk around your property to make sure each sprinkler head is working efficiently. If all seems well, set your controller for the automatic scheduling needed for your lawn and let it do the rest of the work. If you notice problems, don’t hesitate to call us; we’re always ready to help.

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