Don\’t Let Your Lawn Sprinkler System Become a Geyser

Geysers are pretty in parks but not something you want to see in your yard after you start up your lawn sprinkler system. Every year we receive calls from homeowners as they watch in horror while a water geyser sprouts from their lawn.  Spring will be in full bloom soon and the time to get your lawn sprinkler system tuned up is now so that your system will be ready when you need it most.   We recommend starting up your lawn sprinkler system only after nighttime temps are above 32 degrees.   Following a few simple steps before you turn on your system will protect it from geysers and other immediate and unforeseen damage.

The biggest potential for damage on an irrigation Spring start up is from winter freeze
damage from water that was not expelled before a hard freeze.  Begin the initial process of testing the system by filling the main line of the lawn sprinkler system (located between the water source and the zone valves). Slowly open the shutoff valve that controls the water supply to the entire system. .   Use the controller to test the system by running each zone for at least 2 minutes.  Check that all the heads are spraying properly and are level with the ground.  The area around the valves and heads should be checked for leaks and excessive water.  Rotating heads should be moving left to right and not spraying straight.  At this time, make sure your automatic timer is operating as programmed and reset it as needed.  Now is also a good time to replace the batteries.

Remember that a broken sprinkler head can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time even if the pressure does not cause the water to shoot out of the ground like a geyser.