Spring Irrigation Startup, you want to be a better water manager right? Over the winter cold weather can take a toll on your irrigation system. Below are a few tips to make sure your irrigation system is giving you the best performance, and you will be the best water manager you can be. These tips will help you save water, save money and have a beautiful landscape.
Here are 6 tips for a better spring irrigation startup:
1. Visually inspect all your irrigation components to ensure they will operate correctly when the water is turned on.
Pay particular attention to the backflow prevention device and have it tested if required.
2. Make sure all your valves are closed.
If you drained your system before winter many of these valves will still be open. You can quickly do this as you make your visual inspection.
3. Clean your filters.
This is critical to the success of drip irrigation systems. You can clean your filters by removing them from the filter body and wiping off any sediment. You should also swish the filter in a small container of water to remove any debris that remains.
4. Turn the main water valve on slowly.
Slow and easy is the key here because you don’t want to cause any damage due to the surge of water. Water is heavy, and when it moves at a high rate of speed, it can cause damage to your system. Listen for water to flow and then stop after a few seconds. Visually inspect your system again now and look for leaks.
5. Spring is a great time to reprogram your controller or replace your conventional controller with a smart controller.
Be sure to check with your water agency to see if any water restrictions are in place and adjust your controller accordingly.
6. For your drip systems now is a great time to remove your end caps and flush the system.
Once you remove the end caps run water through the system for two to three minutes to remove any debris that could clog your emission devices.
Start the season off right by performing these activities. These are not the only activities you will need to complete to ensure proper watering all through the season, but they are a good start. To learn more about ways to be a better water manager check out this article.