March 10, 2019 | Posted in: Irrigation Systems

ARE YOU CERTAIN YOU’RE READY FOR SPRING?

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you are excited to get back out into the yard now that the snow has finally melted.   You’re prepping your lawn, perhaps complete the first mowing session of the season, and eye that new sprinkler system you had installed last summer.  Seems like a great time to start it up for the season, so you turn it on full blast.

OH NO.

This should be your moment of triumph and satisfaction, and instead there is a jet of water shooting out of a burst pipe right in the middle of your yard, turning your soil to mud and costing you money.

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common, but it is easily avoided.  Irrigation systems are prone to damage if proper care is not taken to start them up correctly after the spring thaw.  Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t fall victim to this tragic tale.

3 TIPS FOR STARTING UP YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM WITHOUT DAMAGE

  1. Be sure the ground has thawed.   Push a shovel deep into the soil.  If you can easily sink it in a full 12” without hitting the frozen ground, you’re good to go.
  2. Visually inspect sprinkler heads, valves, and other components. Clear away any dirt clogs or debris, and check for damage from rodents, lawn machinery, snow plows, or over-enthusiastic children.
  3. Carefully, slowly, turn on the water.  Just crack it slightly.  Slowly open the main valve, allowing the water to trickle into the system.  You want to avoid a big rush of water that can cause air pressure to build up and burst the pipe or fittings.

Considering installing a sprinkler system? Click here for a discussion of the legal requirements for new installations in the southwest metro areas.

DON’T HESITATE TO CALL ENJAY!

Irrigation systems are complex and can be intimidating.  EnJay’s team of licensed technicians are trained to safely start up your sprinklers, check for any damage and make necessary repairs and reset your timing controls as needed.

In addition to sprinkler start-ups and installation, EnJay can continue to maintain and repair your irrigation as needed for the life of the system.  Here are a few of the services EnJay offers for existing systems:

  • Replace damaged sprinkler heads
  • Replace broken or frozen pipes
  • Resolve controller programming issues
  • Adjust sprinkler head placement to maximize effectiveness
  • Ensure proper watering schedule to avoid over-watering in summer
  • Installation of rain sensors to provide hands-off efficiency (rain sensors will automatically shut off sprinklers when it rains)
  • Installation of sprinkler system smart controller

NEED A SPRING SPRINKLER START-UP OR INSTALLATION? CALL US TODAY! (952)206-5296 (LAWN)

EnJay Property Maintenance services commercial and residential properties in the southern Twin Cities metro area.

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