We have created this area specifically for our clients to help them better understand and manage their sprinkler systems.

Self-starting your sprinkler system

Starting your system should be professionally done. However by carefully following these procedures you should not encounter any difficulties.

A: Locate the sprinkler supply valve which is usually in the basement. Most are marked with a red tag.

B: Locate your backflow, which is usually directly outside the house from the sprinkler supply valve.

C: Understand your controller. Instructions are on the inside of the front door.

NOW LET'S BEGIN

1. At the backflow, match yours with Fig. A or B. With a screwdriver close test cocks #1 and #2. These will be in the vertical position with Fig: A and parallel with the house in Fig: B, Fig: B has 4 test cocks to close. These valves are left in the open position for the winter.
2. Turn ball valves A and B to the open position parallel with the pipe. These are left in a 45-degree position over the winter.
3. Turn faucet to the closed position.
4. Go to your controller, activate zone 1 or hit the semi auto button if your controller has one.
5. Go to sprinkler supply valve and turn it slowly to the open position. This prevents water hammer in the system, which may cause damage to your valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads. The water will continue to flow because you activated zone 1.

Now you may walk through your system to see if the sprinkler heads are operating properly. To make this easy, set the zones to run for a few minutes each. This will keep you from walking back to the controller after you walked through each zone.

Also keep in mind most systems are equipped with a rain sensor. This may keep your system from operating.