We know that Colorado Springs sprinkler systems can sometimes be confusing. So, were answering some of our clients frequently asked questions. Feel free to ask your own sprinkler questions.
Q. How do I start up my sprinkler system in the spring?
A. Turning on your sprinkler system for the season is a little more involved than just flipping a switch or turning a handle. This is also the best time to run through the system and adjust or replace any misaligned or broken heads. Lawn Pros can perform a spring startup and manitenance check for you.
At Lawn Pros we do a 10 point spring sprinkler system start up which includes:
1. Clean any mainline irrigation filters
2. Turn on water at stop and waste
3. Properly set and turn on back flow preventer
4. Check all valves and manifolds for leaks
5. Turn on irrigation zones 1 by 1 and inspect for soggy spots in the lawn, pressure loss, or non working sprinkler heads.
6. Inspect pop up spray sprinkler lines for clogged nozzles
7. Reset sprinkler system control timer for proper seasonal watering time
8. Inspect drip-line for proper watering and leaks in the drip line
9. Before Staring System close Backflow.
10. Provide a detailed list of any sprinkler repairs discovered during initial start up
Q. When should I start up my sprinkler system?
A. Winters in cold climates are hard on a sprinkler system. It doesn’t take very much water in a sprinkler system to cause major problems. Frozen water is the number one problem with sprinkler systems in cold weather climates like Colorado Springs, Denver and Surrounding cities. We schedule start-ups begining in mid-March. However, the weather in Colorado Springs is unpredictable and we can have overnight freezing as late as June. We recommend that customers watch the weather and either drain their system or wrap their backflow preventer with heavy blankets if a cold snap is predicted. Customers in Monument, Gleneagle and higher elevations are encouraged to wait until late April or early May to turn on their sprinkler systems.
Q. What maintenance is required to keep my sprinkler system running at its best?
A. Just as you may tune-up or make repairs to your car, the same should be done to your sprinkler system. The most important preventive maintenance steps we recommend are draining and winterizing your system every Fall to prevent freeze damage. Much of the costly repair work we do in Spring could have been prevented if homeowners had properly drained and winterized their system.
Q. What is Drip Irrigation?
A. Drip irrigation is becoming extremely popular. This allows you to water shrubs and flowers more efficiently. Drip emitters put water at the base of the plant to soak into the root base where it is needed, rather than on top of it. Emitters put out a regulated drip that can be changed to meet the needs of various plants. A 2′ shrub needs less water that a 20′ tree.
Q. What is a Rain Sensor?
A. Rain sensors turn the system off if it is raining or has been for quite some time. Mini-Clik offers a good, inexpensive sensor. This saves on your water bill and saves the turf from “drowning”. Too much water is just as bad as not enough.