Sprinkler Start-Up
TLC Lawn Care, Inc.

As a full service lawn care company we can handle all your outdoor needs.

A sprinkler start-up is the process of safely reactivating an irrigation system after its winter dormancy. It involves more than just flipping a switch; rushing the process can cause a "water hammer" - a sudden pressure surge that can burst pipes and blow off sprinkler heads.

The Start-Up Checklist

· Scheduling: Before we can successfully start a sprinkler system, we need to make sure the ground is thawed at least 12 inches deep. Activating a system in frozen soil can lead to immediate pipe damage. Please note that these appointments are scheduled primarily based on geography for the best efficiency possible. It keeps our prices more affordable!

· Inspect System Components: Our technicians will visually check for possible winter damage to the Backflow Preventer, valves, and sprinkler heads.

· Closing Open Ports: At winterization, our techs will leave the test port valves open at 45 degrees and have you check for any leaks that may occur after shut-down. At start-up, they will close those test ports or bleeder valves and seal the blow-out port properly before turning on the water.

· The "Slow Open": Next, the technician will slowly open the main water valve to allow the system to pressurize gradually. Your main water valve is either located in your front yard at the water meter, or in your basement.

· Test Each Zone: We will check for leaks in your backflow, and manually run every zone to check for leaks, clogged nozzles, or sprinkler heads that need adjustment to ensure even, head-to-head coverage.

· Program the Controller: If we have access to your controller, we will set your watering schedule for spring conditions. Most controllers are located in the garage (some are in the basement) so we will need a responsible adult present at the time of the appointment if you need us to program a watering schedule.

· Repairs: During the start-up, if repairs are found to be needed, the technician will note those for you. If the repairs are quick (such as nozzle replacement or a sprinkler head repair/replacement) and he has time during the start-up he will get permission from you and take care of that while he is there. If the repair will take more time than he has in his schedule fothat day, he will alert our Sprinkler Scheduler and she will contact you with a target date for repair.

Contact Us