Spring Start-Up ($150 for up to 8 zones, $10 for each additional zone)
This service is typically performed between April 15 and June 15 and includes the following:
- Activate the system
- Set the control clock to the optimal schedule
- Examine each zone for proper coverage and operation
- Perform minor adjustments (head direction, etc.)
- Check for leaks from backflow, copper pipes, heads, etc.
- Advise the customer of any apparent issues requiring further repairs
When is the best time to have your sprinkling system de-winterized?
As eager as you are to get spring underway and your sprinkling system going, make sure you don’t do it before you are sure that winter is over. For Colorado, sometimes this is not until after Mother’s Day. Many people do the start-up as early as April 15th. However, we don’t recommend that unless you monitor the weather and know how to drain quickly before a possible freeze. Another option is to cover your back-flow valve and copper pipe with a blanket, towel, and plastic bag to survive any surprise freeze. Generally, it would have to go well below freezing and be there for more than a couple of hours for problems to arise. Getting water on your turf as soon as possible is excellent to help ensure everything comes back strong.
Should I call a professional to do Spring Startup?
Doing this yourself is relatively easy, but there are some essential things to consider before you decide to do it yourself. Some companies will only guarantee their winterization if they also do the start-up in the spring. A start-up can break sprinkler components if done carelessly. If the customer does the start-up, it will be hard to tell if the components broke because the winterization was not done right or because the start-up was not done right.
- Efficiency
The fact is that turning the sprinklers on and checking that each zone is working properly and that the sprinkler heads are tuned correctly can be a relatively time-consuming and wet job for the homeowner who does this only once a year. Technicians who do it all the time are going to be more efficient. This is especially so if there are parts that need to be replaced. They also have an eye for signs of possible underground breaks. If parts need to be replaced, he is likely to have the necessary parts in his vehicle, or if not, he will know where to get the right parts and how to install them.
- Monitor
Of course, it would be cost-prohibitive for the technician to stay an entire day to ensure the programmer functions correctly. That being said, we will manually run through all the zones with the clock to ensure the system is operating correctly. You will want to watch your grass as it heats up to ensure it continues to operate correctly as time goes on. If you see a section of your lawn struggling, there is a good chance that a new problem will arise.
If it’s time to turn on your sprinkler system, why not your local Sprinkler Doctor?
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- Call us at 303-800-7011. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
- You can write us an email 24/7,
- Or you can hit the Contact Us button on the website. Just click, scroll down, and fill out the contact form.