Water is essential for healthy plant growth throughout the spring and summer, and a well-maintained irrigation system plays an invaluable role. After sitting dormant all winter, you want to be sure it's ready for the warmer seasons ahead. Below are a few steps to getting the equipment clean and functional for happier, healthier landscaping.

How to Get Your Irrigation System Back Up and Running

1. Clean the Sprinkler Heads

Leftover foliage from the winter and the first spring trimmings and mowings can get packed into the sprinklers, so inspect the entire lawn and clear out the heads as you encounter them. Check the nozzle for damage or blockages and contact an irrigation system technician if any need to be replaced. A damaged head can allow water to leak, which creates waste and can flood other areas. Nozzles that are in generally good condition can be cleaned with a toothbrush to remove partial blockages and promote even watering.

2. Open the Main Valve

Water needs to be reintroduced slowly to prevent water hammer, which can slam into corner piping and loosen joints, resulting in leaks. Open the valve slowly and let a little bit of water in at a time so it slowly fills the branch vales. It’s wise to then return to the lawn and check for leaky sprinkler heads or wet soil that may indicate a leak in a buried pipe.

3. Monitor Water Output

The last step is to perform a test run. Start by setting the irrigation system timer to make sure it activates when programmed. Then, watch how each sprinkler head fires its jet. Make sure they weren't accidentally nudged out of position and are firing water the full length that they're calibrated. Any issues during this process may indicate a leak, damaged part, or undetected blockage that you’ll need to address.

Get your irrigation system back to its full performance level with help from Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing. Serving Waterford, CT, these professionals are committed to keeping customers’ lawns healthy. They offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to ensure your irrigation system always works properly. Call (860) 525-7000 to schedule a service visit, and learn more about their sprinkler options online.