Get Your Irrigation Sprinkler System Ready for Spring: Essential Steps for a Healthy Lawn

Spring is just around the corner, and after a long, cold winter, your lawn and landscape are ready to come back to life. But before you start dreaming of lush green grass and blooming gardens, there’s one crucial step to ensure your yard stays healthy—a proper irrigation sprinkler system startup.

If your irrigation sprinklers have been shut down for the winter, they’ll need a careful and controlled restart to prevent damage, maximize efficiency, and make sure your lawn gets the water it needs. Turning the system on too quickly—or skipping this step altogether—can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and costly repairs.

At American National Sprinkler and Lighting, we specialize in professional spring startups, ensuring your irrigation system operates smoothly from day one. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to having an in-ground sprinkler system, follow these essential steps to get your system up and running properly this spring.

Why Spring Startup is Crucial for Your Sprinkler System

Many homeowners assume they can simply turn their sprinklers back on and start watering, but that’s a mistake that can lead to serious system damage. A controlled startup is essential to:

✅ Prevent Damage from Winter Freezing

Even if your system was properly winterized, freezing temperatures can still cause cracks in pipes, valves, and fittings. Slowly bringing water pressure back into the system helps identify issues before they become major leaks.

✅ Ensure Efficient Watering for a Healthy Lawn

A properly functioning irrigation system ensures that your lawn gets even water coverage, avoiding dry patches or overwatering that can lead to fungal growth.

✅ Avoid Costly Repairs and High Water Bills

Leaks or misaligned sprinkler heads can waste water and drive up costs. A spring checkup helps detect issues early, preventing expensive repairs down the road.

✅ Optimize Your Watering Schedule for Spring Conditions

Your lawn doesn’t need as much water in March as it does in July. By properly adjusting your irrigation settings now, you’ll save water and promote strong, deep root growth as temperatures rise.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spring Irrigation System Startup

Before turning your sprinklers back on, follow these key steps to ensure a smooth startup and prevent damage:

1. Inspect for Winter Damage

Before restoring water flow, do a visual inspection of your system, checking for:

✔️ Cracked or leaking pipes that may have been damaged by freezing temperatures.
✔️ Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads that may have shifted due to ground movement.
✔️ Debris or dirt buildup that could block proper water flow.

Pro Tip: If you notice standing water near sprinkler heads or soggy areas in your lawn, it could indicate an underground leak.

2. Slowly Turn the Water Back On

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is turning the water on too quickly. A sudden rush of high-pressure water can cause:

❌ Burst pipes
❌ Valve damage
❌ Water hammer (a loud knocking sound in the pipes)

How to Safely Restore Water Flow:

1️⃣ Locate your system’s main water supply valve (usually in the basement, garage, or outdoor shutoff box).
2️⃣ Slowly open the valve to allow water to gradually fill the pipes.
3️⃣ Listen for any unusual sounds, such as hissing or knocking, which could indicate air pockets or leaks.
4️⃣ Walk around the yard and check for visible leaks or flooding.

3. Test and Adjust Sprinkler Heads

Once the water is flowing, test each sprinkler zone to ensure all heads are working correctly. Look for:

✔️ Even water distribution across your lawn.
✔️ Sprinkler heads that may be clogged or misaligned.
✔️ Weak water pressure, which could signal a leak or blockage.

If a sprinkler head isn’t working properly, clean it out or adjust its positioning. If issues persist, it may need to be replaced or repaired.

4. Program Your Controller for Spring Watering

Now that your system is running, it’s time to adjust your watering schedule for early spring conditions. Many homeowners make the mistake of overwatering too soon, which can damage grass roots and lead to unnecessary water waste.

Best Practices for Spring Watering:

✔️ Water less frequently but deeply to promote strong root growth.
✔️ Early morning watering is best—this helps minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
✔️ Adjust based on rainfall—March and April tend to have more rain, so your system may not need to run as often.

Should You Upgrade to a Smart Controller?

If you’re still using a manual or outdated sprinkler timer, spring is a great time to consider an upgrade to a smart irrigation controller. These advanced systems:

✔️ Automatically adjust watering based on real-time weather conditions.
✔️ Save up to 50% on water usage by preventing overwatering.
✔️ Allow remote access via smartphone, so you can control your system from anywhere.

At American National Sprinkler and Lighting, we offer smart irrigation system upgrades that help homeowners maximize efficiency and convenience.

The Benefits of a Professional Irrigation Startup

While some homeowners attempt to start their sprinkler system on their own, having a professional handle it ensures everything is set up correctly. Here’s why a spring startup service is worth it:

✅ Expert Inspection & Preventative Maintenance

• Trained technicians can identify small issues before they become costly repairs.
• We inspect valves, pipes, sprinkler heads, and pressure settings to ensure everything is in peak condition.

✅ Proper Water Pressure Adjustment

• If the pressure is too high, it can damage pipes and sprinkler heads.
• If it’s too low, you won’t get even coverage, leading to dry patches.
• Our team ensures optimal pressure levels for efficiency and performance.

✅ Customized System Calibration

• We adjust sprinkler heads to ensure even water distribution.
• We reprogram your controller based on current weather patterns and soil conditions.
• If needed, we recommend upgrades to make your system more efficient.

✅ Saves You Time & Stress

Instead of spending hours inspecting, adjusting, and troubleshooting your system, let the experts handle it! With a professional spring startup, you can relax knowing your sprinklers will be running efficiently all season long.

At American National Sprinkler and Lighting, we provide comprehensive irrigation startup services, ensuring your system is ready to go without any hassle.

When to Schedule Your Irrigation System Startup

Timing Matters: Don’t Wait Too Long!

• Best Time: Late March through early April, depending on weather conditions.
• Why Early Scheduling is Key:
  ✅ Avoid the spring rush—technicians get booked quickly!
  ✅ Ensure your lawn gets water as soon as it needs it.
  ✅ Address any winter damage early, preventing bigger issues later.

Book Your Spring Irrigation Startup Now!

At American National Sprinkler and Lighting, we’re already scheduling spring startups! Secure your spot now and enjoy:
✔️ A worry-free irrigation season.
✔️ A healthier, greener lawn from day one.
✔️ Peace of mind knowing your system is running efficiently.

Start the Season Right with a Professional Spring Startup

Spring is the perfect time to wake up your irrigation system and prepare for a healthy, vibrant lawn. A proper spring startup ensures your sprinklers run efficiently, prevent damage, and save water—but doing it yourself can be tricky.

That’s where American National Sprinkler and Lighting comes in. Our expert technicians will:
✅ Inspect your system for winter damage.
✅ Ensure optimal water pressure and coverage.
✅ Program your controller for smart, efficient watering.
✅ Get your system up and running—worry-free!

💧 Ready to schedule your irrigation system startup? 💧
📅 Don’t wait! Book your appointment today and enjoy a beautiful, well-watered lawn this spring.

👉 Call us now or visit our website to schedule your service!