As Colorado warms up from another frigid winter, it’s time to start preparing your sprinkler system for another hot, dry summer. It seems that year after year Denver gets drier and drier, which is why it’s critical that your sprinkler system is in perfect working order. Ensuring that your sprinklers are good to go will keep your property green all summer long while conserving precious water and minimizing your water bills.
This is especially important for commercial properties, whose water bills can rise by a couple hundred dollars during sprinkler season. That’s why we recommended that you have your sprinkler system inspected and started up for the year by irrigation system experts.
At GroundMasters Landscape Services, our sprinkler system technicians have all the experience and technical know-how needed to keep your sprinklers running at peak efficiency. Our thorough inspections and spring startups will identify any needed repairs or adjustments before they become problems, ensuring that the system and all zones work perfectly all summer long.
Here’s a look at our in-depth spring startups and zone inspections:
Spring Sprinkler Startup & Zone Inspection Procedures
- Inspect all drain valves and plugs
- Slowly open the supply valves to safely pressurize the lines and water mains
- Inspect all main lines, valve boxes, and backflow prevention devices (BPDs)
- Activate the system controller
- Energize and perform a detailed inspection of each zone. Check sprinkler heads, risers, drip irrigation lines or emitters for proper operation, height, and direction. Also check that each zone provides proper coverage and that all pressures are within spec.
- Inspect and adjust electrical components such as automatic rain sensors, electronic control valves, wiring, and shut-off (aka “isolation”) valves.
- Reprogram the sprinkler control timer to ensure it has the proper settings and replace the backup battery.
- Any necessary repairs or suggested improvements will be discussed with the client and an estimate will be provided.
Common Sprinkler System Adjustments and Repairs Include:
- Adjusting sprinkler height due to shrub or flower growth
- Relocating sprinkler heads due to plant growth or other obstructions
- Adjusting sprinkler head direction and volume
- Replacing clogged or damaged nozzles
- Repairing leaks in system lines
- Recalibrating or replacing defective solenoid valves
After any and all adjustments, repairs, and improvements have been made, it’s important to recheck the entire system to ensure that everything is working properly.
Costly Mistakes That Can Happen When You DIY Your Own Commercial Sprinkler Startup
Not Properly Winterizing The System During The Previous Fall
Failing to properly winterize your sprinkler system fully can wreak havoc on all sorts of components. Any water that wasn’t fully removed from the system will freeze and can damage pipes, valves, sprinkler heads, and electrical components.
Starting the System While the Soil Is Still Frozen
Soil needs to be frost-free down to at least 1 foot below the surface before it’s safe to start up sprinklers. Just like failing to properly winterize the system, this can cause all sorts of freeze damage.
Creating a Water Hammer
A “water hammer” is a banging sound caused by air trapped in the pipes that doesn’t have time to escape when the sprinklers turn on. This can cause a lot of damage to the system and may be costly to repair.
Failing to Inspect All Zones Before Fully Opening the Main Supply Valve
Testing each zone before going “full blast” makes it easier to check for leaks, cracks, and other damage. It’s also better to adjust sprinklers before fully opening the main supply valve.
Need Sprinkler Inspections or Spring Startups for Your Denver Commercial Property?
The irrigation system experts at GroundMasters Landscape Services know just what your sprinklers need to keep your property vibrant through even the hottest Colorado summers. In addition to our sprinkler system services, we also offer lawncare & maintenance, landscape enhancements, tree and shrub care, storm cleanup, and even snow and ice removal so that we can provide year-rounds grounds management. To see what GroundMasters can do for your commercial property, give us a call today at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online today to get started.