If you’ve been wondering how to turn your lawn sprinkler system back on in the spring, you’ve come to the right place. This article will explain everything you need to know about turning your sprinkler system back on, from checking for broken or damaged sprinkler heads to a leaky main valve. Follow these tips and you’ll have your lawn sprinklers up and running in no time.
Checking for damaged/broken sprinkler heads
If you’re turning your lawn sprinkler system back on in the spring, you may notice some problems with the lawn’s sprinkler heads. This may be due to a broken sprinkler head, but you should check all sprinkler heads to make sure that none of them is broken or damaged. A damaged or broken sprinkler head could also be due to damage to the irrigation system’s pipe, valve, or other parts.
Most electrical problems with sprinkler heads occur in the valve box, which is more susceptible to weather damage than the controller. If you notice multiple valves that don’t work, check the common wire on the valve box. If it’s loose, the sprinkler heads won’t turn on at all. Another sign of a bad sprinkler head is a head that barely sprays water but spews water everywhere. This may be due to low pressure.
Checking for leaks
Before turning on your lawn sprinkler system, check for leaks. A leak may be hard to detect because it’s in a remote location, or it might show up on the lawn at a low point. In this case, you might need to hire a plumber to perform a leak detection test. If you don’t know how to perform a leak detection test, here are a few tips.
First, locate the main water valve in your home. Most of these valves are located in a basement or crawlspace. Once you locate it, slowly turn the valve connected to your sprinkler system on. Avoid turning the valve on too quickly because this could cause a surge of water into the system and potentially break sprinkler heads or pipes. Next, check the sprinkler system for any other problems.
Checking for a backflow preventer
Before you turn your lawn sprinkler system back on in the spring, you should inspect the device for leaks or wetness. Check the valve box, which should be empty and covered with a green covering. Next, check the valves, pipes, and connections for leaks. If you notice any of these, replace them as necessary. You may also want to check the backflow preventer’s spring assembly and hose connections.
If you have a lawn sprinkler system, you must install a backflow prevention device. You can use a check valve or a dual check. Both types of devices have the same purpose but differ in their pressure loss. Make sure your backflow preventer is properly installed and protected from freezing. The device will ensure that water can’t backflow through pipes.
Checking for a leaky main valve
As spring rains begin to fall, the landscapes of many homes and gardens start to wake up. However, sprinkler systems are susceptible to leaks. A leaky main valve means wasted water and an unpleasant water bill. You should always check for a leaky valve before turning your lawn sprinkler system back on in the spring. In addition to the main valve, there are other parts of your lawn sprinkler system that need to be checked.
To check for a leaky main valve, locate the vacuum breaker (the copper or plastic assembly that connects two pipes). Loosen the bleeder screw to access the valve’s nipple. If you find a small amount of water on the valve, try turning the valve back on. If the leak isn’t there, you can check the sprinkler valve itself.
Opening the main valve
In the spring, you may want to re-start your lawn sprinkler system. To do this, you must first find the main valve, which is usually located in the basement or crawlspace. Once you have located the valve, you can slowly turn it on to turn on the sprinkler system. Avoid turning the valve on too quickly, as this could result in a “water hammer,” which can damage sprinkler heads and pipes.
Depending on your lawn sprinkler system, you may have several valves in different locations. If you have a hard time finding the valve, you should call a professional to help you locate it. Occasionally, sediment and trash can clog valves. To avoid this, try to open the valve manually, which will purge the valve and turn on the sprinklers.
Adjusting the nozzles
The first step in adjusting the nozzles on a lawn sprinkler system is to turn the water on. Next, find the nozzles and unscrew the ring that holds them in place. Make sure the markings on the nozzles are pointing in the direction you want. You can also use a Hunter wrench to turn the ring counterclockwise.
It may not be as easy as it sounds, but adjusting the nozzles on your lawn sprinkler system can make all the difference. It’s all about getting the appropriate water level to different areas of the lawn. The best way to do this is by reading the instructions that come with your sprinkler system. Some manufacturers offer instructions on how to adjust their sprinkler heads. A rain bird rotor nozzle adjuster is a simple solution to this problem. It’s also compatible with other rotor sprinkler brands.