Lista de Verificação de Arranque do Sistema de Irrigação

The calendar reads "April" and for those in colder regions, it means time to put away the parkas for another season is drawing near. But, before you don your Bermudas and flip-flops to crank up the sprinkler system, consider the following as part of the process necessary to reactivate those slumbering sprays and rotors:

1. Before turning on any water to the system, make sure all manual drain valves are returned to the "closed" position.
2. Open the system main water valve slowly to allow pipes to fill with water gradually. If these valves are opened too quickly, sprinkler main lines are subjected to high surge pressures, uncontrolled flow and water hammer.
3. Verify the proper operation of each zone valve by manually activating it from the controller.
4. Walk through each station on the controller, checking for proper operation of the zone. Check for proper operating pressure (low pressure indicates a line break or missing sprinkler), proper rotation and adjustment of sprinkler heads, and adequate coverage. Check and clean filters on poorly performing sprinklers. Adjust heads to grade as necessary.
5. Reprogram the controller for automatic watering. Replace the controller back-up battery if necessary.
6. Uncover and clean the system rain sensor, if applicable.
7. Finish and clean any in-line filters for drip irrigation zones.