As we come out of winter in the Treasure Valley, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “When should I turn my sprinklers back on?” The answer depends on your system, but more importantly, how you turn it on can make the difference between a smooth start to the season and costly repairs.

In Eagle, Star, and North Meridian, timing varies based on your water source. City water systems can usually be turned on starting late March, while pressurized irrigation systems (HOA water) typically come online around mid-April, usually after April 15th. If you’re not sure which system you have, you’re not alone, and it’s something we help homeowners figure out all the time.

A lot of people assume spring startup is simple. Turn a valve, set the timer, and you’re good to go. In reality, this is where we see the most problems. Even if your system was properly winterized, it’s still very common to have cracked sprinkler heads, leaks in fittings or lines, or valve and solenoid issues show up in the spring. If the system wasn’t blown out properly, those problems can add up quickly. We’ve seen repairs range from a simple $30 broken head to situations costing thousands of dollars where multiple valves, solenoids, and sections of pipe were damaged.

The most common mistakes we see are pretty consistent. One is turning the system on too fast, which can shock the lines and cause immediate failures. Another is not running through each zone. Just because water is flowing doesn’t mean everything is working correctly. This can lead to flooding, dead spots in the lawn, or uneven coverage that goes unnoticed. We also see homeowners ignore small leaks, which can turn into much bigger problems if left unchecked. And surprisingly often, people simply forget to turn their system on, especially with pressurized irrigation, which can set a lawn back weeks.

When we handle a spring startup, we don’t just turn the water on and leave. We start with a visual inspection to look for any signs of winter damage or issues from improper winterization. From there, we slowly pressurize the system to avoid putting stress on the lines. We check the controller, make any needed adjustments, and then run through every zone. We test valves and solenoids, look for broken heads, leaks, or coverage problems, and troubleshoot anything that isn’t working correctly. The goal is to make sure the entire system is ready for the season, not just technically “on.”

One thing that really sets us apart is being prepared. We keep the most common parts on hand, including sprinkler heads, fittings, valves, and solenoids. Because of that, we’re able to complete about 95 percent of repairs on the same day. That means you’re not waiting around for a return visit while your lawn or landscaping continues to suffer.

If your home has a backflow device, startup can be a little more involved. These systems have multiple valves, test cocks, and drains that all need to be set correctly. Turning a backflow on incorrectly can lead to leaks or immediate issues. One simple recommendation if you’re doing it yourself is to use two keys and leave one on the drain and one on the main shutoff while you’re turning the system on. That way, if something goes wrong, you can shut it down quickly without having to reposition a key.

If you’re planning to turn your system on yourself, keep it simple. Turn the water on slowly, walk through each zone, and look for leaks, pooling water, or broken heads. Make sure each zone is activating and shutting off correctly. If you notice water pooling quickly, a zone not turning off, no zones activating, or any obvious leaks or spraying from valves, it’s best to shut the system down and address the issue before it gets worse.

Spring startup is one of those things that seems simple until it isn’t. Taking the time to do it right can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration once the watering season is in full swing. If you’re not sure what type of system you have or just want it handled the right way the first time, we’re always happy to help.

Treasure Valley Property Pros
Serving Eagle, Star, and North Meridian
208-921-6787
https://www.tvpropertypros.com