How To Prepare Your Irrigation System For Spring

Spring Sprinkler System Checklist

As winter winds down and soil temperatures slowly begin to rise, many homeowners turn their attention to reactivating their sprinkler systems. But spring startup isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Preparing your irrigation system properly helps ensure it delivers consistent coverage, avoids costly leaks, and protects both turf and plantings as they emerge from dormancy. 

Below is a detailed guide to identifying potential hazards and taking preventive sprinkler repair steps before the watering season begins.

Checking for Winter Freeze Damage

Throughout the winter, any remaining water inside irrigation components can freeze, expand, and crack fittings, valves, or pipes. Even systems that were professionally winterized can experience minor freeze-related stresses due to temperature fluctuations, soil heaving, or unnoticed pockets of trapped moisture. When spring arrives and water begins flowing again, these cracks can turn into leaks, pressure loss, or complete line failures. Freeze damage often isn’t visible until the system is pressurized, which is why careful inspection is critical before reactivating any section of your irrigation network.

Maintenance Steps:

• Inspect above-ground valves, pipes, and fittings for visible cracks.
• Pressurize the system slowly to detect hidden leaks early.
• Check the backflow preventer for signs of freeze expansion.
• Schedule a professional inspection if you suspect internal pipe damage.

Clearing Debris From Heads & Nozzles

During winter, sprinkler heads can collect silt, mulch, leaves, and other debris that restricts water flow. Snowmelt and shifting soil can also push dirt into nozzles, reducing spray distance or altering the direction of water. If not cleaned before spring startup, blocked nozzles lead to uneven coverage and can create dry spots in your lawn or overspray onto sidewalks, driveways, or building exteriors. Left unchecked, debris buildup strains the system and can reduce overall water pressure.

Maintenance Steps:

• Remove each nozzle and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Use a soft brush or toothpick to clear internal screens.
• Ensure sprinkler heads move freely without sticking.
• Reinstall nozzles securely to prevent leaks when the system starts.

Examining the Backflow Preventer

The backflow preventer is one of the most critical parts of an irrigation system, protecting drinking water from contamination. Winter freezing can damage internal components even if the device appears intact from the outside. A compromised backflow preventer can leak, malfunction, or fail to stop water from flowing backward into the home’s plumbing. Because this device forms your main line of protection, it must be inspected thoroughly each spring.

Maintenance Steps:

• Look for drips, cracks, or corrosion around the device.
• Verify that test ports and shutoff valves still move freely.
• Have a licensed technician perform a certified backflow test.
• Install insulation or covers to protect the unit from future freezes.

Flushing the System to Remove Sediment

During winter months, sediment can settle inside the irrigation main line, especially in systems connected to well water or those with natural mineral content. When spring startup begins, these particles can clog emitters, shorten nozzle lifespan, and reduce overall system efficiency. Flushing the system pushes sediment out through the end of the line, clearing the way for unrestricted flow and restoring optimal pressure distribution.

Maintenance Steps:

• Remove the end caps on each zone and briefly run water to flush out debris.
• Check that filters and screens are clean before reinstalling caps.
• Perform additional flushing if heavy sediment loads are present.
• Install an inline filter if clogging recurs frequently.

Assessing Water Pressure & Coverage

Water pressure naturally fluctuates with seasonal municipal demand, making early spring a critical time to reassess pressure levels. Too much pressure can cause misting, sending water into the air where it evaporates before reaching the ground. Too little pressure reduces coverage, leaving dry areas that struggle to green up. Uneven pressure across zones can also indicate leaks, broken lines, or malfunctioning valves. Improving pressure balance ensures your system waters effectively without unnecessary waste.

Maintenance Steps:

• Use a pressure gauge to measure system PSI before full activation.
• Adjust pressure-regulated heads or valves as needed.
• Look for misting or overly forceful spray patterns.
• Repair leaks promptly to restore balanced pressure.

Updating System Programming for Seasonal Needs

Many homeowners forget that a controller’s settings from the previous year may no longer be appropriate. Weather conditions, plant maturity, and daylight hours all change, requiring new scheduling in spring. Running a system too frequently early in the season leads to shallow root development and unnecessary water usage. Running it too little can hinder turf recovery after winter dormancy. A properly programmed controller reduces waste, conserves resources, and adapts watering routines to spring’s cooler temperatures and increased moisture.

Maintenance Steps:

• Reset watering times based on spring rainfall and soil conditions.
• Shorten early-season run times to encourage deep rooting.
• Update the date, time, and any seasonal adjustment features.
• Replace controller backup batteries if more than two years old.

Inspecting Drip Irrigation Components

If your landscape includes drip zones, these lines require dedicated spring maintenance. Drip tubing often shifts during winter, and emitters can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris. Unnoticed punctures from rodents or lawn tools may cause slow leaks that waste water and encourage weed growth. Because drip systems deliver precise watering to sensitive plant roots, proper inspection is essential to maintain plant health and prevent over- or under-watering.

Maintenance Steps:

• Check emitters for clogging and replace any that drip unevenly.
• Flush drip lines to remove sediment buildup.
• Repair small punctures using drip repair couplers.
• Ensure tubing remains secured and elevated away from soil pests.

When Professional Assistance Is Needed

Even well-maintained systems can develop complex issues. Irrigation technicians can perform a full spring startup service that includes pressure checks, backflow testing, wiring inspection, leak detection, and zone-by-zone performance evaluation.

Professional help ensures your system performs at peak efficiency and prevents the minor problems of early spring from becoming major issues during the heat of summer. Contact us today for more help with your irrigation system in Arizona today!