Spring startup - pressurise slowly, then prove every zone

What is irrigation spring startup?

Irrigation spring startup reintroduces water after winterisation, inspects every zone under pressure, corrects heads and nozzles disturbed over winter, and sets a spring schedule on the controller. Done carefully, it prevents the surge damage of a slammed-open main. Done as a thirty-second valve twist, it finds cracks the expensive way - on your water bill. Spring startup is inspection under pressure: open water slowly, walk every zone, catch winter breaks, reset seasonal programs and fix what freeze season hid - not merely flipping the main valve and hoping.

Signs you need irrigation spring startup

• Frost risk has passed and lawns or beds need water again
• You winterised last fall and have not yet opened the system this year
• The controller still shows a winter off mode or empty programs
• You see dry turf while neighbours’ systems are already running
• Last fall’s blowout was DIY and you want a professional first pressurisation
• You bought a house with irrigation over the winter and have never seen it run
• You winterized last fall and need a controlled pressurisation this spring
• You already opened the system and heard hissing or saw geysers at a head

Seeing something not on this list? Browse irrigation problems by symptom →

How irrigation spring startup actually works

1. 1

   Visual pre-check before any water moves

   Backflow assembly position, obvious broken heads, open trenches from winter utility work, and controller power are checked. Known damage is fixed or isolated before pressurising the whole yard. Flag repairs found during startup so they are scheduled, not forgotten until July brown-out.

   Watch forOpening the main into a system with a head twisted off at grade. You get a geyser and a mud pit before zone one is tested.

2. 2

   Open supply slowly and charge the mainline

   Water is reintroduced gradually so air exits and water hammer does not spike fittings. Ball valves are not whipped from closed to full open in one motion. Reset controller seasonal programs; last autumn’s minutes are rarely right for spring soils.

   Watch forA full-open slam “to save time.” Time saved is often spent later replacing cracked PVC.

3. 3

   Activate each zone and walk the coverage

   Every station runs long enough to show leaks, misaligned arcs, sunken heads, non-rotating rotors and valves that will not close. Notes become the repair list, not vague memories. Run each zone long enough to see full coverage, leaks and sunken heads from winter heave.

   Watch forRunning zones from the house without walking. Back-yard geysers do not email you.

4. 4

   Service backflow test requirements if they apply

   Many utilities require periodic testing of backflow assemblies after winter. Startup week is when that obligation reappears - device type and tester rules are local. Pressurise slowly and listen - air and water tell different stories in the pipe.

   Watch forAssuming irrigation water can legally flow without a required test. Utility notices arrive after the fact.

5. 5

   Program spring schedules and sensors

   Runtimes start conservative for cool soil, rain sensors are verified, and smart controllers are given current Wi-Fi and seasonal settings. Last summer’s program is usually wrong for April. Locate shutoffs and backflow before you need them mid-geyser.

   Watch forLeaving July runtimes active in spring. You will overwater in mild weather and train disease.

What does irrigation spring startup cost?

Spring startup is typically a flat seasonal service call, higher for large zone counts or when repairs are discovered mid-visit. Repairs found during startup - broken heads, bad valves, leaks - are usually extra. Bundling startup with minor head work on the same visit is more efficient than separate trips.

See the full irrigation spring startup cost guide - by material, size and region →

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