Sprinkler Spring Maintenance

Spring is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about getting your automatic sprinkler system up and running again. Your system has probably sat dormant for the last few months so it is time to check it out to make sure it is in good working order.

Sprinkler leakage claims are common in the spring as property owners begin to start watering their lawns. After a cold winter season, it’s possible that sprinkler lines could be damaged if the water was never properly drained. Common causes for sprinkler leakage leaks include:

• Pipes or components bursting due to freezing, primarily because systems that were supposed to be dry pipe systems were left with water in them or from extending wet pipe systems into or through areas subject to freezing.
• Leaving sprinkler heads exposed to physical damage, installing defective heads and improper installation.
• Failure of or leakage from couplings and fittings.
• Improper gluing of plastic pipe or failure to allow sufficient cure time before pressurizing the system leading to joint separation.

The following checklist for bringing your sprinkler system out of hibernation comes from Hunter Industries, maker of residential and commercial irrigation products.

• Turn all manual drain valves to the “closed” position before turning on any water to the system
• Turn on the main system water valve slowly and allow the water to fill the pipes gradually. If the valves open too quickly, the sprinkler main lines are subjected to high surge pressures, uncontrolled flow and water hammer.
• Manually activate each zone valve from the controller to maker sure the zone is operating correctly.
• Check the operating pressure. (low pressure indicates a line break or missing sprinkler)
• Check for proper rotation of sprinkler heads and adjust accordingly for adequate coverage.
• Check and clean filters on poorly performing sprinklers.
• Reprogram the controller for automatic watering.
• Replace the controller back-up battery if necessary.
• Uncover and clean the system rain sensor, if applicable.
• Finish and clean any in-line filters for drip irrigation zones.

For more information on innovative irrigation products, please read this article on Hunter sprinkler systems.

Info gathered from Everest National Insurance “Loss Control AlertWater Damage Prevention For the Sprinkler Contractor” PDF

Also, check out this PDF from Disaster Safety, Water Damage Prevention for Commercial Buildings

About NuBilt's President

Issa Ashour

Issa Ashour, President of NuBilt Restoration & Construction, co-founded the property restoration company back in 1994. Since then, the company has successfully restored 1000's of properties.Connect with Issa on Google+.

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