Opening sprinkler system in the spring

[mlc2000]

Whats involved with starting up the system?
Just turn on the water and let the zones run for 10-15 mins?


I had my installer close the system last fall with a compressor.
I don't have my own and I gather a good quality one will be $400.

Its cheaper just to let the installer blow out the system every year
and then I won't lose valuable garage space to a compressor.

[almostfreeman]

You could rent a compressor if you were just going to use it once a year. Might be able to talk to a few of your neighbours and you could all do it the same time in the fall. Make sure you understand what you are doing when you attempt to do the blow out so you don't damage your setup.

As for spring maintenance you should replace/ recharge the battery in the controller if it uses one. Remove the sprinkler nozzles, open the ends of the drip tubes and let the water run long enough to give everything a good flush. Don't allow any grit to drain back into the pipes. Then put everything back together and run it checking for leaking valves, clogs, spray pattern and replace plastic parts as necessary.

[pkguy]

I don't know what you pay but it costs me $100 a year which includes the startup and the fall shutdown which I think is well worth not having the aggravation. He checks it all over and when he leaves it's good to go. Mine is a sandpoint well so that's another reason I don't want to touch it and screw things up

[mlc2000]

^ Good points.

I'm calling the contractor tomorrow.