Exterior
Start the irrigation system in spring
A slow, deliberate start-up reduces water hammer and makes freeze damage easier to find before it wastes water.
Recommended timingAfter the ground has thawed
What to do
- Confirm the soil is fully thawed before startup; Rain Bird suggests checking that it is frost-free about 12 inches deep.
- Inspect the backflow preventer, valves and exposed piping for cracks, then restore drain plugs and valve positions according to the system instructions.
- Open the main irrigation valve slowly so piping fills gradually.
- Run one zone at a time and look for broken heads, leaks, buried nozzles, poor spray patterns and water hitting the house.
- Update the controller schedule for the season and local watering rules rather than restoring last year's settings blindly.
Official guidance and sources
Product instructions and local requirements take priority for the equipment or material installed at your home.