Spring Irrigation System Startup Guide for Phoenix
After months of reduced watering, your irrigation system needs a proper spring startup to ensure reliable performance through Arizona's intense growing season. Follow this comprehensive checklist from our 29+ years of Phoenix irrigation experience.
Why Spring Startup Matters in Arizona
Phoenix's mild winters mean irrigation systems often run year-round, but many homeowners reduce watering frequency from November through February. This dormancy period—combined with occasional freezing temperatures in January—can cause hidden problems that only surface when you increase watering for spring. A proper startup inspection catches these issues before they waste water, damage your landscape, or result in expensive emergency repairs during peak season.
Spring is also the ideal time to optimize your system for the upcoming heat. Phoenix temperatures climb from pleasant 70s in February to scorching 100s by May. Your landscape's water requirements will triple during this period, making early-season adjustments critical for plant health and water conservation.
7-Step Spring Startup Checklist
Step 1: Visual Inspection Before Turning On Water
Before activating your system, walk your entire property and inspect all visible irrigation components. Look for cracked pipes exposed by winter erosion, sprinkler heads damaged by landscaping equipment, and valve boxes filled with debris. Check drip irrigation lines for rodent damage—rabbits and ground squirrels often chew through tubing during winter when food is scarce.
Step 2: Turn On Water Supply Slowly
Locate your main irrigation shutoff valve and open it gradually over 30-60 seconds. Rapid pressure changes can damage weakened pipes and crack valve diaphragms. Listen for hissing sounds indicating leaks. Check your backflow preventer for drips—this is the most common failure point during spring startup.
Step 3: Test Each Zone Manually
Run each zone for 2-3 minutes while observing coverage. Walk the entire zone to spot problems: heads that don't pop up, spray patterns hitting hardscapes, and dry spots from shifted coverage. For drip zones, verify all emitters are flowing—mineral deposits often clog emitters during dormancy.
Step 4: Adjust Sprinkler Heads and Coverage
Optimize sprinkler coverage before your lawn enters active growth. Adjust spray patterns to eliminate overspray onto hardscapes, ensure heads aren't blocked by winter weed growth, and verify head-to-head coverage. Check that heads are level with soil—sunken heads create puddles while raised heads get damaged by mowers.
Step 5: Inspect and Clean Valves
Open valve boxes and remove standing water, mud, or insect nests. Check wiring connections for corrosion—corroded connections are a leading cause of zones that won't activate. Test each valve manually by turning the bleed screw. Valves that leak or won't shut off completely need diaphragm replacement.
Step 6: Program Controller for Spring Schedule
Update your controller for spring requirements. Start with 2-3 days per week for grass (10-15 minutes per zone) and once weekly for desert landscaping. If you have a smart controller, verify WiFi connection and weather data. Set seasonal adjustment to 60-70% for spring compared to 100% for summer.
Step 7: Check for Leaks and Water Waste
After running all zones, check your water meter with all home water off. If it's moving, you have a leak. Walk your property 30-60 minutes after watering to spot standing water or soggy soil indicating underground leaks. Even small leaks waste thousands of gallons monthly.
Common Spring Startup Problems
Zones Won't Turn On
Usually caused by corroded wire connections, dead controller batteries, or failed solenoids. Check valve box wiring first—Phoenix's winter moisture corrodes connections.
Low Water Pressure
Indicates a partially closed valve, clogged filter, or main line leak. Check that your shutoff valve is fully open. Inspect filters and backflow preventer for debris buildup.
Controller Display Blank
Dead batteries or power surge damage. Replace 9V backup battery first. If display remains blank, check circuit breaker and transformer.
Stuck Sprinkler Heads
Dirt prevents heads from popping up. Unscrew head, clean debris from riser, and flush the line. Replace worn springs or seals.
Expert Tips from 29+ Years in Phoenix
- Start early: Begin inspection in late February before temperatures climb and water demand increases.
- Flush drip lines: Remove end caps and flush each zone for 60 seconds to clear mineral deposits.
- Test rain sensor: Pour water over your rain sensor to verify it shuts off the system properly.
- Document zone runtime: Note how long each zone runs. Compare to summer requirements to identify pressure issues.
Professional Spring Startup Service
Let our licensed technicians handle your spring startup with a comprehensive 23-point inspection and system optimization. We'll catch problems before they become expensive emergencies.