Irrigation Activation in Portland, OR

Sprinkler Start-Up in Portland

A properly designed and maintained irrigation system is essential to the beauty of your landscape. It will promote the growth of healthy grass, plants, and trees by delivering the proper amount of water at the right time. But it is not just a matter of setting up a sprinkler system and forgetting about it.

When you turn on the sprinklers for the first time at the start of spring, it is not uncommon for old components to break down. Your irrigation equipment may also have hidden underground leaks that went unnoticed throughout the last growing season because you were not using it.

Irrigation companies in Portland can come out and turn your system on, check for broken parts and leaks, and adjust the sprinkler heads to verify they are covering their respective zones. By ensuring that your lawn watering device is ready for the next irrigation season, you can save water, money, and time.

When to Turn the Sprinklers Back On

It is that time of year when you may start to think about when to turn your sprinklers back on. Your lawn has probably gone dormant, and we can expect some more cool nights. However, we are also getting warmer days, so knowing when the temperature is ideal for turning your sprinklers back on is essential.

The time of year when you should turn the sprinklers back on depends on the climate in which you live. If you are in an area that experiences a cold, wet winter season, wait until spring to turn on the sprinklers. In areas with mild winters, you may not need to shut off the sprinklers at all.

Soil temperature is a relevant factor in determining whether or not to turn the sprinklers back on because it influences how much water is absorbed by the ground. Ideally, a soil temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above is best for turning the sprinklers back on. When soil temperatures are lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a chance that water will run off instead of being soaked up by the ground.

How to Activate an Irrigation System

First, turn on the water source of the irrigation system and allow water to flow through the pipes until they are full. Pay close attention to any irrigation lines in your yard, as these are most likely to be leaking. Likewise, check all low spots in your lawn for pooled water.

Now, turn on each irrigation zone one by one. Then, confirm that each sprinkler head comes up and sprays correctly. Watch for spray patterns that overlap or look too weak; these are signs of clogging or improper adjustments. Also, inspect each irrigation valve individually so you do not miss anything.

Lastly, locate the control box attached to the side of your house or in the garage. Open that box and configure the timer for how long you want the sprinkler system to operate during each day of the week. Verify that you have set up a schedule that will allow each irrigation zone to adequately water the lawn.

Seasonal Sprinkler Maintenance

System check – We will come out mid-way through the summer to perform a thorough system check. Our team will also make adjustments based on vegetation growth patterns or landscape changes. This service guarantees that your sprinklers will perform optimally during the rest of the growing season.

Backflow testing – The purpose of a backflow prevention device is to protect the potable water supply from contamination or pollution. Backflow preventers are installed on irrigation water lines to keep the liquid flowing in the right direction. If a backflow preventer fails, it can send dirty water into the clean water supply. Annual testing is required to confirm that your backflow preventer is functioning.

Sprinkler winterization – Irrigation lines and other components of your system are buried underground. If they are left unprotected, water inside the equipment can freeze and expand during the winter months. This situation could lead to broken pipes that potentially cost hundreds of dollars to fix with a sprinkler repair. We recommend that you have the irrigation unit winterized before temperatures start dropping.