Spring Irrigation Start-Up: A North Shore Homeowner's Checklist

After a winter shut-down, your irrigation system needs a proper start-up before it is ready for the season. Rushing it, or simply turning the water back on full blast, is how you end up with cracked fittings, blown seals, and a flooded zone. Here is how to do it right on the North Shore.

When to start up in spring

On the North Shore, the right time is usually April into May, once the risk of overnight frost has passed and the lawn is actively growing. Starting too early, while a late frost is still possible, defeats the purpose of having winterized in the first place.

The start-up checklist

• Charge the system slowly. Open the main valve gradually so water fills the pipes without a pressure surge that can crack fittings.
• Inspect every zone. Run each zone one at a time and watch the spray pattern for broken heads, clogged nozzles, and leaks.
• Check and adjust heads. Straighten tilted heads, clear debris, and adjust arcs so you are watering the lawn and beds, not the driveway or sidewalk.
• Test the controller. Confirm the programming, replace the backup battery, and set schedules for the season and the watering restrictions.
• Verify the backflow device. Spring is the time to schedule your annual backflow test if you have not already.
• Walk the property. Look for soggy spots that signal an underground leak and dry patches that signal a coverage problem.

Common spring problems we find

The most frequent issues after winter are heads that cracked despite winterization, valves that stick after months of sitting, controllers with dead backup batteries, and coverage that has drifted out of alignment over the years. Catching these at start-up means a healthy lawn all summer instead of brown patches in July.

Do not forget the restrictions

Metro Vancouver's seasonal watering regulations typically begin May 1. Programming your controller for the allowed days and times during start-up keeps you compliant from day one, and a smart controller handles it automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I turn my sprinkler system on in spring?

On the North Shore, start up in April or May once the risk of overnight frost has passed and the lawn is actively growing. Charge the system slowly to avoid a pressure surge that can crack fittings.

Why is my sprinkler zone not working after winter?

Common causes are a freeze-cracked line or head, a stuck valve after months of inactivity, or a wiring fault. If a zone will not pressurize or water pools at the valve box, have it inspected before running it further.