Turning a dormant Salt Lake City sprinkler system back on for spring takes more than flipping a switch — a proper startup sequence catches winter damage early and ensures the system runs efficiently for the season ahead.

Step 1: Inspect Before You Activate

Before turning anything on, walk the system visually — look for obvious damage from winter, including cracked or shifted sprinkler heads, exposed or damaged pipes, and any signs of settling around valve boxes. Addressing visible issues before pressurizing the system prevents a small repair from turning into a bigger mess once water is flowing.

Step 2: Locate and Check the Main Shut-Off Valve

Find your system’s main shut-off valve, typically in a basement, crawl space, or utility area, and confirm it’s fully closed before beginning the startup process. Starting from a known, controlled state prevents an uncontrolled rush of water into a system that may still have unaddressed winter damage.

Step 3: Turn On the Water Supply Slowly

Open the main valve gradually rather than all at once, watching closely for leaks or unusual water flow as pressure builds in the system. If anything looks wrong — a leak, a sudden pressure drop, water where there shouldn’t be any — shut the water back off immediately and address the issue before continuing.

Step 4: Activate Each Zone Individually

Turn on each irrigation zone separately through your controller, starting with the zone farthest from the main valve and working closer. Let each zone run briefly to flush out any debris that settled in the lines over winter, and to confirm the zone is functioning before moving to the next.

Step 5: Check Every Head for Proper Operation

While each zone runs, walk the area and visually check that every sprinkler head is spraying evenly and covering its intended area. A head that’s clogged, misaligned, or damaged from winter will show up clearly at this stage — better to catch and fix it now than discover a dry patch weeks into the growing season.

Step 6: Reprogram Your Controller for the Season

Once every zone is confirmed working properly, set your controller’s watering schedule for spring conditions — generally early morning watering to minimize evaporation loss, with a schedule that reflects spring’s cooler temperatures rather than carrying over last summer’s settings.

Step 7: Keep Monitoring Through the Season

Spring turn-on isn’t a one-time task — continue watching for signs of over- or under-watering as temperatures rise through the season, and adjust the schedule as needed. A system that looked perfect at turn-on can still develop issues weeks later as components age or conditions change.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I turn on my sprinkler system in Salt Lake City?

Once the risk of a hard freeze has passed, typically in April, though exact timing varies year to year based on that spring’s weather.

What’s the most common issue found during spring sprinkler startup?

Cracked or damaged sprinkler heads and minor pipe damage from winter freeze cycles are among the most frequently discovered issues during a proper inspection.

Should I hire a professional for spring sprinkler turn-on, or can I do it myself?

A careful, methodical DIY approach is workable for a straightforward system, but a professional can catch subtler issues and handle repairs on the spot if damage is found during startup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Startup

Rushing the process is the most common startup mistake — opening the main valve too quickly can cause a pressure surge that stresses pipes and fittings already weakened by a winter freeze-thaw cycle. Skipping the zone-by-zone check is another frequent shortcut; a system that looks fine when several zones run together can be hiding a single malfunctioning head that only becomes obvious when each zone is checked individually.

When to Call a Professional Instead of DIY

Some startup issues are beyond a straightforward DIY fix — a main line break, a backflow preventer that failed over winter, or a controller that won’t hold a program are all signs the system needs a professional look before it’s safe to run at full pressure. Catching these early, during a careful startup rather than mid-season, avoids a much larger repair bill and a longer stretch of an unusable system during Salt Lake City’s peak growing months.

If your sprinkler system needs professional attention this spring, Millburn Lawn & Landscape provides turn-on and repair services across Salt Lake City. Call us to get started.