When the weather finally starts to warm up, many homeowners look forward to seeing their lawn come back to life. Spring sprinkler turn-ons are the first step in getting your irrigation system ready for the growing season, but they’re also when we tend to uncover problems that developed during the winter months.
Even if your system was properly winterized, freezing temperatures, shifting soil, and normal wear and tear can cause issues that only show up once water begins flowing through the system again. The good news is that most of these problems are common, and when caught early by a professional, they can usually be fixed quickly before they turn into larger, more expensive repairs.
Here are a few of the sprinkler issues we most often see during spring turn-ons:
Broken or Damaged Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads take a lot of abuse throughout the year. Snow, ice, lawn equipment, and even foot traffic can cause them to crack, break, or sink into the ground. When we turn systems on in the spring, it’s common to find heads that are leaking, not popping up properly, or spraying unevenly.
A damaged head can waste a surprising amount of water and leave parts of your lawn dry while other areas get oversaturated. During a professional turn-on, SIS technicians check each zone and head, replacing broken components and adjusting them so your lawn gets even coverage right from the start.
Misaligned or Poorly Spraying Heads
Sometimes a sprinkler head isn’t broken, it’s just pointing the wrong direction! Over time, heads can shift due to soil movement or landscaping changes. When that happens, water may spray onto sidewalks, driveways, or fences instead of your lawn.
This might seem like a small issue, but misdirected spray can waste water and leave sections of your yard without proper coverage. During a spring turn-on, we walk the system while it’s running, making adjustments so every head is aimed exactly where it should be.
Stuck Valves or Zones That Won’t Turn On
Your irrigation system relies on valves to control when each zone turns on and off. After a long winter, it’s not uncommon for a valve to stick or fail to open properly.
When that happens, a zone might not run at all—or it may continue running when it shouldn’t. The Sprinkler and Irrigation Services team tests each zone individually during a turn-on to make sure valves are opening and closing correctly. Catching a faulty valve early helps prevent water waste and keeps the system operating as it should.
Hidden Leaks or Pipe Damage
Occasionally, winter temperatures can cause underground pipes to crack or fittings to loosen. These leaks often aren’t visible until the system is pressurized again in the spring.
A professional turn-on allows our technicians to monitor water pressure, watch for unusually wet areas, and identify leaks before they have the chance to cause bigger problems underground.
Small Problems Are Easier to Fix Early!
Spring turn-ons aren’t just about flipping a switch and turning the water back on—they’re about making sure your irrigation system is ready for the entire season ahead. By running every zone, inspecting each component, and making necessary adjustments, professionals can spot small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Trusting experienced Sprinkler and Irrigation Services technicians to handle your sprinkler start-up means your system will be running efficiently, your lawn will get the coverage it needs, and potential problems can be addressed before they ever become noticeable. In other words, a professional spring turn-on isn’t just maintenance, it’s preventative care for your irrigation system and your lawn. For additional insights and resources, read more about spring turn-on on our website.
