Today is the first day of spring and although the weather still feels like winter the calendar says spring! Within a few short weeks it will turn warm and we will need to begin watering our lawn and plants. It’s important to prepare our irrigation systems by activating them now and checking for problems such as leaks and broken sprinkler heads. It’s the goal of everyone here at Rain Rich to ensure that your sprinkler system is operating properly before you have your controller run your system automatically.

Over the years Rain Rich has developed a very specific check list that we follow to insure for proper operation. These are just some of the high lights of our checklist:

  1. Turn on main sprinkler valve and slowly fill the sprinkler main pipe and valve manifold.
  2. Check for leaks in the sprinkler main and manifolds.
  3. Turn on each sprinkler zone and check for sprinkler heads for proper rotation and spray.
  4. Turn on each sprinkler zone for leaks, breaks, and missing sprinkler heads.
  5. Check each sprinkler solenoid valve for proper on/off operation.
  6. Check wiring at each solenoid valve for proper connection.
  7. Turn each sprinkler zone on manually from controller to insure proper on/off.
  8. Check controller for proper programming.
  9. Check each rain sensor for proper operation.

Due to the fact that each sprinkler system is customized to your property there may be more items that require our attention. The Spring start up addresses proper functioning of your sprinkler system. Please be aware that older system require more time and more repairs then newer systems. Harsh winters, like this past winter, also have a negative effect on sprinkler equipment and there will be more repairs than normal this spring. According to all leading irrigation manufacturers, the normal lifespan of residential irrigation equipment is 5-10 years. Fortunately, due to proper maintenance in a timely fashion we can increase the lifespan.

The areas that require improvement in coverage should be addressed once all the plants have begun growing and have fully leaf out. Landscapes continuously change over time either due to growth or design changes. I recommend that you check your sprinkler system every other week throughout the summer and one time per week during extreme hot weather.

I began Rain Rich Sprinklers in 1982 and have grown to servicing 1000’s of homes and businesses across Long Island by providing great service. Our team has combined experience totaling over 240 years! We know irrigation! We know plants! And we know soil and how it all works together. Please do not hesitate to call to schedule your start up appointment, to ask questions, and or address any concerns you may have. My team and I look forward to servicing you in 2018!

You may contact us at 631-423-2211 or by filling out our online form.

Happy Spring!