How to Run a Sprinkler System After Winterization

Open the cover on the irrigation box. The box is located along the side of the house and contains all of the sprinkler valves.

Check the manual drain valve inside the box. The valve is located on the end of the manifold assembly. Make sure the valve is closed tightly or else water will flood the control box.

Inspect each sprinkler head on the system for signs of damage. If a sprinkler head is broken, it may burst when the supply lines are recharged. Remove any damaged heads by unscrewing them counterclockwise, placing a new head on top of the pipe threads and tightening it by hand.

Turn the main sprinkler water valve to the "on" position. The valve is likely located inside a basement or crawl space, or outside and near the sprinkler control box.

Slowly turn both of the valves on the pressure vacuum breaker to the "on" position. It's critical to turn these valves slowly so that water doesn't rush into the pipes and cause water hammer, which can break fittings and components. A good rule of thumb is to take 10 seconds to fully turn each valve.

Set the sprinkler timer to the "test" position. This will run each zone for 2 minutes. While each zone is on, check for signs of clogged nozzles. Clogged nozzles will spray water erratically. Clear debris by brushing dirty nozzles with a nylon brush. Some sprinklers also contain plastic filters under the nozzle. Once the system is finished testing, unscrew the nozzle from a clogged sprinkler and pull out the filter. Run the filter under cold water until clean and replace it back in the sprinkler head.

Locate the rain sensor on your system, if applicable. Make sure the sensor is clear of dirt and debris. Wipe it out with a paper towel if needed.