Quick answer: Common problems discovered when an irrigation system is restarted after winter include broken heads, leaking fittings or piping, valves that fail to open or close, weak zones, controller or sensor issues, and coverage changes caused by landscaping or soil movement.
Leaks and broken components
Damage may not be obvious while the irrigation supply is off. Leaks can appear only after the system is pressurized again.
Valves may not operate normally
A zone that will not start, will not stop or operates weakly can involve a valve, solenoid, field wiring or water-flow problem.
Sprinkler heads may need adjustment
Soil movement, turf growth and landscape work can leave heads tilted, buried, damaged or blocked even if they were operating correctly the previous season.
Controllers and sensors need checking
Schedules, date and time, rain sensors and smart-controller settings should be verified before regular watering resumes.
Use our spring sprinkler checklist and hidden-leak start-up guide.
