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Irrigation System Maintenance

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Any irrigation system must be maintained to keep it functioning properly.

• Check the system periodically for debris and sediment on the nozzles.
• Inspect all pipelines periodically.
• Perform or have regular maintenance performed by a professional on all mechanical components.
• Perform the following springtime procedures:
o Check that all manual drain valves are closed before turning on the water to the system.
o Slowly open the main water valve to allow the pipes to gradually fill with water.
o Manually check each zone valve to be sure it is working properly.
o Check each station on the controller to see that each is working correctly. Check for pressure and rotation on each station.
o Clean any filters not performing properly.
o Check the programming of the controller to see if adjustments need to be made.
• Before the first freeze of the year, perform the following winterizing procedures:
o Drain the water from the system. Water left in the pipes can cause them to freeze and crack.
o On manual systems, shut off the water supply to the system and open all manual drain valves.
o After the water has drained, open the drain cap and drain all remaining water between the irrigation water shutoff valve and the backflow device.
o Open the test cocks on the backflow device.
o if your system has check valves, pull up on the sprinklers to allow for drainage from the bottom of the sprinkler.
o When all water has been drained, close all manual drain valves.
• For automatic systems, perform the following steps:
o Shut off the water supply to activate the automatic drain valves.
o After water has drained, open the drain cap and drain remaining water between the irrigation water shutoff valve and backflow device.
o Open the test cocks on the backflow device.
o If your system has check valves, pull up on the sprinklers to allow for drainage from the bottom of the sprinkler.

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