Wait until mid-April to early May when the risk of hard freezes has passed. Professional startup ensures safe system activation, identifies winter damage early, and prevents costly pressurization problems. Schedule your startup appointment online.
Professional Spring Sprinkler Startup in Denver
Don’t just turn your system back on—start your irrigation season right with professional startup service. We safely activate your system, check for winter damage, and ensure everything is working properly before the heat of summer arrives.
Why Professional Startup Matters
Avoid Costly Damage
Turning on your system without inspection can be expensive. Winter freeze damage may not be visible, but pressurizing a damaged system can cause:
- Catastrophic flooding from cracked mainlines
- Blown-out lateral lines
- Damaged valves and fittings
- Water intrusion into basements and crawlspaces
Early Problem Detection
Many issues are easier and cheaper to fix when caught early:
- Winter freeze damage to pipes and valves
- Heads that need adjustment or replacement
- Valve problems before they cause major leaks
- Controller issues before peak watering season
Proper System Pressurization
Our startup process gradually pressurizes your system to avoid pressure surges that can damage aging components. We activate zones systematically, checking each one before moving to the next.
Our Spring Startup Process
What’s Included
- Visual inspection of backflow preventer and exposed components
- Gradual system pressurization to avoid pressure surges
- Zone-by-zone activation and testing
- Sprinkler head inspection for proper operation and coverage
- Head adjustment for optimal spray patterns
- Leak check for visible issues
- Controller verification and programming check
- Detailed report of any issues found
What We Look For
- Cracked or damaged pipes and fittings
- Valve leaks or failures
- Heads that don’t pop up or spray incorrectly
- Buried or damaged sprinkler heads
- Controller programming issues
- Backflow preventer problems
- Obvious underground leaks
When to Schedule Spring Startup
Timing is Important
Best timing: Mid-April to early May in the Denver area
Wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above freezing. A late-season freeze after startup can damage your system. Check the 10-day forecast before scheduling.
Mother’s Day weekend is a traditional target date for Denver gardeners, but always verify weather conditions first.
Don’t Wait Too Long
While you shouldn’t start too early, waiting too long has drawbacks:
- Your lawn suffers from lack of water
- Popular service dates fill up quickly
- Problems discovered late in spring mean your lawn goes longer without proper irrigation
After Startup: Setting Your Schedule
Spring Watering Guidelines
Denver lawns need less water in spring than summer:
- Start with 1-2 watering days per week
- Adjust based on rainfall and temperatures
- Gradually increase frequency as temperatures rise
Smart Controller Setup
If you have a smart controller, spring is the perfect time to verify settings:
- Confirm weather station connection
- Update seasonal adjustment percentages
- Verify watering restrictions compliance
Denver Neighborhood Considerations
Cherry Creek & Wash Park: Older systems (20+ years) are more prone to winter damage. Consider proactive component replacement.
Highlands Ranch & Centennial: Newer systems may have builder-grade components that fail prematurely. Upgrade to commercial-grade heads in high-traffic areas.
Lakewood & Arvada: Clay soils may need cycle-and-soak programming adjusted from previous year.
Aurora & East Denver: Variable water pressure may require pressure regulator check during startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if you find problems during startup?
We’ll provide a detailed explanation and estimate for any repairs needed. You decide whether to proceed with repairs immediately or schedule them for later. Minor adjustments and head cleaning are typically included in the startup service.
Can I turn my system on myself?
While possible, DIY startup risks expensive damage if winter issues exist. Professional startup costs far less than repairing flood damage from a cracked mainline. Our service includes inspection, proper pressurization, and early problem detection.
How long does spring startup take?
Most residential systems take 30-60 minutes depending on size and complexity. If repairs are needed, we’ll discuss options and timing.
Do I need to be home during startup?
Not necessarily, as long as we have access to your backflow preventer, controller, and valve boxes. However, being present allows us to explain any issues found and answer questions about your system.
What if it freezes after you start my system?
If a hard freeze is forecast after startup, you have two options: run water through the system briefly to prevent standing water from freezing, or schedule an emergency blowout if the freeze will be severe and prolonged.
Should I add leak detection service?
If you’ve noticed soggy areas, unexplained water bill increases, or zones with low pressure, adding leak detection service to your startup is recommended. This focused inspection can identify valve leaks and other issues before they become expensive problems.
Startup + Maintenance Packages
Consider combining startup with other spring services:
Spring Complete Package:
- Professional startup
- Leak detection add-on
- Spring fertilization
- Controller programming optimization
Contact us for package pricing.
Schedule Your Spring Startup
Start your irrigation season right with professional startup service. Early scheduling recommended for preferred dates—April and early May appointments fill quickly.
Schedule your startup appointment online for convenient booking and transparent pricing.
Service Area
We provide spring sprinkler startup services throughout the Denver metro area including:
- Denver (all neighborhoods)
- Aurora
- Lakewood
- Littleton
- Englewood
- Centennial
- Highlands Ranch
- Arvada
- Westminster
- Thornton
- Cherry Creek
- Wash Park
- And surrounding areas