Spring sprinkler startup checklist: what to inspect, in order

Updated 2026-10-08

Short answer: inspect the system dry, open the supply valve only partway so the pipes fill gradually, bring the backflow assembly up slowly, flush each zone, then run every zone and watch it. Record what you find before you leave, because a finding you do not write down is a free repair you did for the customer.

The checklist

Confirm it is safe to start. Starting early risks damaged pipes and backflow preventers. Check the forecast for more freezes, and one guide says the soil should be thawed at least 12 inches down.
Inspect dry, before adding water. Look at the backflow preventer for cracks, splits and leaks. Make sure the drain plug is tight, the valves are closed and the test cocks are closed. Look for heaving where frost pushed heads or valve boxes out of alignment.
Controller. Clean it, check the settings and replace the backup battery.
Heads. Clear dirt and debris, check height and that each head stands straight, and swap cracked or chipped parts. Trim around heads so stems rise freely.
Restore water slowly. One guide says to open the main supply valve less than a quarter at first, then fully once you can no longer hear water flowing. Open the backflow valves one at a time and slowly. A pressure vacuum breaker may make a loud thunk as the poppet seals, which is normal; water spraying continuously from the bell or relief port suggests winter damage to springs or gaskets.
Flush each zone. Remove the nozzle on the head farthest from the valve and let the water run about 30 seconds, so debris and air have somewhere to go.
Run each zone alone and watch. Check even coverage and pressure, wet spots or pooling that point to leaks, and loose or broken wire connections.
Record and quote. Note each problem against its zone, with a photo, and price repairs from a standard list (see the repair estimate template).

Two things that eat the schedule

The customer is not ready. Water off at the street, a locked controller room. Decide your policy in advance (what to do when the water is off).
The annual backflow test. If the technician holds a current tester certification and your local rules allow it, startup is a natural time to test. Either way, check whether it is due.

The faster way, honestly scoped

In Sprinklerly the technician records on arrival whether the water is on and the panel is accessible; anything other than yes on either sends the job to an office reviewer to waive the visit or note a fee, with required notes (Pro plan and above). Findings are logged against a zone and flagged if a component there is under warranty, and an estimate line can reference a shared price book item or be custom, with the price captured at the moment of quoting. Sprinklerly is free during early access for contractors who sign up by December 31, 2026 (no credit card). Planned prices at general availability are $79, $149 and $249 per month, locked in for early-access accounts.

Start free Free during early access for sign-ups by December 31, 2026, no credit card required.

Common questions

When should I start up sprinklers in spring?

After the risk of hard freezes has passed. One guide we read says the soil should be thawed to at least 12 inches; check your local forecast and local guidance.

Why open the sprinkler valve slowly?

So the pipes fill gradually and the backflow device is not shocked. The guide cited here suggests opening the main valve less than a quarter first.

Sources

Rain Bird: getting a sprinkler system ready for spring, read 2026-10-08
Sprinkler Warehouse: springtime start-up checklist, read 2026-10-08

Sprinklerly is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any utility, agency, manufacturer or publisher linked on this page. Names are used only to identify the sources. Rules for backflow testing, licensing and insurance differ by state, utility and customer, so confirm with your own authority; this page is practical guidance, not legal advice. The Sprinklerly features described are those currently shipped in the product.