The snow is starting to melt. The days will get longer soon. You’re starting to think about your lawn or landscape again.
But before you flip the switch on your sprinkler system, here’s an important question:
Is your irrigation system actually ready for spring?
On Long Island, winter can quietly take a toll on underground pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Turning your system on without checking it first can turn minor winter stress into expensive spring repairs.
Here’s what you should know before activating your system this season.
What Winter Can Do to Your Irrigation System
Even if your sprinkler or irrigation system was properly winterized, Long Island’s freeze-thaw cycles can still cause issues underground.
Common winter-related damage includes:
- Cracked pipes from expanding ice
- Loosened fittings or joints
- Shifted sprinkler heads due to soil movement
- Valve damage from pressure stress
- Backflow preventer issues
- Electrical component wear from moisture exposure
Sandy soil conditions common on Long Island can also shift with temperature changes, affecting underground lines and head alignment.
You may not see these issues immediately. But once the system is pressurized in spring, small cracks can quickly become major leaks.
Signs Your Sprinkler System May Have Sustained Damage
Before startup, look for warning signs such as:
- Uneven spray patterns
- Weak water pressure
- Sputtering or bubbling sprinkler heads
- Water pooling in certain areas
- Controller error messages
- An unexplained spike in your water bill
If you notice any of these, your system likely needs inspection and possibly repair before running a full cycle.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Turn It On and Hope for the Best
It can be tempting to simply turn the water back on and see what happens. But pressurizing damaged lines can make things worse.
A small crack can become a full pipe split. A weakened valve can fail completely. What could have been a minor repair may turn into a larger service issue.
A professional sprinkler startup ensures water pressure is restored gradually and safely while checking every zone for problems.
What a Professional Spring Sprinkler Opening Includes
At Irrigation Solutions, our spring sprinkler opening service is designed to carefully restore your system while identifying hidden winter damage.
Our process includes:
- Removing all winter weatherproofing from above-ground components
- Identifying and safely opening the main shutoff valve
- Inspecting and adjusting the vacuum breaker
- Reinstalling bleeder caps where needed
- Gradually restoring water pressure
- Running a manual zone-by-zone test
- Checking valves for leaks
- Adjusting sprinkler heads and spray patterns
- Replacing damaged heads if necessary
We also evaluate how evenly your system distributes water and isolate any zones with pressure or supply issues before restoring automatic operation.
For a full breakdown of our sprinkler activation process, you can review our detailed Spring Sprinkler Opening guide on our website.
When Should You Schedule Sprinkler Startup on Long Island?
On Long Island, sprinkler systems are typically opened between late March and mid-April, depending on weather conditions.
It’s best not to wait until peak landscaping season. Scheduling early allows time to:
- Identify winter damage
- Order replacement parts if needed
- Adjust zones before heavy watering begins
- Avoid spring service delays
Early preparation also ensures your lawn gets consistent hydration as temperatures begin to rise.
Protect Your Lawn Before Summer Arrives
Your irrigation system protects more than just grass. It protects:
- Landscape investments
- Garden beds and plantings
- Property curb appeal
- Water efficiency
- Long-term system performance
A smooth spring startup sets the tone for the entire growing season.
Schedule Your Spring Sprinkler Opening with Irrigation Solutions
Irrigation Solutions provides professional sprinkler opening and irrigation startup services throughout Long Island, including Holbrook, Setauket, Montauk, the Hamptons, and surrounding Suffolk County communities.
Our licensed technicians inspect, test, and fine-tune your system to ensure it’s ready for the season ahead.
Contact us today to schedule your spring irrigation or sprinkler startup and avoid costly repairs later.
