Prevent Mid-Season Breakdowns
Spring Sprinkler Start-Up That Catches Problems Early
Most irrigation failures are found too late - after heat stress starts and the lawn is already suffering. Hidden leaks, stuck valves, and pressure problems usually show up when demand is highest.
Our start-up service finds issues before summer pressure peaks. We pressurize safely, run every zone, and prioritize fix-now items so you can avoid reactive emergency calls. Pricing starts at $80 ($75 service call + $5/zone).
Want pricing first? Jump to startup estimate • Read startup FAQs.
More: Service Plans • Irrigation overview
Quick Answer: Do I need spring startup service?
Yes, if you want to catch hidden leaks and valve failures before summer demand spikes. Startup includes safe pressurization, zone-by-zone testing, head adjustments, and baseline scheduling. Pricing starts at $80 ($75 service call + $5/zone), and most 8-zone systems estimate around $115 before repairs.
Start-Up Now vs. Reactive Mid-Season Repair
| Reactive Approach | Spring Start-Up Approach |
|---|---|
| Wait until lawn stress appears | Find problems before heat stress |
| Unknown system condition each spring | Zone-by-zone baseline at season start |
| Leaks discovered after water waste | Leak and pressure issues flagged early |
| Repairs decided during peak-season urgency | Clear "fix now" vs "monitor" plan |
| Cost clarity comes after failure | Startup pricing starts at $80 |
Why startup prevents repeat failures
Spring start-up is commissioning: safe pressurization, real-world zone verification, and early detection of leaks and pressure issues before they become high-urgency service calls.
Detect Early
Leak + valve issues before summer
We check the system under real flow so hidden failures are found before peak heat and peak demand.
Reduce Waste
Pressure + coverage verification
We identify misting, overspray, weak zones, and pressure symptoms so water is applied where it belongs.
Plan Ahead
Fix-now priorities, not guesswork
You get clear guidance on what to repair now versus monitor, so decisions are made before problems escalate.
How service works
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1
Pressurize safely
We bring the system up slowly and watch for leaks before running zones.
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2
Run + verify
Zone-by-zone run test to verify valves, heads, coverage, and wiring symptoms.
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3
Prioritize fixes
We separate “fix now” from “watch-list” so you can plan repairs instead of chasing surprises.
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4
Set a baseline
We recommend a sensible starting schedule and water discipline next steps when warranted.
What's included
- Slow pressurization and leak check before running zones
- Zone-by-zone run test for coverage and operation
- Head cleaning and adjustment for optimal watering
- Controller programming baseline for the season
- Pressure checks under flow and leak indicators documented
Repair labor and materials are extra. We document findings and quote fixes before work begins.
Deeper workflow (what we verify)
- Pressurize slowly: we bring the system up safely and watch for leaks before running zones.
- Backflow & supply check: identify leaks/weeping, confirm basic isolation/drain behavior, and note any regulatory constraints.
- Zone-by-zone run test: verify valve function, head performance, and coverage; flag root-cause symptoms (not just broken parts).
- Head adjustment + cleaning: restore intended arc, radius, and aim so watering is even and predictable.
- Water discipline: verify pressure under flow and coverage behavior; recommend the next step when pressure is excessive.
- Program baseline: set a sensible starting schedule and reduce obvious waste (overspray, wrong nozzle mix, mis-aimed rotors).
- Prioritized repair list: clear "fix now vs. monitor" guidance so you can plan repairs instead of chasing surprises mid-season.
Common issues we're ready for
- Hidden leaks that only show up once the system is pressurized (fittings, swing joints, cracked risers, valve boxes).
- Backflow/PVB leaks from winter stress, debris, or o-rings (service-first parts guidance: Febco 765 Air Vent Kit, check valve kit, and bonnet/poppet assembly path).
- Valve failures (won't turn on, won't shut off, weeping) due to debris, diaphragm wear, or solenoid issues (see: Rain Bird DV Series Valve).
- Rotors and pop-ups that are broken, sunken, tilted, or stuck from freeze damage and soil movement.
- Nozzle mismatch that creates dry spots and runoff (mixed precipitation rates, wrong arc, overspray onto pavement).
- Low pressure / weak zones from partially closed valves, pinched laterals, clogged screens, or high-demand zones that need rebalancing.
- High pressure symptoms that shorten valve/head life and increase leak risk (guide: Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)).
- Wiring and splice issues from corrosion, poor connectors, or damaged cable (common cause of “intermittent zones”).
- Drip zone problems (missing/failed filter or regulator, emitters clogged) that look like “it’s on” but barely waters.
- Controller issues like incorrect seasonal settings, multiple overlapping programs, or watering during rain events (sensor guides: wired rain sensor and wireless rain sensor).
Quality replacement options (what we recommend)
- Repair vs. replace: OEM rebuild kits when appropriate, full replacement when housings/bodies are compromised.
- Matched heads/nozzles: use consistent arcs and precipitation rates on a zone for predictable coverage.
- Valve reliability parts: diaphragm/solenoid replacement and clean, dry valve boxes to prevent repeat failures.
- Pressure management: when warranted, add PRV-based discipline to reduce stress on the system.
- Documented upgrades: if you're pursuing higher reliability and insight, see SRMS™ for scope clarity.
Related guides (for homeowners who want the “why”)
- Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) (when high pressure is shortening system life)
- Caleffi 535 union PRV and Caleffi 535361HA with gauge (pressure-control hardware paths)
- Rain Bird 1800 SAM spray body and 5004PCSAM rotor (coverage reliability baselines)
- Rain Bird DV Series Valve (common valve failure modes + service options)
- NDS econo round valve box, NDS standard rectangular valve box, NDS 115 extension, and Armada Pro900 locator (access-discipline and buried-valve recovery path)
- Febco 765 Air Vent Kit (common backflow repair path)
- Febco 765 Check Valve Kit (905-052) and bonnet/poppet assembly (backflow rebuild path)
- Smart Control & Reliability Equipment (Smart Node + Smart Link + SRMS equipment)
- Wired rain sensor diagnostics and wireless rain sensor diagnostics (rain shutoff reliability path)
- Irrigation Upgrades & Modifications (drip conversions, micro-drip, controller upgrades)
- 1/4 in start-of-run micro valve (branch isolation for startup tuning)
- Drip Filter + Pressure Regulator (bed and micro-drip reliability basics)
- Micro-Drip Emitters & Stakes, 1/4 in emitter tubing, subsurface dripline, and container micro-drip kit (2 ft run) (drip distribution + bed/container reliability leaves)
- Lake / river pump systems hub plus foot valve, check valve, pressure switch, and tank precharge diagnostics (source-side startup reliability path)
Rochester-area issue: excessive source pressure (85+ PSI)
One of the most common “invisible” problems we see locally is high static pressure at the irrigation supply. In some neighborhoods, it’s not unusual to measure 85+ PSI at the source. That extra pressure can make small defects turn into leaks quickly and can shorten the life of valves, heads, and fittings.
The fix: PRV installation (our process)
- Measure: confirm static pressure and observe behavior under flow (zones running).
- Scope the location: choose an accessible install point on the irrigation supply line based on your layout (and any backflow configuration).
- Install + set: install the PRV and set it to a target range appropriate for the system’s needs.
- Verify zone performance: re-test zones and adjust where needed so coverage improves without creating misting/overspray.
- Document next steps: if high pressure has already caused recurring failures, we prioritize the most cost-effective reliability repairs.
Book a Start-Up
Serving the Rochester, MI area and Oakland County.
$80.00
Also see: Tune-Up & Repair Visit, Winterization, and Upgrades.
Service Plans
If you want fewer surprises all season, plans add scheduled visits, 72-hour or 24-hour peak-season priority scheduling, and 10% off repairs.
Startup FAQs
How much does sprinkler startup cost?
Startup pricing is $75 service call + $5 per zone, with an $80 minimum visit. Example: an 8-zone system is typically $115 before repairs.
What's included in spring startup service?
We pressurize the system safely, run each zone, check valves and heads, verify coverage and pressure behavior, and set a practical controller baseline for the season.
When should I schedule startup in Rochester, MI?
Most systems should be scheduled in mid-April through early May, before sustained watering demand begins and while appointment availability is better.
Do you set the controller schedule during startup?
We set a sensible baseline and flag obvious waste (overspray, wrong nozzle mix, missing seasonal adjustments). Deep optimization is service-scoped and depends on system condition and goals.
Are repairs included in startup pricing?
No. Startup covers activation, testing, and inspection. Repair labor and materials are quoted separately before work begins.
Can startup catch winter freeze damage?
Yes. Slow pressurization and zone testing often reveal cracks, leaking fittings, damaged heads, and valve issues before summer stress makes them worse.
Do you service backflow/PVB issues during startup?
We identify leaks/weeping and common failure paths (like air vent and check assembly issues). Backflow work may be regulated depending on device type and jurisdiction; we confirm scope on-site.
What if I have high pressure (85+ PSI)?
High source pressure is common locally and shortens component life. We may recommend a PRV-based discipline path so the system operates in a regulated, maintainable range.
Can you help find buried valves or wiring?
Yes. Lost valves and hidden splices create repeat failures. We can locate wiring/valves and recommend access improvements when needed.
What if temperatures drop after startup?
If a hard-freeze window appears after startup, we can advise short-term protection steps to reduce risk for exposed components.
Is startup worth it for a small 6-8 zone system?
Yes. Smaller systems still develop hidden leaks and valve failures, and those issues are easier and less disruptive to address before heat stress.
Should I enroll in a Service Plan after startup?
If you want ongoing coverage, plans add scheduled visits, 72-hour or 24-hour peak-season priority scheduling, and 10% off repairs through the season.