1. The first thing you want to do is find your sprinkler main shut-off and your vacuum breaker (picture provided).  Older sprinkler systems may not have a vacuum breaker.  If you don’t have a vacuum breaker and need assistance call me or sign up for spring start up.  If your vacuum breaker is located inside the house skip to step #6.  Most vacuum breakers are just outside the house.

2. The sprinkler system main shut-off in the basement  is usually close to the water meter (Most houses use ¾ inch water pipes, in contrast the sprinkler system will most likely have a 1 inch  water line).  This valve should be in the off position, if it is in the "on" position your vacuum breaker is located inside the house so skip to step #6.

3. Next, make sure that all the valves and pit-cocks on the vacuum breaker are in the "off position (in the picture provided, the valves are in the "on" position and the pit-cocks are in the "off" position).

4. When you’ve determined that everything is off, start at the sprinkler main shut-off and turn it on slowly. (taking about ten seconds to turn it on full)  Some water should run, but should stop in about 30 seconds or less.  If it doesn’t stop, shut it off and look for valves that are not turned off or leaks.

5. At this point no water should be running, then turn on shut-off #1, taking about 3 seconds to turn it on full, you may feel and hear a thump, and some water may come out the top cap and drip for a few seconds, this is normal.  If the water doesn’t stop running in 1 to 2 seconds shut off #1 call me.  At this point the vacuum breaker is charged.

6. Slowly turn on shut-off #2, you should hear water running, depending on the size of the system, it may run for a few minutes or just a few seconds.  Look at your yard and look for water running or puddling.  When the water stops your system is charged and ready.

7. Go to your clock and turn the dial to auto and press manual start, as soon as each zone pops up and runs, push manual start again to advance to the next zone.  Continue until all zones are complete.    When you are finished you may want to check your water meter to make sure it isn’t running.  If you have and questions call me 366-6608.