Irrigation System 101 - Spring Start-Up
	By Clark Anderson

Most parts are plastic and do NOT require tools.  

CAUTION:  Some of the valves described below may already be closed.

Outside, in the Solenoid Control Valve Pit, under the green cover:  
1)	Close the brass Drain Valve (turning the cross-shaped handle clockwise).  I like to 
use my 'spanner' tool.  It is a steel rod with a handle at one end and two-prong fork 
to fit the valve on the other end.
2)	Close each of the Solenoid Manual Operation Valves, about a quarter turn clockwise.  
The tab on the side rotates the entire black solenoid body and can be used to manually 
operate each Sprinkler circuit.
3)	Close each Solenoid Bleed Screw, turning clockwise (with screwdriver).  This is the 
small black knob on the top of the grey valve body.
4)	Close the Drip Irrigation Filter Back-Flush Valve.  This filter looks somewhat like
a cannon aimed up at an angle and prevents small dirt particles from clogging the drip 
system emitters. In the closed position the small black handle is perpendicular to the 
black filter body.  Opening this valve washes dirt particles out of the filter.
5)	You can replace the green cover.

At the side of the house at the Backflow Prevention Assembly (Check Valve):
1)	Close the Outlet Valve, next to the white plastic pipe. In the closed position the 
handle is perpendicular to the white plastic pipe.
2)	Close the Inlet Valve (next to the copper pipe).  In the closed position the handle 
is perpendicular to the copper pipe.
3)	Close the two bleed valves (test cocks for blowing out the lines).  You will need a 
screwdriver to turn the slots to be perpendicular to the tube.

In the basement on the copper pipe going up and out the side of the house:
1)	Close the Bleed Valve, the small brass knob on the side of the larger valve body. 
(No tool needed.)
2)	Open the Sprinkler System Supply Valve.  In the open position, the handle will be 
parallel to the pipe.

At the side of the house at the Backflow Prevention Assembly:
1)	Slowly, start to open the Backflow Prevention Assembly Inlet Valve until the water 
surges and splashes some, then open it the rest of the way. The water surge and splash 
stops when the Backflow Prevention Assembly is pressurized.  In the open position, the 
Handle should be parallel to the copper pipe.
2)	Slowly, open the Outlet Valve.  In the open position, the handle should be parallel 
to the white plastic pipe.  You can hear the rush of the water entering the irrigation 
system. 
CAUTION:One time I did not listen for the rush of water to stop and later discovered I 
had left the Brass Drain Valve in the Solenoid Control Valve Pit OPEN!
In the garage:
You can turn on your electronic control.  Be aware if the electronic control's time is 
in sync with current Standard or Daylight Savings time and if the irrigation schedule 
is set the way you want it (Water Day, ...) .

It is wise to look in the Solenoid Control Valve Pit under its green cover for any leaks.  
There should be no puddles in there.  I like to check back the next day for any puddling 
in the Solenoid Control Valve Pit or any water flowing out over the sidewalk.  

I have had some of these leaks this spring because of 'operator error' (I left some of 
the valves open!) and some breaks in the plastic supply pipes.

Hopefully you are done!