Sprinkler Start-Up in Omaha, NE

Q: What Is a Spring Start-Up?

A sprinkler start-up can involve several steps depending on the type of system you have installed. Some of the components of our system analysis include: System controllers: The beginning of the season is a good time to check your sprinkler system controller. Our technicians will clean away any cobwebs or debris that have accumulated over the winter, replace the battery and review the system settings to ensure they meet your requirements. If needed, there will be additional fees for batteries and repairs. Sprinkler heads and nozzles: We will clear away built-up dirt and debris that can affect the performance of your sprinklers, look for signs of physical damage, and get rid of any obstructions. If any components have worn out or are in danger of failing, a spring start-up is an ideal opportunity to replace them with new parts. Valves and pipes: We will visually inspect all above ground hardware for signs of leaks or damage. We will then slowly open the valves and introduce water into the system, taking care to prevent pressure surges and noting any concerns our technicians witness.

toddler watering red tulips with a small watering can

Spring Sprinkler Start-Up

When the warmer weather starts coming in, it’s natural for your thoughts to turn to your lawn. If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system installed on your property, however, starting it up after the winter requires a few precautions. Nature’s Helper is a leading sprinkler service company in Omaha, NE, and can help you with spring sprinkler start-up.

Starting a sprinkler system in the Spring is the kick-off. We provide start-ups for lawn irrigation systems by all major manufacturers, regardless of who installed your sprinkler initially. In addition to ensuring you get your sprinkler system up and running safely, we’ll also perform a thorough inspection to confirm all components of your irrigation system are working properly.

Schedule Start-Up

What Is a Spring Start-Up?

A lawn sprinkler start-up can involve several steps depending on the type of system you have installed. Some of the components of our system analysis include:

System controllers: The beginning of the season is a good time to check your sprinkler system controller. Our technicians will clean away any cobwebs or debris that have accumulated over the winter, replace the battery and review the system settings to ensure they meet your requirements. If needed, there will be additional fees for batteries and repairs.
Sprinkler heads and nozzles: We will clear away built-up dirt and debris that can affect the performance of your sprinklers, look for signs of physical damage, and get rid of any obstructions. If any components have worn out or are in danger of failing, a spring start-up is an ideal opportunity to replace them with new parts.
Valves and pipes: We will visually inspect all above-ground hardware for signs of leaks or damage. We will then slowly open the valves and introduce water into the system, taking care to prevent pressure surges and noting any concerns our technicians witness.

Once your irrigation system is running again, we’ll test the water pressure to verify it’s where it should be. This also provides an opportunity to ensure your sprinklers are providing adequate coverage for your lawn and adjust the settings accordingly, if necessary.

Why Is a Spring Start-Up Important?

Spring is traditionally a time of rebirth and renewal. Your lawn sprinkler system is no exception! As you prepare for the summer, it’s important to know that your irrigation system will be able to deliver the best performance possible at all times. A proper spring start-up can:

Prevent damage to pipes, backflow devices and other system components that can be caused by improper or premature start-up.
Save you money by identifying wear and tear before it turns into a problem that’s more expensive to remediate.
Let you rest, knowing your system is configured to ensure a healthy lawn and garden all summer long.

The most important consideration when planning your spring start-up is the condition of the ground. Starting up your system before the ground thaws can lead to pipe damage and other issues. That’s why it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable professional such as Omaha’s Nature’s Helper. Before doing any work, we’ll assess whether or not the conditions are right and advise you accordingly.

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It’s Time to Start-up Your Sprinklers!

A Spring Start-up is usually completed in April & May. We turn the water on that “feeds” the sprinkler system, the controller is reset if needed and all sprinkler heads are inspected for proper adjustments and coverage.

When You Are Ready to Turn On Your Sprinkler System, Give Us a Call!

Many of our customers are eager to start their sprinklers in April when overnight temps still dip below freezing. If you turn on your sprinklers before May 15^th, pay attention to forecasts of freezing temps. If cold weather is predicted, we recommend protecting your backflow device to prevent freeze damage. The safest way to do this is to turn the water off and drain down the backflow by turning all handles and test ports to a 45 degree angle. Alternatively, you can wrap your backflow with blankets or towels. Then keep that dry by covering with a plastic garbage bag or tarp.

When’s the perfect time to turn on your sprinklers?

We get asked this question a lot, so here are some guidelines for you to consider because it really depends on your comfort level regarding possible spring freezing temps.

Choose April 1^st – April 15^th if you have an insulated backflow cover, or you are familiar with how to drain down your backflow device to prevent freeze damage.
Choose April 16^th – April 30^th if you like to get an early start and you are willing to wrap the backflow device with towels or blankets when night-time freezing temps are forecasted.
Choose May 1st – May 15th if you want to be fairly confident that freezing temps are gone for the season. You may want to hand water a bit if we have a really warm and dry May.
Choose After May 15th if you want to be very confident that freezing temps are gone for the season. May 15^th is considered to be Omaha’s frost-free date!

Want to turn on the water to your sprinklers yourself? Read our page on turning water on as a spring startup checklist. Once you’ve turned your sprinklers on, it’s still important to adjust the heads and make sure that they are working properly in order to prevent brown spots from appearing on your lawn. So you should still schedule a Spring Start-Up appointment.

Looking for the Best Sprinkler System Company in Omaha?

Our team of experienced irrigation contractors will work with you to get your system up and running for the year. Contact us now to schedule your Omaha spring sprinkler start-up appointment.

Please make sure to protect your backflow from night-time freezing temps in the spring, as warranties do not apply to freeze damage. Water freezes at 32°F and water-filled copper pipes that are above ground will burst!

Sprinkler System Repair Omaha, NE

I highly recommend Nature’s Helper. We completely re-did our yard last year and decided to get a sprinkler system to go with it. We got bids from several contractors and were sold by Nature’s Helper. Howard really impressed us. He was friendly, personable, and spent great time going over various options we could do for our yard. He took care and was very thorough in explaining the entire process. We felt that we were really given special attention. We continue to do business with Nature’s Helper for ongoing care and maintenance including the Winter preparation. The entire staff is friendly and have been very awesome in going out of their way to assist us. Even when MUD showed up to do maintenance in the yard, Nature’s Helper was ready to work with us and walked us through steps that helped prevent damage to our system. We get a lot of compliments on our yard and have been told we have the greenest lawn on the block. We credit that to our sprinkler system. Thank you Nature’s Helper for your A-1 service!

Tim W. – Omaha

Nature’s Helper is an AMAZING company! From the person greeting you on the phone to the owner Howard, everyone is so accommodating, kind, and patient. I had three estimates from sprinkler companies around the city and the other two did not even come close to the price or the customer service that Nature’s Helper provides. Howard sat down with me for close to 2 hours explaining EVERYTHING and answering all of my questions. Even after the installation, I still feel comfortable calling anytime with any questions regarding my sprinkler system and I know they will spend as much time as necessary to answer them all! I would recommend Nature’s Helper to all of my family and friends. Thanks for the wonderful system and continued service!

Emily E. – Omaha

We would like to express our appreciation for the great customer service from all of the employees at Nature’s Helper with whom we have had contact. After installation, the programming was explained to me in a very thorough manner and was told not to hesitate to call the office if I had any questions. We are glad that we had the system installed as our lawn looks great now. We are also glad that we went with Nature’s Helper because of the professionalism and friendliness of the Nature’s Helper employees. Each time we have called the office with questions, etc. we have received excellent professional help. Take for example, this past fall we had our sprinkler system winterized. Unfortunately, I was not aware of what had to be done as my husband had always taken care of this. All I know is that the Nature’s Helper employee had turned the water off. After he finished and left, I panicked as I believed I had no running water. So, I went to the basement and pushed the lever to its original position. Needless to say, I goofed. I then called Nature’s Helper and spoke with Trena who assured me that I was not the first and only person to do that. She had the young man come back to my house that same afternoon to redo the job at no extra charge.
We certainly recommend Nature’s Helper to others.

Connie and Rosemary Batts – Omaha

Leave A Review!

Nature's Helper, Inc.

3 weeks 1 day ago

There's still time to get your sprinklers winterized on our FINAL ROUTE next week. Save yourself from costly freeze damage! Call the office today to reserve your spot.

Nature's Helper, Inc.

1 month 2 weeks ago

Winterizations are in full swing! Don’t let the lingering summer temps fool you, freezing weather will arrive. Arrange for your late-October winterization today.