Opening your sprinkler system for the season will depend on the weather conditions and your individual watering needs. As a general rule, the system should not be opened until the threat of frost is passed. If you are an early planter, we recommend waiting to open your system until after April 15. By planting standards, the 2nd Sunday in May is considered to be the safe date to avoid frost damage, making May the ideal month to open your system. If you have a particularly rainy spring, you may even choose to open your system in June, although you should be sure to have the system fully operational before the heat of the summer.

Paradise Restored will be happy to schedule your spring turn-on/ tune-up or you may try the steps listed below for your convenience -

1. Be sure the manual drain valve is closed. This valve is usually located below or before the backflow device outside your house.
2. Slowly open the gate valve. This valve is usually located after the meter in the basement on the line going out of your house to the backflow device.
3. Check the main line, valves, and backflow device for any sign of leakage. Repair breaks as needed.
4. Open the front cover of your sprinkler timer, find the battery backup (if it has one) and replace. Follow the instructions in your sprinkler’s timer manual. Go through all the zones one at a time. Check each zone for water coverage, leaky heads and breaks.
5. Cut and clean any excess lawn or plant growth away from the sprinkler heads that would inhibit proper operation of the sprinkler head.
6. Check and make sure the sprinkler heads are level and flush with the grade of the lawn, to insure that they will not be hit my mowers or other lawn equipment.
7. Be sure your sprinkler heads are at least an inch away from walks or curbing to insure that edgers do not hit them.
8. Check that the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly and coverage is correct for each zone area. Adjust heads as necessary using your hand and/or tools.
9. Make sure the sprinkler heads are not clogged. If clogged, unscrew the head casing or nozzle and check the filter at the base or in the stem of the head. Clean out the filter with air or water. Check to see if a stone or other debris is lodged in the nozzle; clean or replace as necessary.
10. If you experience problems with a particular zone, turn that zone off on the timer so the rest of the system can continue to operate normally.

We suggest checking your system at least two additional times during the watering season. It is especially helpful to check the system whenever you experience severe weather changes, such as increased rain or periods of drought. If you have any problems, please call Paradise Restored for assistance! 503-788-3117

Irrigation Systems technology has come a long way from its early days, when installers dropped pipe haphazardly into the ground, figuring that spraying large volumes of water around would make up for a hit-or-miss installation. Today, we know that water is a precious resource, requiring careful management. A modern irrigation system with precise hydraulic calculation, accurate water disbursement and detailed programming will protect your landscape investment while conserving resources. A properly coordinated lawn irrigation system with quality components can cost more up front, but pays for itself in reduced maintenance and water costs in a few short years.

When is the best time to winterize my sprinkler system?

The weather conditions each year will determine the best time to winterize your sprinkler system. Although most of the system is underground and protected until the ground freezes, external parts like the backflow preventer and blow-out port can freeze from cold overnight temperatures. You will want to keep your system running as long as possible if you have new tree or shrub plantings or have done a fall seeding. The “safe” period in the Pacific Northwest runs between October 15 and November 30. You should winterize as soon as you are sure you no longer need continual watering to avoid damage caused by freezing temperatures.

By taking the necessary steps for protecting your irrigation system now, you will avoid costly repairs in the springtime.

With so many Irrigation Installers in the Portland area how can you be confident your choosing the right one?

Here are some things to look for:

1. How many years has the company been in business? (Very Important!)

2. Does the company practice specific techniques to help conserve our communities water?

3. How long has the landscape technician been installing irrigation in the Portland area?

4. Try to find out the average price per zone that zone that the contractor charges. If he doesn’t feel comfortable giving this information over the phone, he may be hiding something. A knowledgeable and experienced irrigation company will be able to tell you the average cost per zone even without seeing the property.

5. Does the Irrigation Installation Company use modern technology to minimize the potential of water waste? This is an important question because so many companies get comfortable using the stuff they always have used and seldom if ever change. They usually don’t take the time to educate themselves on new efficient products that could save you lots and lots of money.

These are just a few things that will greatly help you find the right company for your Irrigation needs.