how to turn on sprinkler system for spring; not sure because no backflow preventer or vacuum breaker
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Anonymous
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I'm a new homeowner and my yard has sprinkler system with 10 zones. I'm trying to figure out safely how to turn this on and hopefully not spend a 150 dollars for a professional to turn it on.
All I see are three boxes in the ground wherein two of the boxes I think contain valves (one box is for the front and one box for the back yard). There is one main box in the front with a green cover that contains only a main water line i guess with only a single turn valve. Do I just have to turn this parallel and my sprinkler system is on? I keep seeing on youtube about backflow preventer and vacuum breakers but my system does not have any above ground structures. The house was built in 2001 so maybe it wasnt required back then? I see people with flathead screwdrivers turning ball valves but i dont see anything like that on my system. Is it simply just turning one valve and the sprinkler system is on for the spring? Thanks. |
Anonymous
| Maybe hire someone this time and watch what they do. You also need to test and adjust the heads and program the timer. |
Anonymous
| If you are youtubing this, call the sprinkler guy. |
Anonymous
| If there is no backflow device, you really want to get one. It's no joke that siphoning can happen and introduce contamination into your potable water. Any reputable sprinkler company should be able to do a startup service for you and fix this issue. Sorry that (if there is no BF preventer) someone did this on the cheap and now you need to fix it. |
Anonymous
| Hydrotech does this in the DMV. Yes, it will cost but they are patient and will explain everything. |
Anonymous
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backflow could be in the basement of your house. I have also seen backflows buried in their own valve box near the water meter.
150 bucks is chump change to learn how to do it right. besides you'll be spending the money again to winterize in december. check your paperwork. its possible that the PO had a contract to winterize, and ive winterization contracts include a startup in the spring. |