Why a proper startup matters
Cranking the water on full-blast after winter is the fastest way to crack a backflow or blow a head. Pressure has to come up slowly while we listen and watch the system come back to life.
A real startup is also when small problems get caught — a misaligned head, a leaking valve, a controller that lost its program over winter — before they turn into dry patches in July.
When to book
- • Late April through mid-May typically
- • After the last hard frost
- • Earlier bookings get earlier slots
- • Second week of May fills first
Residential systems
Most residential startups take 45–75 minutes. We adjust every head, program the controller for the season, and flag any spring repairs we spot.
Residential irrigationCommercial systems (primary area)
Strata, churches, schools, and commercial properties across Medicine Hat and surrounding communities. Quoted by zone count, access, and complexity.
Commercial irrigationEvery startup includes
- Open main water supply slowly to avoid hammer damage
- Pressurize and inspect backflow assembly for leaks
- Walk each zone — check arc, throw, rotation, and coverage
- Adjust or replace damaged heads as needed
- Verify valves, wiring, and controller function
- Program controller for spring run times and start times
Signs you need it now
- System has been off all winter and not yet checked
- Lawn shows dry patches once watering season starts
- New owner — first startup under your ownership
- Controller display is blank or showing fault codes
- Visible leaks, geysers, or weeping heads on first run
Sprinkler startup questions
When should I book a sprinkler startup in Medicine Hat?
Book in late April or early May, after the last hard frost but before peak demand. Most southern Alberta lawns need irrigation running by mid-May. Earlier bookings get earlier slots — the second week of May fills first.
What does a sprinkler startup include?
We turn the water back on at the main, pressurize the system slowly to avoid hammer damage, walk every zone, check each head for arc, throw, and rotation, look for leaks at valves and the backflow, and program your controller for the upcoming season.
How long does a residential startup take?
Most residential startups take 45–75 minutes — longer than a blowout because we adjust heads and verify coverage zone by zone. Larger or multi-zone systems take more time.
What if I find a problem on startup?
We flag every issue — broken heads, cracked lines, faulty valves, or controller faults — and quote the repair on the spot. Small fixes are often handled the same visit; larger repairs are scheduled separately.
Do you do commercial sprinkler startups?
Yes. We start up commercial irrigation across the Medicine Hat area — strata complexes, churches, schools, and commercial properties. Larger sites are quoted by zone count and access.