How to Clean Out a Sprinkler System

Sprinkler irrigation systems need to be cleaned out at the beginning of the season to remove any debris that may clog up the sprayers and sprinklers. The following steps will help you to do this in a systematic and effective manner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Irrigation system
• Assistant if possible to speed up the process
• Tools to remove and reset sprinklers, sprayers or other outlets
• Main Water source

1. Find the lowest point of the line connected to one valve or station. If you are not sure which one is at the lowest spot, turn on that valve until the lines are full and working, then turn it off and see which one is still leaking as the pipes will empty out at the lowest point.

2. With the water off, remove the sprinkler/sprayer from the riser at the lowest point.

3. Turn the valve section on again so that the water fills the pipes and flushes out at the lowest point where the sprinkler is removed. Leave on long enough to clear out any larger stones or other debris from the pipe.

4. Turn the water off and remove all the sprinkler/sprayers from the pipes in that valve line. Turn on the water to flush any debris from the risers. Replace the sprinklers one at a time from the highest point to the last lowest point.

5. In order to have good water pressure for clean out,check each valve line separately using the steps above.

Tips & Warnings

• With an assistant you can have someone turn the water off and on as needed.
• Have extra risers and pipe repair supplies to correct any breakage you find along the way.
• Do this on a warm day because you will probably get wet. Which can be quite refreshing when working in the hot sun.

[grammastacie]

on 6/7/2009 great article! 5* and recommend.

[e-Rambler]

on 5/7/2009 Mmm... I've never thought of doing this and certainly didn't know how to clean a sprinkler system. Thanks for the heads-up.