Irrigation System Maintenance Checklist Calgary: Spring, Summer and Fall Tasks 2026

Calgary Irrigation System Maintenance Checklist

A well-maintained Calgary irrigation system operates reliably for 20+ years. Neglected systems fail early, waste water through undetected leaks and misaligned heads, and require expensive emergency repairs during the peak summer season. This checklist covers the seasonal maintenance tasks required for a Calgary residential irrigation system.

spring startup Checklist (May)

• ☐ Verify main irrigation shutoff is in winter position before opening
• ☐ Slow pressurization — open supply slowly over 2-3 minutes to prevent water hammer
• ☐ Walk every zone while running — check every head for correct arc, radius, retraction
• ☐ Identify and flag all heads that need adjustment, cleaning, or replacement
• ☐ Complete City of Calgary annual backflow preventer test (certified technician)
• ☐ Submit backflow test result to City within 30 days
• ☐ Test rain sensor by submerging in water — verify controller responds to sensor activation
• ☐ Program controller for odd/even restriction schedule starting June 1
• ☐ Set controller for 4:00 AM start time to avoid peak water demand period
• ☐ Set seasonal adjustment to spring setting (typically 60-70% of full summer runtime)

Mid-Season Checklist (July)

• ☐ Walk every zone again — heads shift after May freeze-thaw settles
• ☐ Recalibrate smart controller ET schedule for peak July evapotranspiration
• ☐ Clean nozzle filter screens — Calgary water mineral deposits clog small filters in 3-4 months
• ☐ Check controller for rain sensor override being accidentally left active
• ☐ Inspect for signs of pipe or head leaks: wet spots on lawn not explained by zone pattern, soft zones, unexplained high water use
• ☐ Replace any additional heads identified during mid-season walk

Fall Winterization Checklist (September-October)

• ☐ Schedule fall blowout — book by September 15 for priority availability
• ☐ Confirm compressor is rated 185-375 CFM for safe, complete blowout (avoid consumer compressors)
• ☐ Blow out zones in sequence from farthest to nearest
• ☐ Verify all zones blow air, not water, for final 30 seconds of each zone
• ☐ Close main irrigation shutoff after blowout
• ☐ Open drain cocks on backflow preventer
• ☐ Set controller to standby (rain/off) mode — do NOT unplug (saves programming)
• ☐ Record date of winterization and any repair recommendations from technician

J&G Irrigation annual maintenance plan customers receive all three service visits as part of their annual plan. Call 587-433-4795 to enroll.