Slow startup saves sprinkler headaches.

Turn on the water slowly, check each zone manually, and look for leaks before you set the timer.

The biggest mistake is cracking the main valve all the way open first thing. That blast of pressure can blow out pipe fittings or sprinkler heads that froze over winter. You want to open the valve slowly—just a quarter turn at first—and let air and sediment ease out. Then go to the controller and run each zone by hand for a couple minutes. Walk the yard while they’re running. Look for heads that are broken, tilted, or not popping up. Check for pooling water near a valve box (that’s a leak). Fix any problems before you let the system run on its own.

Also, check your rain sensor if you have one. They can get gunked up or knocked out of alignment. And set your timer to water early morning—like 4–6 AM—to cut down on evaporation and wind blow.

A slow, careful startup now beats a soggy repair bill later.