Spring Irrigation Start-ups in Surrey & Metro Vancouver
Don’t just turn on the tap—start your season right.
As the frost leaves the ground in Metro Vancouver, your irrigation system needs more than just a “flip of the switch.” After a long BC winter, pipes can settle, seals can dry out, and heads can shift.
At Hudson Irrigation and Lighting, our IIABC-certified technicians provide professional Spring Start-ups to ensure your system is running at peak efficiency, saving you water and preventing costly mid-summer repairs.
What’s Included in Our Spring Start-up Service?
- Controlled Main Valve Activation: We slowly pressurize the main line to prevent "water hammer" and pipe bursts.
- Visual Inspection: Checking the backflow preventer and main lines for winter damage or leak
- Zone-by-Zone Testing: Running every station to ensure all heads are popping up and retracting correctly.
- Sensor Check: Testing rain and soil sensors to ensure your system isn't running during a Surrey downpour.
- Head Adjustment: Aligning nozzles to ensure water is hitting your grass—not your driveway or windows.
- Controller Programming: Setting your timer for early-season watering needs and local municipal water restrictions.
- Zone-by-Zone Testing: Running every station to ensure all heads are popping up and retracting correctly.
- Leak Detection: Identifying underground leaks that can skyrocket your water bill.
Why Choose a Professional Start-up?
1. Environmentally & Economically Efficient
We use the latest technology to ensure your system uses exactly the amount of water your landscape needs—and not a drop more. This protects the environment and your wallet.
2. Certified Expertise
As members of the Irrigation Industry Association of British Columbia, we stay up-to-date on the best practices and newest smart-irrigation tech.
3. Specialized for Every Property
Whether you are managing a Strata complex, a Commercial warehouse, or your Family home, we tailor our start-up process to the unique needs of your landscape.
“A small leak in a sprinkler system can waste over 6,000 gallons of water a month. Our spring service catches those issues before they cost you.”
Book Your Spring Start-up Today
Frequently Asked Questions: Spring Irrigation Start-ups
When is the best time for an irrigation start-up in Surrey & Metro Vancouver?
Typically, the “Goldilocks” window is between mid-March and late April. You want to wait until the risk of a deep ground freeze has passed but get the system running before the May 1st Metro Vancouver water restrictions begin.
Can I just turn the water on myself?
You can, but the “turn and pray” method often leads to “Water Hammer”—a surge of pressure that can literally crack your main line or blow out valves. Our technicians use a controlled-fill process to safely pressurize the system and catch hidden leaks that could cost you hundreds in water bills later.
How do Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions affect my start-up?
Stage 1 water restrictions usually begin May 1st. Getting your start-up done in March or April allows us to program your controller to be fully compliant with local bylaws from day one, avoiding potential fines.
Do I need a backflow test at the same time as my start-up?
Yes! Most municipalities in the Metro Vancouver area require certified backflow testing annually. Performing this during your spring start-up is the most efficient way to ensure your property is safe and compliant for the rest of the year.
What happens if your technician finds a broken sprinkler head?
Because our vans are fully stocked we can usually perform minor repairs on the spot during your start-up. If it’s a larger issue, we’ll provide an impartial quote before any additional work begins.
Are your technicians certified?
Absolutely. Hudson Irrigation and Lighting technicians are fully trained members of the Irrigation Industry Association of British Columbia (IIABC). We follow the highest industry standards for water conservation and system design