To charge your system in the spring:
1. Plug in and turn on the irrigation clock
2. Close all cross handle drains on the mainline and manifolds.
3. Return the isolation valves at the backflow to the open position and place the test cocks to the closed position.
4. Close the inside drain valve and slowly open the isolation valve. It's best to have one zone turned on when charging your system to avoid water hammer.
5. Test your clock, zones, and time settings; clean heads and nozzles; and check coverage areas, adjust as needed.

To drain your system in the fall:
1. Inside the building, close the isolation valve and open the drain valve.
2. At the backflow, place all ball valves at 45-degree angles (inside the test cocks).
3. Open all cross handle drains on the mainline and/or manifolds (refer to your as-built irrigation system drawing).
4. Turn off and unplug the irrigation clock.