Question
HI WE HAVE HAD SERIOUS TROUBLE GETTING SOMEONE OUT TO TURN ON OUR RAIN BIRD IRRIGATION SYSTEM.  WE WERE WONDERING IF WE CAN JSUT DO IT OURSELVES?  IF SO HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE.  THANK YOU!  

Answer
First, make sure that your irrigation controller (the timer) is on and is programmed to work.  There should be instructions with the manual or inside the door of the controller.  Next, locate the valve that turns the water on for your system and turn it on.  You now can test the system by operating the valves manually to make sure they work and that your sprinklers are adjusted properly.  I suggest using the controller to manually operate the valves so you can be sure that the controller is working.  Again, there will be instructions inside the door of the controller or in the manual.  If you have a pump for the irrigation system, it must be turned on prior to doing anything else, and all valves opened that serve the irrigaton system.