How to Turn On Exterior Faucets and Sprinkler Systems — Des Plaines, Illinois
Complete checklist with climate-adjusted recommendations for Des Plaines, Illinois
Overview
Open hose bibs slowly, check for leaks from winter freeze damage. Activate sprinkler zones one at a time.
Step-by-Step Guide
Locate interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets
Find the shut-off valve inside your home for each outdoor hose bib — they are usually in the basement or crawl space, on the same pipe that runs through the exterior wall to the faucet. If they were closed for winter, you will need to open them. Mark each valve with the faucet it controls for future reference.
Open hose bibs slowly and check for leaks
Go outside and make sure the hose bib handle is in the closed (off) position. Then go inside and slowly open the interior shut-off valve (one full turn is enough to start). Go back outside and slowly open the hose bib. Let water run for 30 seconds, then close it. Inspect the faucet body, handle packing, and the pipe inside the wall for drips or spraying.
Inspect for freeze damage
Look for cracks in the hose bib body, split copper or PEX pipe behind the wall, or water spraying from places it should not. If a pipe froze and cracked over winter, you will see water leaking when the interior valve is opened. If you find a leak, immediately close the interior shut-off valve and call a plumber.
Connect and test hoses
Attach garden hoses and check the connection for leaks. Replace worn hose washers (the small rubber ring inside the hose fitting) — they cost pennies and prevent drips that waste hundreds of gallons per season. Run water through each hose to flush out any debris or stale water.
Locate and open the sprinkler system main shut-off
Find the main sprinkler shut-off valve, which is typically in the basement, utility room, or near the water meter. Open it slowly — a quarter turn at a time over 60 seconds — to allow the system to pressurize gradually. Rapid pressurization can crack pipes or blow fittings.
Activate each sprinkler zone one at a time
Using the sprinkler controller, run each zone manually for 3–5 minutes while you walk the yard. Look for heads that are not popping up, spraying erratically, or leaking at the base. Check for broken heads (lawn mower damage is common), tilted risers, and clogged nozzles. Note the location of any problems.
Adjust sprinkler heads and clean nozzles
Use a small flathead screwdriver to adjust spray arc and distance on each head. Clear clogged nozzles by pulling up the riser, removing the nozzle screen, and rinsing it under clean water. Replace broken heads ($3–$8 each) — they pop out of the ground easily by unscrewing them counterclockwise from the riser.
Program the controller for the season
Set your watering schedule based on local guidelines and your lawn's needs. A typical spring schedule is 2–3 days per week, 15–20 minutes per zone for rotor heads and 8–12 minutes for spray heads. Set the start time for early morning (4–6 AM) when wind is low and evaporation is minimal. Enable the rain sensor if you have one.
What You'll Need
Tools
- - Adjustable wrench or pliers
- - Small flathead screwdriver (for sprinkler head adjustment)
- - Sprinkler head removal tool or channel-lock pliers
Materials
- - Hose washers ($2 for a multi-pack)
- - Replacement sprinkler heads if broken ($3–$8 each)
- - Replacement sprinkler nozzles if clogged ($2–$4 each)
- - Teflon tape (for threaded connections, $2)
Cost Estimates
DIY Cost
$5–$25 (washers, replacement heads)
Professional Cost
$75–$150 for a professional sprinkler system startup; $150–$400 for freeze damage pipe repair
Safety Tips
- Open valves slowly to prevent water hammer (a sudden pressure surge that can crack pipes and damage fittings).
- If you find a burst pipe, shut off the water supply immediately and do not attempt to repair pressurized pipes yourself.
- Know the location of your main water shut-off valve before you start — you may need it in an emergency.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if you find burst pipes or leaking hose bibs from freeze damage. Call an irrigation specialist if multiple sprinkler heads are not working, if you cannot locate the main shut-off valve, if the controller is not communicating with the valves, or if you need the system backflow preventer tested (required annually in many municipalities).
Pro Tip
Before you open any valves in spring, go outside and visually inspect every hose bib. If you see the handle sticking out at an unusual angle or frost damage around the pipe entry point, that bib may have frozen and cracked — opening the valve will cause a flood inside the wall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Opening the sprinkler main valve too quickly, causing water hammer that cracks underground fittings.
- Running all sprinkler zones at once instead of one at a time — this masks problems because water pressure is split.
- Forgetting to check the backflow preventer, which can leak or fail to seal after winter.
- Leaving hoses connected to frost-free hose bibs — a connected hose traps water and defeats the frost-free design.
- Setting sprinkler runtimes too long in spring when lawns need less water than in summer heat.
Local Plumbers in Des Plaines
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Joliet, IL
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Des Plaines Housing Market
Median Home Price
$331,000
Homes for Sale
55
Price per Sq Ft
$242
Local Pros
581
Home Service Professionals Near Des Plaines
Median Household Income
$94,303
Median Home Value
$318,200
Median Rent
$1,435/mo
Homeownership Rate
79.4%
Population
59,408
Median Year Built
1966
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
Fair Market Rents — Des Plaines
Studio
$1,480/mo
1 Bedroom
$1,581/mo
2 Bedroom
$1,781/mo
3 Bedroom
$2,294/mo
4 Bedroom
$2,653/mo
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents — Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area