Check this blog frequently for important updates!
I don’t know about you, but for me, winter went by very quickly! In another week we will be officially starting our Spring Kick-Off for sprinkler systems and other repairs. I will be posting any important updates here throughout the spring and summer months. It may not be daily as we do during sprinkler blowouts because our sprinkler startup workload is only about 10 percent of what our fall workload is, but this medium is the fastest method to reach everyone at once.
I will be having surgery on my right shoulder Monday, March 27, 2023. (Prayers or well-wishing accepted.) This means my shoulder will be held tight in a sling for about 6 weeks and I won’t be able to visit customer homes personally for repair estimates or backflow tests during that time. Jacob will take care of all “Package A” and “Package C” customers as well as regular backflow tests, Kelly will take care of lawn aerations, and Kelly, Jacob, and the newest member of our crew James will take care of sprinkler startups and any other repair requests.
I have had shoulder surgery twice before, but both on my left shoulder. The first time was in 1982 from a gunshot wound and then rotator cuff surgery in 1997. Now my shoulder scars will match!
Sprinkler Startups
Sprinkler startups will begin on April 3 with those who have city or well water supplying their sprinkler system. Our sprinkler startup customers will receive a text, and/or an email the night before service is provided with an option to cancel if service is no longer needed. To avoid confusion with our “Package A” customers, with this package the water to the system will be turned on only. We do not do anything with any other items on the system INCLUDING the timer for “Package A.” Customers can easily turn their sprinkler timer on and off. Of course, if there is a problem later on with the timer or other items on the system not working properly customers can call or text us to create a work order to do any repairs. I mention the sprinkler timer only because we will get the occasional customer who thinks all that is needed to turn on the sprinkler system for the season is to turn on the timer. That is not the case. The water to the system needs to be turned on to operate.
Jacob will be performing all “Package A” and “Package C” startups on his own.
Lawn Aerations
We like to get lawn aerations completed during the months of April and May, and then again in September. Kelly will be doing all the lawn aerations this spring unless we can hire another technician to help with all phases of the jobs this summer. Aerating is a difficult job with a very heavy machine. We won’t give any of the techs more than 5 aerations in one day due to how strenuous the job is. If a customer has signed up for a sprinkler startup and lawn aeration, we try to get them done at the same time to avoid another trip to the property. This may not always be feasible, however. Just as in sprinkler startups, we will notify customers the night before the aeration by text and/or email.
Backflow Tests
Since I will be laid up for 6 weeks or so, Jacob will be performing all backflow tests until I am able to work in the field again. He will be working on the “Package C” startup requests and regular backflow tests together to save time. He will also work in the backflow test portion of “Package D” startups, and then leave the remaining startup portion of our Package D to Kelly and James. Kelly and James will invoice or take payment for “Package D” customers once they are complete.
Many of our “Package D” customers’ backflow test due dates aren’t until June 1 or July 1. We will be getting to those with a later due date in April and May to make sure they are taken care of. This will not change the backflow test due date with the water purveyor. They just want to make sure they are tested annually on or before their actual due date.
Miscellaneous Repairs
Kelly and Jacob will be rebuilding two main & drain systems this coming week before our official startup date. Any other needed repairs will be worked into the startup schedule and prioritized based on the potential hazard or severity of the repair. We expect a lot of repair needs this spring and summer including sprinkler system overhauls or valve replacements, roof vents, fence repair, window screens, and plumbing issues. Window and patio screens are done in our shop, and we usually work on them in the evenings after normal working hours.