When it is time to de-winterize your system and take the WeatherTRAK controller out of winterized mode, the following steps will guide you through the process to ensure that the irrigation mainline is properly recharged and that the system is working correctly.

Step 1
Before you go! Make sure you have WeatherTRAK access.

• Contact Customer Support to ensure you have the access you need and verify the controllers are online.
  
  
• Download WeatherTRAK Mobile to any Smart Devices for free from The App Store or Google Play Store. Log in to verify access level.
  
  
• Ensure you are comfortable using the Manual Irrigation, Station Programming, System Programming, and Site Mapping using the WeatherTRAK Mobile app.
  
  Mobile App Overview Video

Step 2
Arrive on site. Prepare the system.

• Close all irrigation vents drain plugs.
  
  
• Close any open irrigation valves.
  
  
• If you have a flow sensor, check to see that it is secured.

Step 3
Prepare your controller.

1. If your controller appears OFFLINE in your app, make sure it is connected and communicating with the cloud.

• Call Customer Service for assistance getting the controller connected.

2. Be sure controller Time and Date are correctly set on the Run Screen.

• From the ET Pro3 /LC+ /ET Pro3 2-Wire Controller: Setting the Controller Date and Time

3. Change Controller Mode from Winterized to ON.

• Taking the WeatherTRAK controller out of Winterized Mode is simple and can be done from the controller, the WeatherTRAK app, or weathertrak.net.
  
  

From the ET Pro3 / LC+ Controller: Taking the WeatherTRAK Controller out of Winterized Mode

From WeatherTRAK Mobile: Changing Controller Mode with the WeatherTRAK App

4. Check your Flow Sensor Settings.

• Make sure your Flow Sensor is set up to read.
  
  
• It is common to turn the Flow Sensor off during Winterization. Be sure to make sure that if you have a flow sensor, it is turned on in the program at spring start-up.

From the WeatherTRAK Mobile:

1.  Go to the Controllers list page

2.  Select the Controller Settings button

3.  Go to the PROGRAM tab

2.  Under FLOW, select the POC (POC1, 2) with the Flow Sensor in use

3.  Under FLOW SENSOR, make sure the FS Mode (1,2, etc.) is set to ON

From the ET Pro3 / LC+ Controller:

1.  Press FLOW.

2.  Press  à  to underline FS1

3.  Press + or – until ON displays

Step 4
Turn on irrigation water.

Carefully turn on the Water Source. This may be the pump, the “stop-and-waste” valve, or water from the city's main water line. Find where the water feeds the system and turn it on.  

• Turn on the main water source slowly before the backflow prevention device. You don’t want to over-pressurize by opening too quickly.
  
  
• Carefully examine, repair, or report any ongoing leakage or other issues with the Water Source.
  
  
• Mark the location of the Water Source in Site Map using the WeatherTRAK Mobile. Take pictures and add notes for reference in the future.

Carefully turn on the Backflow. This device is the first stop for your irrigation water. The Backflow device is usually a large copper device, near the water source, before any other components of your system. Sometimes it is caged for security purposes.  

• Turn on the main water source slowly before the backflow prevention device. You don’t want to over-pressurize by opening too quickly. Rapid pressurization may contribute to leaks and breaks in the irrigation system.
  
  
• Check your local codes and maintain Backflow certification as needed.
  
  
• Mark the location in the Site Map using WeatherTRAK Mobile. Take pictures and add notes for reference in the future. 

Step 5
Check components of your Point of Connect (POC).

An irrigation system may have none, some, or all (or even multiple) of these POC Components. You must know the details of the system you are turning on.

Pump – Only if your system has a pump.

• Make sure your pump is operating and programmed for irrigation.
  
  
• Carefully examine, repair, or report any ongoing leakage or other issues with the Pump.
  
  
• Mark the Pump location in Site Map using the WeatherTRAK Mobile. Take pictures and add notes for reference in the future.

Master Valve – Only if your system has a Master Valve.

• Make sure your Master Valve is operating and programmed for irrigation.
  
  
• Carefully examine, repair, or report any ongoing leakage or other issues with the Master Valve.
  
  
• Mark the location of the Master Valve in Site Map using WeatherTRAK Mobile. Take pictures and add notes for reference in the future. 

Flow Sensor – Only if your system has a Flow Sensor.

• Make sure your Flow Sensor is operating and programmed for irrigation.
  
  
• Run a station manually, and on the bottom of the manual irrigation screen or the Flow screen, you will see the Measured Usage Value. Make sure you agree with the measurement.
  
  
• Using the app, apply the MV Override feature. Allow the system to fill. Watch the flow sensor for Measured Usage when just the Master Valve is open. Ongoing Measured Usage is evidence of system leaks.
  
  
• Carefully examine, repair, or report any ongoing leakage or other issues with the Flow Sensor.
  
  
• Mark the location of the Flow Sensor in Site Map using WeatherTRAK Mobile. Take pictures and add notes for reference in the future.

Step 6
Perform a valve wet check by manually running the stations.

Station Valve – Each station has its valve.

• Ensure each Station Valve and all station components are operational, set, leveled, and cleaned for proper irrigation.
  
  
• Check the station programming to verify accuracy.
  
  
• Spring startup is an excellent time to ensure that (unless otherwise excused) every station’s Station Mode is set to Automated By WeatherTRAK.
  
  
  • From the ET Pro3 /LC+ /ET Pro3 2-Wire controllers: Programming in Auto Mode
    
    
    
• Carefully examine, repair, or report any ongoing leakage or other issues with the Station Valve.
  
  
• Mark the location of the Station Valve in Site Map using WeatherTRAK Mobile. Take pictures and add notes for reference in the future.
  
  
  • We recommend each station get marked with two asset pins. 
    • Valve – location of Station Valve
    • Station Location – an irrigated area where water is flowing during station irrigation.

To manually run stations, read one of the following articles:

From the ET Pro3 /LC+ / ET Pro3 2-Wire controller: How to Manually Run Stations 

From WeatherTRAK mobile: Using Manual Irrigation

Step 7
Check alerts and clear flow and valve alerts.

Read the following articles to learn more about troubleshooting and clearing the different types of alerts.

The complete Alert List with explanations can be found here: WeatherTRAK Alerts

Flow Alerts:

From the ET Pro3 /LC+ /ET Pro3 2-Wire controllers: Troubleshooting and Clearing Flow Alerts

From WeatherTRAK mobile: Viewing and Clearing Alerts with the WeatherTRAK Mobile App

Valve Alerts:

From the ET Pro3 /LC+ /ET Pro3 2-Wire controllers: Troubleshooting and Clearing Valve Alerts

From WeatherTRAK mobile: Viewing and Clearing Alerts with the WeatherTRAK Mobile App

Communication Alerts:

No ET Communication (CM) Alert

Program Alerts:

What is a Water Window (WD) Alert?

What is a Water Day (DY) Alert?

Subscription Alerts:

ET Subscription (SB) Alert

Other Helpful Information

Adjust for new or changing landscapes

If new plants or landscapes have been added or taken away, make sure to adjust controller settings accordingly. For help in programming areas with unique landscapes, read the following article:  

From the ET Pro3 /LC+ /ET Pro3 2-Wire controller: Programming a Station in User No ET Mode

On-Demand Training Resource

HydroPoint University