Sprinkler Pipe System Leak

[p1p3p5p7p9]

Hi all - I have a pipe that feeds water to the sprinkler system in front of my house. When I open up the valve to allow water into the system, it starts spraying/leaking all over (see picture). I opened up the part of the pipe that is spraying and tried to clear out any debris but didn't see any and also trying flushing it out but no luck there as well. Any ideas? I would appreciate your help. Thanks

 

[CT18]

That is the back flow preventer for your sprinkler system. Need to get a certified tester to come and test it. I have never seen one do that so it may be something else, but something is definitely wrong

 

[Geofd]

Do you live in a cold area I bet it froze, was the system blown out????
All water should be removed from the system when you shut it down
The back flow device should be on unions so it can be taken in

 

[p1p3p5p7p9]

Geofd: yes, I do. I think that might be the problem. We ran the system last year and did not properly shut it down.

I think I will bite the bullet and have someone come take a look. I do not even know where to begin with the underground piping.