If you're new to owning a sprinkler system, understanding how it works and why it needs winterization can be crucial for avoiding costly repairs. Many experienced homeowners know that a system blowout is essential, but if you’ve never had a sprinkler system before, especially in areas with freezing winters, it’s easy to overlook.
How a Sprinkler System Works
A sprinkler system is typically connected to either your home’s water supply or a pressurized irrigation system. These systems use underground pipes to carry water to sprinkler heads strategically placed throughout your lawn. They are designed to deliver water to your lawn in zones, allowing you to control when and where your grass or garden is watered.
Home Water Supply: In many cases, the system taps directly into your home’s plumbing. The water is drawn through pipes and distributed to the various zones of your lawn.
Pressurized Irrigation System: In some areas, especially where irrigation is common, your sprinkler system may be connected to a pressurized canal system. This provides water directly from a regional irrigation supply, which is particularly common in agricultural areas. It still functions in much the same way, pushing water through underground lines to your sprinklers.
Regardless of the water source, the key concern when winter arrives is the water left in the pipes. If the water isn’t removed, it can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to crack or burst.
What To Expect: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sprinkler System Blowouts
During a blowout, compressed air is used to force all the remaining water out of the system, ensuring there is no moisture left that could freeze during the colder months. Here’s how the blowout process typically works:
1. Shut Off the Water: The first step is to turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system, whether it's coming from your home’s plumbing or an irrigation canal.
2. Relieve Pressure: The next step is to relieve any pressure within the system by opening manual valves or the backflow preventer. This prevents damage during the blowout process.
3. Connect an Air Compressor: A professional will then connect an air compressor to the system. The compressor forces air through the pipes, pushing out any trapped water. Each zone of the sprinkler system is blown out one by one to ensure all the water is expelled from the pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.
4. Monitor for Water Ejection: The professional will continue blowing air through each zone until only air (and no water) is coming out of the sprinkler heads. This step ensures the system is completely dry and safe from freezing.
Why It’s Essential to Blow Out Your System
If you’ve never had a sprinkler system before, it might not seem obvious why this is necessary. However, any water remaining in the system can freeze during winter. When water freezes, it expands, which can crack your system’s pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. In the spring, you could be left with leaks, broken components, and expensive repairs.
This simple process of blowing out your system before winter ensures that no water is left inside that could cause damage when temperatures drop. It’s a critical maintenance step that will save you from potentially high repair costs and give you peace of mind through the winter months.
If you’re unsure how to perform a blowout or don’t have access to the right equipment, it’s always best to hire a professional to handle the process. They can ensure it’s done correctly, leaving your system properly winterized and ready for use in the spring.
Call the professionals at One Call Property Solutions to schedule your sprinkler blowout before winter. Sprinkler blowouts starting at $40. (208) 490-6713 or schedule online https://www.onecallps.com/onlinebooking