Sprinkler Blowouts: Protect Your System This Winter

As the temperatures drop, it's crucial to safeguard your sprinkler system from freezing damage. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a sprinkler blowout. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about sprinkler blowouts, including why they're important, how to do them, and when to call a professional.

Why Are Sprinkler Blowouts Important?

Water expands when it freezes. If water is left in your sprinkler lines over the winter, it can freeze and cause pipes to crack, sprinkler heads to break, and backflow preventers to fail. These repairs can be costly, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. A sprinkler blowout helps prevent this damage by removing the water from your system before freezing temperatures arrive.

In our experience, neglecting a sprinkler blowout can lead to significant problems. For instance, we've seen cases where homeowners faced extensive yard flooding due to burst pipes, resulting in not only repair costs but also landscape damage. Our analysis consistently shows that preventative measures like blowouts save homeowners considerable money and hassle in the long run.

When Should You Perform a Sprinkler Blowout?

The best time to perform a sprinkler blowout is in the fall, before the first hard freeze. A good rule of thumb is to do it after you've turned off your water supply to the sprinkler system for the winter. Generally, when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below freezing (32°F or 0°C), it's time to schedule your sprinkler blowout.

DIY vs. Professional Sprinkler Blowout

You have two main options for performing a sprinkler blowout: doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Both have their pros and cons.

DIY Sprinkler Blowout

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Doing it yourself can save you money on labor costs.
• Convenience: You can do it on your own schedule.

Cons:

• Requires equipment: You'll need an air compressor with sufficient CFM (cubic feet per minute) for your system.
• Risk of damage: If not done correctly, you could damage your sprinkler system.
• Time-consuming: The process can take several hours, depending on the size of your system.

Professional Sprinkler Blowout

Pros:

• Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to do the job safely and effectively.
• Proper equipment: They have the right equipment to handle any size system.
• Reduced risk of damage: Professionals know how to avoid damaging your system.

Cons:

• Cost: Hiring a professional will cost more than doing it yourself.
• Scheduling: You'll need to schedule an appointment.

If you're comfortable with basic plumbing and have the necessary equipment, a DIY blowout might be a good option. However, if you're unsure or have a large or complex system, hiring a professional is the safer bet.

How to Perform a Sprinkler Blowout (DIY Guide)

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. If you're not comfortable performing a sprinkler blowout yourself, please hire a professional. — Amazon Shutdown: What You Need To Know

Here's a step-by-step guide to performing a sprinkler blowout:

1. Gather your equipment: You'll need an air compressor with a sufficient CFM rating for your system (check your sprinkler system's specifications), an adapter to connect the compressor to your system, safety glasses, and potentially a wrench.
2. Turn off the water supply: Locate the main shut-off valve for your sprinkler system and turn it off. This is typically located in your basement or near your water meter.
3. Locate the backflow preventer: This device prevents water from flowing back into your main water supply. It's usually located above ground and has test cocks (small valves).
4. Attach the air compressor: Connect the air compressor to the backflow preventer using the appropriate adapter.
5. Set the air compressor pressure: Start with a low pressure (around 30-40 PSI) and gradually increase it if needed. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended pressure for your system.
6. Open the zone valves: Open one zone valve at a time, starting with the zone furthest from the compressor. This allows the compressed air to push the water out of the lines.
7. Blow out each zone: Let the air run through each zone for 2-3 minutes, or until no more water comes out of the sprinkler heads. You'll see a mist of water initially, followed by air.
8. Repeat for all zones: Repeat the process for each zone in your system.
9. Close the zone valves: Once you've blown out all the zones, close all the zone valves.
10. Disconnect the air compressor: Disconnect the air compressor from the backflow preventer.
11. Open the test cocks: Open the test cocks on the backflow preventer to allow any remaining water to drain.

Important Safety Note: Always wear safety glasses when performing a sprinkler blowout to protect your eyes from debris. Also, never exceed the recommended air pressure for your system, as this can damage the pipes and sprinkler heads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much air pressure: This is the most common mistake and can lead to cracked pipes and damaged sprinkler heads.
• Not blowing out all zones: Make sure to blow out every zone in your system to prevent freezing.
• Forgetting to drain the backflow preventer: The backflow preventer is particularly vulnerable to freezing damage, so it's crucial to drain it properly.

Maintaining Your Sprinkler System After a Blowout

After performing a sprinkler blowout, there are a few additional steps you can take to further protect your system:

• Insulate the backflow preventer: Wrap the backflow preventer with insulation to protect it from freezing temperatures. You can use pipe insulation, heat tape, or even an old blanket.
• Close the main shut-off valve: Ensure the main shut-off valve is completely closed for the winter.
• Mark sprinkler heads: Mark the location of your sprinkler heads with flags or stakes to prevent them from being damaged by snow removal equipment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Water still coming out of sprinkler heads: This could indicate that the air compressor doesn't have enough CFM or that there's a leak in the system. Try increasing the air pressure slightly (within safe limits) or check for leaks.
• Air compressor not building pressure: Check the compressor's settings and make sure it's properly connected. If the problem persists, the compressor may need repair.
• Sprinkler heads not popping up: This could be due to low air pressure or a blockage in the lines. Check the air pressure and try clearing any blockages.

Cost of a Professional Sprinkler Blowout

The cost of a professional sprinkler blowout varies depending on the size and complexity of your system, as well as your location. However, you can typically expect to pay between $75 and $250. While this may seem like an expense, it's a worthwhile investment to protect your system from costly damage.

According to a survey by HomeAdvisor, the average cost to repair a broken sprinkler system is around $270. This figure underscores the financial wisdom of preventative maintenance like blowouts.

Citations & References

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): For information on water conservation and efficient irrigation practices: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/
• Irrigation Association: For industry standards and best practices for irrigation systems: https://www.irrigation.org/
• Local Extension Office: Contact your local extension office for advice specific to your region's climate and soil conditions. You can find your local office through the USDA website.

FAQ

Q: How much air pressure do I need for a sprinkler blowout?

The required air pressure depends on your system's specifications, but generally, 30-40 PSI is sufficient. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended pressure. — Blairsville, GA Employment: Your Job Guide

Q: Can I use a shop vac for a sprinkler blowout?

No, a shop vac does not provide enough CFM to effectively blow out a sprinkler system. You need an air compressor designed for this purpose.

Q: How long does it take to blow out a sprinkler system?

The process can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the size and complexity of your system.

Q: What happens if I don't blow out my sprinkler system?

If you don't blow out your system, the water in the pipes can freeze and cause them to crack, leading to costly repairs.

Q: Can I blow out my sprinkler system in the spring?

While it's best to blow out your system in the fall, you can do it in the spring if you forgot in the fall or if you've had a particularly mild winter.

Q: How do I know if I have a leak in my sprinkler system?

Signs of a leak include unusually high water bills, constantly wet areas in your yard, and water spraying from sprinkler heads when the system is not in use.

Q: Is it better to hire a professional or do a sprinkler blowout myself?

If you're comfortable with basic plumbing and have the necessary equipment, a DIY blowout might be a good option. However, if you're unsure or have a large or complex system, hiring a professional is the safer bet.

Conclusion

Performing a sprinkler blowout is a crucial step in protecting your irrigation system from freezing damage during the winter months. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, taking the time to properly winterize your system can save you significant money and hassle in the long run. Don't wait until it's too late – schedule your sprinkler blowout today!

If you're considering a professional blowout, we encourage you to get a quote from a reputable local company. Contact us today for a free consultation and ensure your sprinkler system is protected this winter. — Lumberton Homes For Sale: Find Your Dream Home!