Table of Contents
- Why Freeze Protection Is Essential
- How Cold Weather Damages Sprinkler Systems
- What Is a Sprinkler Blowout Service?
- How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
- Freeze Protection Tips for Homeowners
- Schedule a Professional Winterization
Why Freeze Protection Is Essential
When temperatures drop below freezing, any water left inside your irrigation lines or sprinkler heads can freeze, expand, and rupture the system. This can lead to broken pipes, cracked valves, and costly repairs in spring.
Without proper freeze protection, you risk:
- Water damage to landscaping and foundation
- Cracked backflow preventers
- Broken underground pipes
- Expensive spring replacements
How Cold Weather Damages Sprinkler Systems
Water expands by about 9% when it freezes. In a closed sprinkler pipe, this expansion has nowhere to go—causing the plastic or PVC to split or burst. Even small amounts of residual water trapped in the lowest points of your system can create major failures after just one hard freeze.
What Is a Sprinkler Blowout Service?
A sprinkler blowout uses compressed air to push all remaining water out of the irrigation lines and heads. This is the most effective method for winterizing systems in cold climates. Most professionals use PSI-controlled equipment to avoid damaging lines or seals.
Important: Simply shutting off the water or draining the backflow is not enough. Full blowouts are required for freeze protection.
How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
If you’re performing a DIY winterization, follow these general steps:
- Turn off the main water supply to your sprinkler system.
- Open all manual drain valves (if available).
- Use an air compressor (50-80 PSI for residential systems) to blow out each zone.
- Open the backflow preventer and let any remaining water drain out.
- Leave valves slightly open to prevent pressure buildup from residual moisture.
For best results, we recommend hiring a licensed professional—especially for systems with complex zoning or buried valves.
Freeze Protection Tips for Homeowners
- Insulate exposed pipes and backflow preventers with foam or heat tape
- Shut off and drain the system before the first hard freeze (typically below 32°F / 0°C)
- Schedule winterization no later than mid-to-late October for northern regions
- Label zone valves and drains for easy spring startup
Schedule a Professional Winterization
Winterizing your sprinkler system is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. For less than the cost of a major repair, you can protect your entire landscape investment. A professional team will ensure:
- Complete water removal from all zones
- Backflow preventer protection
- System inspection for spring readiness
Don’t wait for the first freeze. Schedule your sprinkler blowout today to protect your home from costly water damage and ensure a smooth spring startup.