Do plumbers winterize sprinkler system?

Hiring a pro to winterize your system will require about $80 to $85. Plumbers usually prefer to "blow out" the sprinkler because it works for almost all systems. This involves an air compressor to force the water out.

Can I winterize my sprinkler system myself?

You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.

How do I winterize my lawn sprinkler system?

When should sprinkler systems be winterized?

October 1st thru December 15th (temperature permitting) is the optimal time window to winterize your irrigation system! While the weather plays quite a big role each year in determining when clients want to winterize their system, we strongly recommend winterizing your system during this time frame.

Is it too late to winterize sprinkler system?

Timing for winterizing your sprinkler system comes down to the weather. It's best to aim for the middle of fall between October 1st and Thanksgiving. You want to have it winterized before the first hard freeze of the season.

How to Winterize a Sprinkler System - Blow Out Method

How much does it cost to winterize my sprinkler system?

The cost to winterize or activate a sprinkler system ranges from $53 and $121, or $87 on average. Maintenance during the irrigation season averages about $115, on top of these expenses.To keep your sprinkler system working properly, it must receive regular maintenance from a professional plumber.

What happens if I don't winterize my sprinkler system?

If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes, it expands causing the parts of your system to burst and destroying your sprinkler system.

Should you leave sprinkler valves open in winter?

Manual valves should be left in the open position throughout winter to prevent repressurization. Some sprinkler heads have both side and bottom pipe inlets. If you use the side inlet, install a drain valve on the bottom inlet to prevent the case from freezing.

When should I turn off my sprinkler system for winter?

You should shut off your irrigation system just before temperatures in your region begin to dip below freezing at night. Don't shut off your irrigation system too early. Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water.

How cold does it have to be for sprinklers to freeze?

A sprinkler system will freeze if the temperature falls below 32° F (0° Celsius). Now, most indoor sprinkler systems are inside of buildings or homes where the temperature won't ever drop into the danger zone.

Can I turn on my sprinkler system myself?

Some homeowners count on a lawn service or irrigation contractor to winterize the system in the fall and turn it back on in the spring, but there is no reason to pay for this service, as it's very easy to do yourself in just a matter of minutes.

How much is an irrigation blowout?

Sprinkler Blowout FAQs

Generally, it will cost somewhere between $50 - $200 depending on how many sprinkler zones your irrigation system has. The only way to know the average price in your area is to call around and ask for quotes.

How do you winterize a sprinkler system with a backflow preventer?

When should I winterize my sprinkler system in NJ?

October is the ideal month to have your sprinkler system blown out and winterized, right before the cold weather November is sure to bring. You won't want to wait too long, before you know, snow will be flying and temperatures will dip well below freezing.

Do all sprinkler systems have a master valve?

The irrigation controller turns the master valve on and off. Most, but not all, irrigation controllers have a master valve circuit built in to them.

Can a sprinkler system leak when turned off?

There are two reasons why a sprinkler will leak water when the system is supposed to be off. The most common reason is called “Low Head Drainage”. "Low Head Drainage" occurs when the lowest head on a zone allows water to drain from the lateral piping, out of the sprinkler.

How big of an air compressor do I need to winterize sprinklers?

To properly blow out a sprinkler system, your air compressor needs to provide at least 20 cubic feet per minute. Most irrigation professionals recommend using at least 50 cubic feet per minute. Most air compressors will list their cubic feet per minute rating on the side of the tank.

How much psi do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?

Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi). Compressor must be capable of delivering 20 to 25 Cubic Feet Per Minute of air volume. Do not run equipment for longer than 1 minute on air.