Sprinkler blowout / Winterization
Press on the Picture – Sprinkler Blowout
Is sprinkler blowout necessary?
You only want sprinkler blowout your sprinkler with the right amount of air volume. If you don’t use enough air volume after flushing some of the water out of the system, the air will rise to the top of the water. … And if water flows down, it’ll freeze and put your system in danger of damage. sprinkler blowout
Prevents Freezing Damage
Blowing out sprinkler systems with an air compressor effectively removes all water, preventing freezing damage during winter. This proactive step helps avoid costly repairs due to burst pipes and cracked components.
Prolongs System Lifespan
By eliminating excess water, this method extends the lifespan of your sprinkler system. It safeguards against corrosion and deterioration, ensuring that your system operates efficiently for years to come.
Saves on Repair Costs
Investing in a professional service like The Sprinkler Company Inc. to blow out your sprinkler system can save you from expensive repairs. The upfront cost is a fraction of what you might spend on fixing winter-related damages.
Easy Spring Startup
When the warmer seasons return, your system will be primed for a trouble-free startup. Blowing out the system prevents clogs and blockages, allowing your sprinklers to function optimally and provide the right amount of water to your landscape.
The Danger of Not Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
If you forget about sprinkler blowout, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads. When water freezes it expands causing parts of your system to explode and destroy your sprinkler system.
When water freezes inside the pipes and valves of your irrigation system, it expands and exerts pressure on the components. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and even ruptures in the pipes and valves. The resulting damage might necessitate expensive repairs or replacements.
The water trapped within sprinkler heads can freeze and cause the internal components to crack or break. When the ice expands, it can shatter the delicate mechanisms within the sprinkler heads, rendering them useless and requiring replacements
As water freezes and expands, it can create pressure within the irrigation system. This pressure can build up to dangerous levels, potentially causing fittings, joints, or other weak points in the system to burst open, resulting in water leakage and substantial damage.
The damage caused by frozen water expanding within the irrigation system can lead to significant repair costs. Homeowners might have to deal with replacing pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads, as well as fixing any resulting landscape damage due to leaks or flooding.
If the damage from freezing water is severe enough, your entire irrigation system might become inoperable. This could lead to a lack of proper water distribution to your lawn or plants, potentially impacting their health and causing the need for further investment to restore the system’s functionality.
Frosty Elegance Transformation
Why Choose The Sprinkler Company Inc?
Expertise and Experience
Sprinkler companies employ skilled technicians who are trained and experienced in the proper procedures for sprinkler blowout. Their expertise ensures that your system is prepared correctly to withstand freezing temperatures.
Specialized Equipment
Professional sprinkler companies have access to specialized equipment designed for sprinkler blowouts. This equipment is more effective at evacuating water from the system and reducing the risk of residual water causing damage during freezing temperatures.
Liability Coverage
Reputable sprinkler companies often carry liability insurance. In the rare event that any damage occurs during the blowout process, their insurance can cover the costs of repairs or replacements, providing you with peace of mind.
Prevention of Damage
Professionals know the intricacies of different irrigation systems and can accurately assess the water pressure and layout. They can adjust the process to prevent overblowing, which could lead to damage, and ensure that all water is effectively removed to prevent freezing and subsequent damage.
Time and Convenience
Performing an sprinkler blowout yourself can be time-consuming and might require renting equipment. Hiring a sprinkler company saves you time and hassle, as they can efficiently complete the task, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities.
Customization
Sprinkler companies tailor their services to your specific irrigation system. They understand that different systems have unique needs, and they can adjust their approach accordingly, ensuring thorough sprinkler blowout that suits your system's requirements.
Can I do sprinkler blowout my own sprinkler system?
If you follow the principle of high pressure and low volume, it will not help.
You want high volume and low pressure to eliminate damage and completely blow out your sprinklers. Additionally, please don’t mistake air pressure and water pressure. As you can see, blowing out your own sprinkler system isn’t as simple as pushing air through it. While you can blow out your system yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a contractor to winterize your sprinklers.
Blowing out your sprinkler requires mechanical and technological knowledge dealing with air volume, air pressure, and figuring out the ratio between the two. You can quickly ruin your lawn sprinkler by miscalculating the air volume or using the wrong size air compressor for sprinkler blowout.
If you decide to blow out the system on your own, make sure you know:
- The gallons per minute (GPM) flow through each irrigation zone. The GPM helps you know what size air compressor you need for the job.
- If you have a backflow preventer, you need to blow out the preventer too.
- Air volume is just as vital for sprinkler blowout as air pressure. You only want to blow out your sprinkler with the right amount of air volume.
- If you don’t use enough air volume after flushing some of the water out of the system, the air will rise to the top of the water. This air movement causes water to drain into the bottom. And if water flows down, it’ll freeze and put your system in danger of damage.
- You should only blow out your system one zone at a time.
- If you blow out more than one zone at a time, You run the risk of overheating the pipes and fittings as well as melting them. And if your pipes and valves don’t burst right now, they may still be damaged.
- If the sprinkler heads stay above ground after you’re finished blowing out the system, you know that you used the right air compressor size for the sprinkler blowout.