It may be summer, but you should start thinking about preparing your sprinkler system for winter so it does not freeze when the temperature decreases. Even if you have drained the water out of your sprinkler system at the end of the watering season, some water lingers. That water can freeze, expand, and damage the pipes, the backflow preventer, the ball valves, and sprinkler heads.
To prevent freezing, you should winterize your system with a sprinkler blowout.
Contents
What Is a Sprinkler Blowout?
Professionals like GLC Property Maintenance Services will shut off the water source to the sprinkler system. Then, the experts will attach the air compressor to the main valve and “blow out” the system’s zones one at a time. The sprinklers outside will expel the water in bursts.
The experts will also drain the backflow preventer and/ or vacuum breaker. They will remove the backflow preventer and/or vacuum breaker if possible.
The process is complete when professionals see or hear only air coming out of the sprinkler heads. Once the system has been completely blown out, the controller or timer will be turned off to make sure the sprinkler system does not run during the winter.
Professionals should inspect the system including the pipes and valves to assure it is ready for the winter months. Blowing out your sprinkler is crucial to drain your lawn sprinklers of any remaining water before the freezing temperatures arrive.
When Should You Winterize Your System?
If you’re a homeowner in Michigan, you should schedule a sprinkler blowout between mid-September and November. Contact sprinkler companies early for more availability options and to prevent freeze damage. Companies are typically busiest in October.
Sprinkler Blowout Value
A sprinkler system is an expensive investment. The average cost to install a lawn sprinker system is approximately $3,000, but the total expense depends on the size of your lot and if there are any slopes. It is much easier to have a blowout service in the fall than it is to manage the expensive and extensive repairs of a broken system come spring.
Cracks in sprinkler pipes result in water loss and potentially low spots and sinkholes in your yard. If unchecked, the small cracks can expand and lead to underground leaks. In severe cases, the leaks may impact your home’s foundation wall.
Sprinkler Blowout Cost
Companies generally charge a standard rate of $51 to $112 for maintenance. The national average cost for a sprinkler blowout is $81. The minimal total cost is $40, while the maximum total cost is about $250. The size and design of your sprinkler system account for the total cost of the blowout service.
Schedule a Sprinkler Blowout
Ensure the health of your lawn by protecting the longevity of your sprinkler system during the colder months with a sprinkler blowout. If you enjoyed this article, keep browsing this section for our latest about home improvement services.
