Sprinkler Blow Outs and Winterization: What Every Homeowner Should Know

What Is a Sprinkler Blow Out?

A sprinkler blow out is something you do before winter comes. It helps take water out of the sprinkler pipes. This is important because when water freezes, it can break the pipes.

You use air to push the water out. This keeps the sprinkler safe in the cold. People also call this sprinkler winterization.

If you don’t blow out your sprinklers, the pipes can freeze. Then they can crack or break. That means you will have to fix them in the spring. That can cost a lot of money. So, a sprinkler blow out helps you save money later.

Why Do Sprinklers Need a Blow Out?

Sprinklers have water inside them. In the winter, water gets very cold. It turns into ice. Ice gets bigger than water. So, if water stays in the pipes, it can turn to ice and make the pipe break.

That’s why people do sprinkler blow-outs before winter. It makes sure no water is left inside. A sprinkler winterization gets the whole system ready for the cold months.

When Should You Blow Out Your Sprinklers?

You should blow out your sprinklers in the fall. That means before it gets really cold. A good time is when leaves fall from trees, and it starts to feel like winter is coming.

Don’t wait too long. If the ground is already frozen, it may be too late. But don’t do it too early either. If it’s still warm, water may go back into the pipes.

What Do You Need?

You need some tools to do a sprinkler blow out the right way. Here is what you need:

• An air compressor
• A hose to connect the air
• A tool to open and close the valves
• Safety glasses (to keep your eyes safe)
• Ear plugs (air can be loud!)

If you don’t have these, you can call a sprinkler company. They will come and do the sprinkler winterization for you.

How to Blow Out a Sprinkler System

Let’s look at how you do a sprinkler blow out step by step.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

First, turn off the water that goes to the sprinkler. You don’t want more water coming in.

Step 2: Hook Up the Air

Now connect the air hose from your air machine to the sprinkler pipe. Make sure it is tight and safe.

Step 3: Open One Zone

Sprinklers work in parts called “zones.” Turn on just one zone. That means only one part of the yard will blow out at a time.

Step 4: Turn on the Air

Turn on the air slowly. Let it push water out of the sprinkler heads. You will see water spray out. Keep going until only air comes out.

Step 5: Move to the Next Zone

After the first part is dry, turn it off. Then open the next zone and do it again. Keep doing this until every part is dry.

Step 6: Turn Everything Off

After all zones are done, turn off the air. Unplug the air hose. Close all the valves.

Now your sprinkler blow-out is done!

Things to Watch Out For

Here are some things to be careful about:

• Don’t use too much air. If the air is too strong, it can break the pipes.
• Don’t blow out all zones at once. Only do one zone at a time.
• Wear safety gear. Air and water can fly out fast. Keep your eyes and ears safe.
• Don’t forget to shut everything off. Make sure the water stays off all winter.

Doing the sprinkler winterization the right way will help your system stay safe all winter long.

Should You Call a Professional?

Some people like to do things on their own. That’s okay! But if you don’t know how to do a sprinkler blow out, it’s okay to ask for help.

Sprinkler companies do this all the time. They have the right tools. They know how much air to use. They can do the sprinkler winterization fast and safely.

It may cost some money. But it can save you from big costs later if something breaks.

How Much Does It Cost?

A professional sprinkler blow out may cost $50 to $150. The price can be more if your yard is big.

But fixing broken pipes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So spending a little now can help you save a lot later.

What Happens If You Don’t Do It?

If you don’t blow out the sprinklers, the water stays in the pipes. When it gets cold, the water turns into ice. Ice pushes on the pipes from the inside.

This can make the pipes break. It can also hurt the sprinkler heads. In the spring, you may find puddles in your yard. You may see broken parts. You may have to dig and fix the pipes.

That’s why sprinkler blow-outs are so important.

Other Ways to Get Ready for Winter

Besides blowing out the pipes, here are more things you can do:

• Turn off the timer for the sprinklers.
• Unplug the controller or set it to “off.”
• Cover outside faucets with foam covers.
• Put away hoses. They can freeze and crack too.

Doing all this helps your whole yard get ready for winter. It also helps everything work better in spring.

Where Do People Need Blow Outs?

Some places don’t get very cold. In those places, you may not need a sprinkler blow out. But in cold areas, it is very important.

If your winters have snow, ice, or freezing wind, you should always do a sprinkler winterization.

Some places that need blow outs are:

• Northern U.S. states (like Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado)
• Canada
• Mountain towns
• Places with snow every year

Ask your local sprinkler expert if you’re not sure.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Yes, you can. If you have the right tools, you can do a sprinkler blow out yourself. Just be careful.

Make sure you follow the steps. Use low air pressure. And don’t forget any zones. Many people do their own sprinkler winterization every year. If you try it once and feel unsure, call a pro next time. The most important thing is to protect your pipes.