As fall settles into Massachusetts, scheduling a sprinkler winterization becomes one of those seasonal jobs homeowners know they need to take care of. But if you’ve never watched your irrigation system being winterized, you may wonder what actually happens during the appointment.
The goal is fairly simple: remove enough water from the irrigation system to protect it from freezing temperatures. How that happens, however, can vary depending on the size of your property, the number of irrigation zones, and the equipment connected to your system.
Turning Off the Water Is Not the Same as Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
Many homeowners shut off the water supply to their irrigation system before their winterization appointment. That’s helpful, but shutting off the water only prevents additional water from entering the system. Water can still remain inside irrigation lines, valves, sprinkler heads, and other components.
That remaining water is the reason for the blowout. Compressed air is introduced into the irrigation system to move water out before freezing weather arrives.
This matters because water expands when it freezes. If enough water is trapped inside an irrigation component, that expansion can crack pipes, damage valves, split sprinkler components, or create other problems that may not become obvious until the system is started again in the spring.
What Happens During a Professional Sprinkler Blowout?
Once the irrigation water supply has been shut off, a professional can connect an air compressor to an appropriate connection point in the irrigation system. Air is then moved through the system to push remaining water out through the sprinklers.
It may look simple from a distance, but a successful blowout is not about forcing as much pressure as possible through the system. The amount of airflow matters, and the air pressure needs to remain within the limits of the irrigation components being winterized.
More Pressure Does Not Mean a Better Blowout
Professional winterization depends on moving enough air through the irrigation system to clear remaining water without exposing its components to excessive pressure. Hunter Industries specifically notes that air volume—not simply higher pressure—is what effectively removes water from an irrigation system.
This is also one reason sprinkler blowouts are best left to an irrigation professional. Compressed air can damage irrigation equipment when used incorrectly and can create a risk of injury from pressurized components or flying debris. Hunter Industries recommends having this type of winterization performed by a qualified contractor.
Why Does Winterization Look Different From One Property to Another?
There isn’t one blowout sequence that makes sense for every irrigation system. Belmont Irrigation works with systems of very different sizes and configurations, and the approach can change depending on what is installed at a particular property.
A Smaller Residential Irrigation System
A relatively small irrigation system with fewer zones and shorter pipe runs may have a fairly straightforward winterization process. Depending on how the system is configured, multiple parts of a smaller system may sometimes be cleared together rather than requiring a lengthy zone-by-zone process.
A Larger Property With Multiple Irrigation Zones
On a larger property, there may be considerably more piping and many individual irrigation zones to clear. In those situations, the technician may work through the system zone by zone to make sure water is removed throughout the property.
The physical layout can matter as well. Longer pipe runs, changes in elevation, and the location of different zones can affect how a professional approaches the blowout.
A Property With Pumps, Backflow Equipment, or Other Components
Some irrigation systems include additional equipment that requires its own consideration during winterization. A system supplied by an irrigation pump, for example, does not have exactly the same setup as one connected directly to a municipal water supply. Backflow prevention assemblies and drip irrigation can also have their own winterization requirements.
These components should not simply be treated as additional pipe to push compressed air through. Professional guidance includes specific precautions for different types of equipment, including backflow preventers.
That is why two neighbors can both have their sprinkler systems professionally winterized and see somewhat different processes. The goal is the same, but the system determines the best way to get there.
What Should You Do Before Your Winterization Appointment?
Many Belmont Irrigation customers have already shut off the irrigation water supply before their winterization appointment. If you know where your irrigation shutoff is and are comfortable operating it, doing so can have the system ready when the technician arrives.
If the water has not been shut off, however, that does not necessarily mean the system cannot be winterized. Belmont frequently encounters both situations and can shut down the irrigation water supply when needed.
The important thing is not to assume that turning off the water has completed the winterization. The water remaining inside the irrigation system still needs to be addressed before sustained freezing weather arrives.
Does Belmont Inspect or Repair the System During a Winterization?
Winterization season is one of Belmont Irrigation’s busiest times of year, so a blowout appointment is focused on preparing the irrigation system for winter rather than performing a complete system inspection.
If an additional maintenance issue is apparent, Belmont Irrigation can let you know about it so it can be addressed when the system is put back into service the following season. If you already know that your system needs a repair, it is worth discussing that separately rather than assuming it will be handled as part of the winterization appointment.
Sprinkler Winterization FAQs
Is shutting off my sprinkler system enough for winter?
No. Shutting off the irrigation water supply prevents additional water from entering the system, but water can remain in the pipes and other irrigation components. Winterization deals with that remaining water so it is less likely to cause freeze damage.
Does every sprinkler system need to be blown out the same way?
No. System size, number of zones, pipe layout, elevation, pumps, backflow equipment, and other components can all affect how a professional approaches winterization.
Can I blow out my sprinkler system myself?
Using compressed air incorrectly can damage irrigation components and can create a risk of injury. Professional guidance from irrigation manufacturers such as Hunter Industries recommends having compressed-air winterization performed by a qualified contractor.
Get Your Irrigation System Ready for Winter
Belmont Irrigation provides professional sprinkler winterization throughout Easton and surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your system still needs to be winterized this fall, schedule your appointment before freezing weather becomes a concern.