Sprinkler Blowouts in Denver: When Is the Right Time?
We’re not from one of the Great Houses of Westeros, but we can definitely tell you that “Winter is Coming!”. The problem is, it’s not just sneaking up on us subtly or gently, with a scattering of snow here, and a light drizzle there. It’s hitting us hard, and it’s hitting us now. Therefore, the time to perform a sprinkler blowout is yesterday!
Normally here in Denver, we experience a steady decline in weather. We make it through October with a mild 18-degree average, before adjusting to the cold and bitter weather December brings by rugging up and drinking plenty of hot soup.
We’ve had little time to prepare this year, so we’ve included helpful information below to assist you in preparing for sprinkler winterization.
When Should I Begin to Prepare My Sprinklers for Blowout?
As soon as that colder weather starts to hit, and a big freeze is in the forecast, you should begin thinking about carrying out winterization for your sprinklers. Of course, you should always rely on experts to do your sprinkler blowout, but preparation for it can be carried out by you if your blowout isn’t scheduled just yet.
You simply need to:
- Turn off the water
- Open the test cocks on the backflow preventer so that the screws are at a 45-degree angle.
- Turn the large valves to a 45-degree angle.
- Use the controller to run a quick cycle.
- Cover the backflow preventer with a cover that can protect and insulate.
From here, sprinkler experts can carry out your blowout process to ensure your sprinkler system will make it through the colder winter months ahead. If you’re not sure how to prepare for winterization, check out some handy tips here.
When Will Sprinkler Blowouts Be Carried Out?
If you used a professional lawn sprinkler service to install your sprinklers, you will most likely be on a set schedule with that particular company. They will know when winter is about to set in for good and will ensure your blowout is completed at a time convenient to both you and them. If you aren’t on a schedule, you can simply contact a sprinkler expert in Colorado to complete the task for you. October is generally when ‘blowout season begins.
What Does Sprinkler Blowout Involve?
Sprinkler blowouts can be a dangerous process; therefore, we recommend only ever having a professional carry out the task.
Both valves on the backflow preventer are closed before the plug is removed on the blowout port. A hose adapter is screwed in, and the air hose is then connected to the compressor.
From here, the air pressure is set, and the water supply is turned off. Once all connections are in place, the lines can be blown and water will begin to flow out. When no more water comes out, the lines are disconnected.
What Happens if I Don’t Winterize My Sprinkler System?
If you don’t winterize your sprinkler system, you could be in for several hundred dollars worth of damage. The process of blowing out your sprinkler ensures there is no water left in the pipes. Failure to remove this water can result in it freezing, expanding, and eventually cracking or breaking your irrigation system. On the extreme scale, those cracks that were previously held together by ice can thaw, and water can begin making its way into your home. It’s a dangerous lesson to learn, and it’s certainly a mistake you wouldn’t make twice.
So, when is the right time to winterize your sprinkler system? Right now. Don’t delay in calling in the professionals to put your system to rest over the winter months. Winter is coming, and time is running out!