Maintenance is very important when it comes to your irrigation system. When the winter months come, it is important to make sure that you are winterizing your sprinkler system. That means doing more than turning off the water. Even if you drain the water from the system, there is some water that will remain and this water can freeze. When water freezes it expands and can crack the pipes.
Why Sprinkler Winterization Is Important
Proper irrigation winterization prevents pipe damage, protects your backflow preventer, and extends the life of your sprinkler system. Homeowners across Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, and Elkhorn trust professional services to make sure every bit of water is cleared from their irrigation lines.
Hiring an expert ensures your system is drained, inspected, and shut down safely, saving you from unexpected repairs and helping your lawn irrigation system run smoothly next season.
Blow Out Methods Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
When winterizing your lawn sprinkler system it is important to make sure it is done properly. In locations where it is mandatory to winterize, an irrigation system will be installed using either an auto drain, a manual drain, or a blowout. Using the blowout method is the best choice if you do not know what type of system you have.
Manual Drain Method
If your irrigation system includes manual drain valves, these are typically located at the low points or ends of the piping.
Follow these steps for proper manual drainage:
- Turn off the main water supply.
- Open all drain valves and allow water to flow out of the mainline.
- Pull up sprinkler heads to release trapped water.
- Drain any remaining water from the backflow preventer.
- Close the valves once everything is dry.
Even after draining, small amounts of water can remain, which is why professionals often use the blow-out method as an extra safeguard.
Blow Out Method
In order to use the blow-out method, you will need an air compressor that has a cubic foot per minute rating of eighty to 100 for mainlines of two inches or less. You can rent this type of compressor at most hardware stores. It is important to note that a shop compressor of one to three HP is not going to have enough air to winterize your system. You should not fully charge the holding tank and then release it to compensate for the lack of cubic foot per minute.
Here’s how it works:
- Shut off the water supply to your irrigation system.
- Attach the air compressor to the blow-out fitting.
- Activate the sprinkler zone that’s farthest from the compressor.
- Slowly open the compressor valve, maintaining safe air pressure (under 80 PSI).
- Allow air to blow through until all water exits, then repeat for other zones.
After the system is fully cleared, the compressor is disconnected, and isolation valves are cycled to remove residual pressure.
Other Steps
Once you remove the water from the system, disconnect the air compressor, and then release the air pressure that might be present. If the backflow device has ball valves, make sure that you open and close these isolation valves several times to ensure that any water that might be trapped can escape.
Safety Guidelines for Sprinkler Blow-Outs
It is important to make sure that you wear eye protection when you are performing a blow out of your sprinkler system. Compressed air can be dangerous, so it is important to make sure that you are taking precautions.
Make sure that the pressure does not exceed 80 PSI for systems with PVC piping and 50 PSI for any system using polyethylene piping.
Flow sensors need to be removed before a blowout is done as this can cause damage to the sensor.
Make sure that you do not stand over any sprinkler heads or other parts while they are filled with pressurized air and never leave the compressor unattended. Do not blow out through a pump or backflow, first blow out the system and then drain the backflow.
Why Hire a Professional for Sprinkler Winterization
Working with an Omaha sprinkler winterization expert gives you peace of mind knowing the job’s done right the first time. Professionals have the right equipment, experience, and training to prevent damage and keep your irrigation system healthy year-round.
Benefits of professional winterization include:
- Preventing frozen or burst pipes
- Extending the life of your irrigation system
- Avoiding costly springtime repairs
- Ensuring even system drainage and safety compliance
- Saving time with efficient, expert service
The best way to winterize your sprinkler system is by calling Pioneer Underground. Schedule an appointment today to have an Omaha sprinkler maintenance professional winterize your irrigation system today!
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems | Omaha Sprinkler Maintenance
Protect your irrigation system from the harsh Nebraska winter with help from Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers, the trusted choice for sprinkler winterization in Omaha and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians handle every step of the process, from safely blowing out your lines to inspecting components for leaks or damage, ensuring your system stays in perfect condition until spring.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion, and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
