Sprinkler Blowout

A sprinkler blowout done correctly helps to maintain the performance and health of your sprinkler system.

The air compressor we own is the best the market has to offer the irrigation industry. It constantly monitors and maintains a safe level of air flow and pressure during the blowout. This allows us to pay closer attention to how your sprinkler system is operating. About 95% of blowout appointments will end with a clean bill of health for the system. This doesn’t mean we won’t spot issues during the blowout.

We are searching for sprinkler issues that go undetected during the spring and summer months. They may include underground pipes or connection issues, broken or punctured lines, heads that are loose or damaged, valve box leaks and vacuum breaker safety concerns to just name a few.

All too often during a spring startup we will see the evidence of a sprinkler system that was winterized by someone with very little experience causing unneeded repairs. The top three reasons for damage are uncontrollable high air pressure, connecting to the vacuum breaker incorrectly and a general lack of house plumbing knowledge. An inexperienced person doing your blowout can damage your backflow device without you knowing it.

Your backflow or vacuum breaker keeps your yard water separate from your drinking water. If it’s damaged during the blowout or not functioning correctly, it can allow contaminated water back into your homes drinking water possibly making you sick.

We will treat you sprinkler system with care!!

1. How much time it takes- Generally about 15min but some systems take more time because of sprinkler design and layout.
2. PSI= air pressure. We closely monitored pressure levels during the blowout so that no damage is done to plumbing system.
3. Clearing all water- We are looking for mist coming from the heads, the mist is coming from a very small amount condensation within the lines. We are not trying to dry them out.
4. Drip system- We expel as much water as we can from these lines but each drip system is unique and we will choose what’s best for yours.
5. Underground Valves- We are looking for good clean operation ON/OFF. We may run the valves from box or from the timer.
6. Vacuum breaker operation- This unit is designed to keep your drinking water in the house safe . During blowout we run pressure test to confirm its in good working order and will let you know if something needs repair.
7. Drains – Most well designed sprinklers have these in following areas, basement, vacuum breaker, and ground valve boxes. We will leave these open for winter.
8. Inside shut off valve- This is the #1 reason for system failures. If this valve isn’t closing all the way. A small amount of water will travel thru the pipe back outside during winter and will cause expensive repairs in spring. We are sensitive to this and will check this valves operation and inform you as to its condition.
9. Problems- Compressed air will expose any weak points within the system. Examples would be weak connection under a head, missing heads, broken lines or holes ,vacuum breaker parts ect. We cant see head operation or spray condition or a small dripping from valve or vacuum breaker. This will be seen during spring start up and is caused from age or poor installation.
10. Winter time- Your sprinkler system is under the greatest stress during Sub zero weather along with the freeze thaw cycle will shorten the life of sprinkler parts like electrical , valve diaphragms, above ground exposed plastic parts .
11. Insulation for winter- We cover your Vacuums breaker with kitchen trash bag with holes in bottom to allow air circulation. Attempts to fully insulate will cause condensation buildup in the sprinkler system.