Sprinkler Tune Up and Maintenance

Sprinkler Winterizing and Blow Outs

Update 10/15/2010 – Now is the time to blow out sprinkler systems. Freeze warnings are popping up all over the country. Wait until November and you are looking at sprinkler repairs at hundreds of dollars instead of a cheap sprinkler blow out. How much should a sprinkler blowout cost?

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Need a sprinkler blowout quote? Contact ServiceMagic to get up to 4 quotes from pre-qualified sprinkler service companies in your town. Or call 1-866-570-6249 now.

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Sprinkler blowouts cost around $10 per zone with discounts available for larger systems. We’ve charged a flat rate of $55 when providing sprinkler blowouts in the past. That took care of up to a 10 zone system. Discounts are available if you need other sprinkler repairs or services done. If you have a larger yard, push for a flat rate. Most reputable sprinkler firms will give you one.

An unlicensed handyman type will be cheaper. Just make they have a proper air compressor and are familiar with the right PSI settings for the different brands and sprinkler system configurations.

Can I do it myself?

Maybe, it depends on your background. Here is what’s typically involved in a sprinkler blowout.

Wrap the backflow prevention (BFP) device located outside to keep it from freezing before your system is fully winterized. If temperatures get into the freezing range, you wrap the BFP with an old towel, insulation and place a plastic bag over that. This keeps the device dry and helps to prevent freeze damage prior to the winterization.

Shut off the water to the sprinkler system. There’s usually a shut-off valve inside the house in the basement.

Blow out the system. Draining the system is not enough. Water often stays in the pipes and even in the sprinkler heads. When that water freezes, much of your sprinkler system can end up damaged and need expensive repairs.

Winterizing is done with an air compressor. On a residential property, getting all the water out takes 1 to 3 minutes per zone. Depending on the size of the sprinkler system, drips take 5 -10 minutes. This is the best way to winterize your sprinkler system to help insure that there is no water that can freeze, leading to costly repairs.

You may want watch a pro do it if the system is new to you. Then you can decide if your skill level matches the job. we refer sprinkler inquiries here or phone 866-570-6249 to get some quotes.

Sprinkler Start Up

The best time to turn on your sprinkler system in Englewood, Colorado is mid- April to early May. We recommend you contact ServiceMagic, as they will hook you up with up to four quotes from Englewood based sprinkler and irrigation companies. That way you can compare experience and price. You may also call them at 866-570-6249, especially if you are in an emergency situation.

On the first visit of the season we recommend that your sprinkler service company:

Turn on sprinkler main to irrigation system.
Examine each zone and adjust for adequate coverage.
Diagnose any repairs that need to be made.

The examination should include a look at head coverage, cleaning out nozzles, checking water pressure and uncovering leaks.

Pricing for a sprinkler start-up ranges but should be in around $50 or $60. Repairs will be extra depending on time and materials.