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Typical costs: Hiring a landscaping or sprinkler company to winterize/blow out a sprinkler system can cost $30-$160 or more, and typically costs about $55-$85 for an average home, depending on the number of irrigation zones in the system, the local cost of living and the month the work is done.
Do you really need to winterize sprinkler system?
So, if you have a lawn sprinkler, you need to winterize it before the temperatures plunge to the freezing mark. If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads.
How much does it cost to turn off sprinkler system?
Winterizing your sprinkler system costs about $50 to $120. This range applies to homes with 1 to 6 zones. Properties with more zones may cost more. Plumbers usually set the price for this service as a flat rate but may charge an hourly fee instead.
What do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?
Steps for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System Step 1: Shut Off the Water. It will come as no surprise that the first step is turning off the water to the system with a main valve that’s usually found near your water meter. Step 2: Turn Off the Timer. Step 3: Drain the Water. Step 4: Insulate Above-Ground Components.
How long does it take to winterize an irrigation system?
What is the typical process for blowout? The blowout process is a pretty quick process, typically only taking about 15 – 20 minutes, depending on the number of zones. General steps are as follows: First shut off the water supply to your irrigation system using the master shut off valve.
Can a sprinkler system freeze?
While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.
How deep should sprinkler pipes be buried?
Dig for Your Sprinkler System The trenches will be relatively shallow, usually 6 to 12 inches deep, depending on your area’s freeze cycles and frost severity. The trench must also be deep enough to allow the sprinklers to retract underground to prevent breakage from lawn machines.
How do I winterize my sprinklers without a compressor?
You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.
How do you prepare a sprinkler system for spring?
Dewinterizing Your Sprinkler System Check Your Lawn for Frozen Ground. Before you take the first step toward dewinterizing, you need to make sure your lawn agrees that winter is over. Turn on Your Control Panel. Clean Your Sprinkler Heads. Slowly Open the Main Valve. Check Your Irrigation Zones.
How much psi do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?
Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi) during the blow out procedure. A pressure-regulating valve must be used to avoid over pressurization of the system. Air volume should be high and air pressure low.
How long does a sprinkler blowout take?
The blowout process is a pretty quick process, typically only taking about 15 – 20 minutes, depending on the number of zones. General steps are as follows: First shut off the water supply to your irrigation system using the master shut off valve. The contractor will remove the backflow valve.
When should I turn off my sprinkler system for the winter?
When you start seeing rain around October or November, that’s usually a good time to shut off the sprinklers. If it’s a dry winter, however, consider switching your sprinklers to a one per week schedule with reduced run time.
What temperature should I winterize my sprinkler system?
To avoid any possibility of damage, sprinkler lines need to be drained prior to temperatures dipping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Failing to winterize a sprinkler system before a hard freeze (air temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit) can lead to expensive and time-consuming repair costs.
When should I winterize my pipes?
Winterizing your homes plumbing is recommended when the house will be vacant for a long period of time and no water will be running through the pipes. The winterizing process involves emptying the water heater, draining all water from the pipes, and filling all fixtures with an antifreeze solution.
How do I stop my sprinkler pipes from freezing?
To keep the water inside the pipes of a wet fire sprinkler system from freezing in areas where the temperature may drop below 50 degrees, an antifreeze loop is added. By adding antifreeze to the water in the fire sprinkler pipes, the freezing point is much lower, reducing the risk of the pipes freezing.
Does a sprinkler system increase home value?
A sprinkler system indirectly increases a home’s market value by enhancing the home’s overall curb appeal. Since attractive landscaping requires sufficient watering, an automatic sprinkler system ensures the protection of your investment.
How long can a sprinkler line be?
LENGTH OF RUN LIMITS: ½ inch tubing can run up to 200 linear ft. ¼ inch tubing should not exceed 19 ft in length. MAXIMUM FLOW CAPACITY: ½ tubing can handle a maximum of 240 GPH or 4 GPM.
What size pipe should I use for sprinkler system?
For schedule 40 PVC, use 1/2-inch pipe for a 4 GPM system, 3/4-inch pipe for 8 GPMs, 1-inch pipe for 13 GPMs, 1 1/4-inch pipe for 22 GPMs, 1 1/2-inch pipe for 30 GPMs, and 2-inch pipe for 50 GPMs.
What size air compressor do I need to winterize sprinkler system?
You need a compressor that has either enough volume or large enough motor to fill your system with pressurized air. A compressor size of 4-6 gallons should be enough.
