Winterization

Winterizing your lawn sprinkler system properly is very important and if done with negligence, can potentially cause problems in the spring. A few things to consider when you need your sprinkler system winterized, even if it’s done by a professional - what type of air compressor are you/they using? where are you/they hooking into your sprinkler system to blow air through? Do you/they know how to properly winterize the backflow assembly?

We start the winterization process by turning the water off and draining the water out of the supply line. We use a tow behind air compressor that can provide at a minimum 100 CFM - we do not set the regulator at a high PSI, we do not exceed 60 PSI as you need more volume not pressure to expound the water from the lines, also if you run the compressor at a higher PSI you run the risk of damaging your system!

We also prefer to NOT hook our air hose into the backflow preventers test ports. This is only an 1/8” port and yes it is convenient, but not the most reliable. The three main issues of hooking into your BFA is 1) the BFA could become damaged from the air friction going through it and can be expensive to replace. 2) the compressor can introduce oils into the BFA and the water supply. 3) there is potential that not all of the water will be expounded due to the smaller 1/8” opening. We can install an effective air port onto the outlet side of your BFA (pictured below) that has a 3/4” opening and is an effective way to winterize and gives you peace of mind that your BFA will not be damaged.

Lastly, we will properly winterize your BFA by keeping the valves at a 45 degree angle.