Express Sprinkler Blowout Requirements and Qualifications
Our Express Sprinkler Blowout service is designed for sprinkler systems that can be winterized without us needing access to any component inside a home or garage. This means no one is required to be home during this service.
Because Express service is completed without a traditional appointment, a few things must be prepared before we arrive.
Does your system qualify for the Express Blowout Only service?
You can turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system before we arrive.
Your backflow device and blowout connection are visible and accessible.
ALL in-ground sprinkler valve boxes are visible and accessible.
Each sprinkler zone can be manually turned on and off from the in-ground valves.
Your system does not require access to an indoor timer/controller to operate the zones.
You can drain the remaining water between our connection point and sprinkler shutoff after service.
You understand that you select the service week and Lawn Cowboys selects the specific service day.
If you cannot locate all valve boxes, cannot manually operate the valves, or your system requires access to an indoor controller, Express Blowout service may not be appropriate for your system.
Detailed Reference Guide
Finding Your Sprinkler Water Shutoff
Locate the valve that turns off water to the sprinkler system only. This is normally separate from the main water shutoff for your home.
It is commonly located in a basement, crawlspace, utility room, or near where the sprinkler plumbing enters or exits the home. Some systems have an underground shutoff near the water meter that requires a sprinkler or curb key.
Gate Valve or Ball Valve?
Most sprinkler shutoffs use either a gate valve or a quarter-turn ball valve.
- Gate valve: Turn clockwise until closed.
- Ball valve: Turn the handle so it is perpendicular to the pipe.
Before we arrive, turn the sprinkler water supply completely OFF. Do not force a valve that is difficult to turn.
Finding Your In-Ground Valve Boxes
Your sprinkler system is divided into watering zones. Express service requires us to manually operate those zones from the valves inside the in-ground valve boxes.
Valve boxes are usually green plastic boxes installed near ground level and may be round or rectangular.
They can become hidden by grass, mulch, landscape rock, soil, leaves, or landscaping. Locate and uncover ALL valve boxes before we arrive.
If a valve box is difficult to see, uncover it if possible and mark the location with a yard flag.
The valves inside each box must also be able to be manually turned on and off. Older, damaged, rusted, or seized valves may prevent us from servicing that zone using the Express method.
Finding the Backflow Device & Blowout Connection
The backflow device is normally the exposed pipe and valve assembly outside the home between the sprinkler water supply and the underground sprinkler system.
Make sure we can easily reach this area and that it is not blocked by furniture, storage, landscaping, locked gates, or other obstacles.
What We Do During the Blowout
We connect our blowout equipment, manually operate the accessible sprinkler zones, blow water from the exterior sprinkler lines and heads, and prepare the exterior backflow device for winter.
After service, we leave the appropriate backflow valve handles partially open.
Leave the backflow valves in this position throughout the winter. Do not return them to their normal operating position.
Draining the Remaining Water After Service
Our Express Blowout removes water from the exterior sprinkler zones, but water may remain trapped in the pipe between your sprinkler shutoff valve and our exterior connection point.
The drain is typically located on or near the sprinkler shutoff valve you turned off before our arrival. It may look like a small faucet, hose-style drain, or brass fitting with a removable cap.
After We Leave
- Keep the sprinkler water supply OFF.
- Place a cup or bucket under the drain if needed.
- Slowly open the drain or remove the drain cap.
- Allow the remaining water to drain.
- Leave the sprinkler water supply OFF for winter.
If Water Continues Coming Out Under Strong Pressure
A small amount of initial pressure can be normal. If water continues spraying under strong pressure for more than several seconds, STOP.
Confirm that the sprinkler water supply is completely turned off and that you are opening the correct sprinkler drain. Do not continue removing a fitting or cap if you believe the line is still under full water pressure.
Worried About a Freeze Before Your Appointment?
If freezing temperatures are expected before your scheduled blowout, you can temporarily drain portions of your sprinkler system to help reduce the risk of freeze damage.
These temporary freeze-protection steps are different from the preparation instructions above and do not replace your scheduled sprinkler blowout.
1. Turn off sprinkler water supply
2. Turn isolation and test cock valves to 45 degree angles on your backflow prevention device
3. Open the drain located in the in ground valve box(s). Close the drain after the water is drained
4. Open the drain located next to the sprinkler water supply valve
5. Cover the exposed copper and plastic piping on the side of your house with a towel, blanket or insulation, then cover that with a plastic trash bag.
These temporary steps do not replace your scheduled sprinkler blowout.