As the seasons change in Lethbridge, homeowners face the annual challenge of preparing their irrigation systems for the harsh winter months. One crucial task that often goes overlooked is the sprinkler blowout—a procedure that can save your sprinkler system from costly damage due to freezing temperatures. SOS Exterior, a trusted name in Lethbridge for exterior home services, specializes in professional sprinkler blowouts, ensuring that your irrigation system remains safe, efficient, and ready for spring.
Why Sprinkler Blowouts Are Essential
Sprinkler systems are a great way to maintain a lush, green lawn without the daily hassle of manual watering. However, when winter arrives in Lethbridge, freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on the pipes and sprinkler heads if water is left inside. Ice expansion can cause:
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Cracks in pipes
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Broken sprinkler heads
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Leaks in underground lines
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Damage to the backflow preventer
A sprinkler blowout removes all water from your system, preventing freeze damage and ensuring that your irrigation system functions properly when spring arrives. Many homeowners make the mistake of turning off the system without performing a proper blowout, which can lead to expensive repairs later.
What is a Sprinkler Blowout?
A sprinkler blowout is the process of removing water from your irrigation system using compressed air. This ensures that all pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads are completely dry before the onset of winter. While some homeowners attempt DIY blowouts, the process requires careful handling to avoid over-pressurizing the system and causing damage.
Professional services like SOS Exterior bring the right equipment and expertise to safely and effectively blow out your sprinkler system. They can handle systems of any size, from small residential lawns to large commercial properties, ensuring that every inch of your irrigation network is winter-ready.
Steps in a Professional Sprinkler Blowout
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Shut Off Water Supply: The first step is to turn off the main water supply to your sprinkler system to prevent further water from entering the pipes.
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Drain Valves: Any manual drain valves are opened to release water from low points in the system.
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Connect Air Compressor: A professional-grade air compressor is connected to the system to force air through the pipes. This pushes remaining water out of sprinkler heads and underground lines.
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Zone-by-Zone Blowout: Each zone of the sprinkler system is blown out individually, ensuring that no water remains trapped in the lines.
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Final Inspection: After the blowout, the system is inspected for leaks, broken heads, or other potential issues. Any problems are reported and repaired to prevent future damage.
SOS Exterior follows a meticulous, step-by-step approach, providing peace of mind that your irrigation system will survive the Lethbridge winter.
Benefits of Professional Sprinkler Blowouts
While DIY sprinkler blowouts are possible, hiring SOS Exterior comes with several advantages:
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Expertise: Technicians are trained to handle all types of sprinkler systems without causing damage.
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Efficiency: The process is faster and more thorough than attempting it yourself.
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Preventive Care: Professionals can identify issues early, saving money on repairs in spring.
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Warranty Protection: Many sprinkler system warranties require professional blowouts to remain valid.
By trusting SOS Exterior, homeowners avoid common mistakes such as over-pressurizing the system, damaging pipes, or leaving water in hard-to-reach sections.
When Should You Schedule a Sprinkler Blowout in Lethbridge?
Timing is critical for sprinkler blowouts. In Lethbridge, temperatures can drop below freezing as early as October. It’s recommended to schedule your blowout after the last active watering cycle and before the first hard freeze. Late blowouts risk water freezing inside the pipes, while early blowouts may leave the lawn dry.
SOS Exterior provides flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs, whether you have a small residential lawn or a large commercial property. Early booking ensures that your sprinkler system is fully protected before the winter chill sets in.
DIY vs. Professional Blowout: Why SOS Exterior Stands Out
While some homeowners may consider renting an air compressor for a DIY blowout, this approach comes with risks:
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Over-pressurization can rupture pipes
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Improper technique may leave water in the system
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Lack of inspection means hidden issues go unnoticed
SOS Exterior eliminates these risks with professional equipment, trained technicians, and a thorough inspection. Their team ensures that every zone is properly blown out, every sprinkler head is intact, and your system is winter-ready.
Additional Services from SOS Exterior
Beyond sprinkler blowouts, SOS Exterior offers a range of services to maintain your property’s exterior throughout the year. These include:
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Gutter cleaning and maintenance to prevent ice dams
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Exterior home washing for curb appeal
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Snow removal during the harsh Lethbridge winters
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Seasonal inspections to identify potential issues early
With a full suite of exterior services, SOS Exterior is the go-to solution for Lethbridge homeowners who want to protect their property, save money, and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Protect Your Investment Today
Your irrigation system is an investment that keeps your lawn vibrant and healthy year-round. A professional sprinkler blowout from SOS Exterior ensures that this investment is protected against winter damage, saving you from costly repairs in the spring.
Don’t wait until the first freeze to think about your sprinkler system. Schedule your blowout today and give your lawn the care it deserves. SOS Exterior’s experienced technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to quality make them the top choice for sprinkler blowouts in Lethbridge.