Colorado Sprinkler Services

What do I do if a freeze is coming before I can get Colorado Sprinkler Services out to Winterize my system?
    
Freeze Protection Instructions - Click HERE to download PDF instructions
 

Here in the Metro Denver area our sprinkler systems are subjected to freeze damage every winter, spring and fall. Your system needs to be professionally serviced for the winter season. At Colorado Sprinkler Services,  we provide this service by blowing out all the water that is in the system with a commercial trailer-mounted air compressor that develops the correct volume of air. We then set all valves, drains and your controller correctly for the winter. If these steps are not taken costly damage may result. This service is usually performed in October/November, but sometimes starts as early as mid September.

 

We do have early freezes in the fall and late freezes in the spring when
sprinkler systems are still operational. There are steps you can take to protect your system if this happens:

 

Step #1- Shut-off - Close the sprinkler system shutoff valve, this valve is
usually located in your basement or crawl space. Some systems have
outdoor shut off valves in the ground so you want to be familiar with their
location. Turn off the sprinkler controller or timer.

 

Step #2- Insulate - Cover the Backflow Prevention device, this is the part of
your system that is usually damaged by freezing temps. There are several
styles, but most have a “bell’ on top, and they are usually about a foot of the ground, up against your house. Cover the entire device and piping around it with blankets, insulation, etc. then cover that insulation with a black trash bag securing it with duct tape. Colorado Sprinkler Services also can provide an attractive insulating cover that can be used year after year.

 

Steps #1 and #2 will provide the minimum protection against freeze
damage. This is usually sufficient for a freeze period lasting 12 hrs. or less.
If a freeze period is expected to last more than 12 hrs. you can take an
additional step toward protecting your backflow protection device.

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Step #3- Drain - To drain the back flow prevention device, complete step #1. On the backflow prevention device there are several drains, these need to be opened completely. Most systems have a valve box in the ground close to the backflow prevention device, inside there is usually a drain, open this one as well. These drains usually require a flat screwdriver to operate. Now you need to open the drain on the system shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space. You will want to have a small bucket to catch the water that comes out. After draining is complete leave drain partially open, with bucket underneath. Now go back to the backflow prevention device and leave all valves halfway open, including the drains you opened completely. 

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Now complete Step #2- Insulate.
Once you have completed these steps your system is well protected from
freeze damage.

 

The final step is to have Colorado Sprinkler Services come out to rid the rest of the system of water by performing a complete blowout of your system.

Do I need to be home at the time of service?
    Because each job takes a different amount of time to complete, it is impossible to give an accurate estimated time of arrival.  Our technicians work sometimes till long after dark, so you can count on your service being performed on the day it is scheduled.

If you plan to be home on the day of service you can give any special instructions to the worker at that time.  If you do not plan to be home at the time of service you can just leave a note of any special instructions underneath your front door mat or taped to your front door.  You will also need to make sure the main water to the sprinkler system is turned off and that the valve has been drained. You must also have made prior payment arrangements  whether it be a check left under the door mat or a credit card number left with our office.

 

Do I need to put my dog in the house on the day of service?
    We love dogs.  If your dog will allow a stranger into their yard to do work, leave them out.  If your dog has had problems with contractors in the past, We recommend putting your dog in the house for the day.

 

Do you repair sprinkler systems?
    Yes, we can repair most any sprinkler system no matter who installed it. From time to time we may encounter a system or system part that is outdated and no longer made, but if that is the case with your property we will notify you and discuss other options. As always, if we can't take care of it then we won't be afraid to tell you and refer you to somebody that can. Sprinkler repairs are often scheduled as a separate service call and in most cases are NOT able to be performed at the same time as the shutdown.

 

How do I give the worker special instructions if I am not at home?
    Because each job takes a different amount of time to complete, it is impossible to give an accurate estimated time of arrival.  Our technicians work sometimes until dark, so you can count on your service being performed on the day it is scheduled.

If you plan to be home on the day of service you can give any special instructions to the worker at that time.  If you do not plan to be home at the time of service you can just leave a note of any special instructions underneath your front door mat or taped to your front door. 

 

How much does sprinkler blow-out/winterization cost?
    The cost to winterize your sprinkler system is based on how many zones you have. Our rates are very competitive and start at just $_____ for up to 5 zones, and then just $5 each additional zone after that.

 

How often should I have my sprinklers blown out?
    You only need to have your sprinkler system winterized once a year.  Make sure to winterize your system before the seasons first hard freeze. In the spring you will need to have your system completely looked over for any damage as well as any misaligned heads adjusted. Contact our office or use our online scheduler to book your sprinkler system start up once spring has come.

 

What method do you use to blowout sprinklers?
    We use a commercial trailer mounted compressor to blow out each line thoroughly.  We also make sure to turn the clock to the off position and we turn off the main water supply to the sprinkler system and drain that mainline.

 

What should I do after you have blown out my sprinkler system?
    Nothing. As long as we were given access to the home to perform all the steps to your sprinkler shutdown, there should be nothing for you to do. If we didn't have access to the home or the clock, then you may need to do a few steps in order to winterize the system from the backflow to the main water supply. Just call our office for special step by step instructions if this applies to you.