Everything You Need to Know About Sprinkler Winterization
I’ve winterized sprinklers for 30+ years across Metro Detroit. This site answers every question I’ve been asked — compressors, PSI/CFM, pumps, dripping after a blowout, timing by city.
Book Your Winterization
City water systems $75 up to 8 zones. Pump systems priced higher. $125 if I need to pull and disconnect the intake pipe.
Why I Built This Site
I started winterizing sprinklers at 15, going door-to-door in Metro Detroit. Thirty years later, I’ve shut down thousands of systems—from tight city lots in Grosse Pointe to big multi-zone yards in Bloomfield Hills and Rochester Hills. This site answers every winterizing question—and gives you a reliable, no-nonsense shut-down before the first hard freeze.
Top Winterizing Questions
When should I winterize in Metro Detroit? Do I need to remove all the water? Can a small electric pump replace air? Why are heads dripping after a blowout? What PSI/CFM is safe for my system?
City Water Systems
Flat $75 up to 8 zones. Zone-by-zone blow-out with regulated PSI and high CFM airflow.
Pump / Lake / Well Systems
Safely winterized; pricing varies by setup. $125 if I need to pull and disconnect the intake pipe from the water.
Winterization Questions
What I Do During a Blow-Out
- Shut off & inspect. I close the irrigation supply, check the backflow, locate drains/low points, and verify zone order.
- Hook up safely. I connect a blow-out adapter downstream of the backflow and set the regulator: typically ~40–50 PSI for poly and up to ~80 PSI for PVC, delivered with high CFM.
- Zone-by-zone clearing. Start with the farthest zone; run ~60–120 seconds until it’s mist only. I pause between zones to avoid heat build-up.
- Backflow & drains. I purge the backflow/test cocks as needed, open manual drains, then snug the drain plug (not overtight) after lines are clear.
- Controller & sensors. I set the controller to OFF/rain mode and disable auto-run features so it won’t start in winter.
- Wrap-up. I note any issues (leaks, broken heads, low valves), suggest fixes, and text simple spring start-up notes.
Safety & Standards
- Never exceed safe pressure for your pipe type—CFM is what clears the lines.
- No zone held under air for more than ~2 minutes continuously.
- No shop-vacs or small pumps—those don’t clear trapped pockets.
After the Visit
- Light low-point drip for a day or two can be normal.
- If heads keep spitting under pressure, the shut-off/backflow may not be sealed—text me and I’ll help check it.
Service Areas (Click Your City)
Emergency Late-Season Blowouts
If a hard freeze is coming and you missed the window, call or text and I’ll try to fit you in.