Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fall Irrigation System Blowout

Does my system really need to be blown out?

Yes. In our climate the fall blowout is not optional maintenance; it is what keeps the system from destroying itself over the winter. Water left in a lateral line expands as it freezes, and that expansion splits pipe, cracks fittings, and ruins valves and backflow devices.

Our technicians use a compressor that produces more than 100 CFM. Volume matters more than pressure here: a large compressor pushes air through the entire zone long enough to carry out every pocket of standing water, while a small shop compressor leaves water behind in low spots and can overheat fittings.

What if we get a freeze before my blowout appointment?

Early freezes are common here and usually not a problem. The ground holds heat well into November, so buried pipe is insulated. The vulnerable part is whatever is exposed to open air, typically the pipe and backflow assembly coming out of the house.

Cover that exposed section with a towel, blanket, or insulated pouch until your appointment. If a hard freeze with single-digit temperatures is forecast before we get to you, call us and we will move you up if we can.

When should a blowout be scheduled?

Most systems in the Eau Claire area and the Twin Cities are blown out between late September and the end of October. The goal is to be done before the first sustained hard freeze, which means getting on the schedule in late summer rather than waiting for the first cold night.

The scheduled date doesn't work for me. Can I change it?

Yes. Call the office and we will be as accommodating as the season allows. The earlier you let us know, the easier it is to find you another slot.

Why did my neighbor get done before me?

We route blowouts by neighborhood to get through the season efficiently, and that routing has been refined over many years. Appointments still move when a date does not work for someone, so a street rarely gets finished in one pass. If your date is later than a neighbor's, it is scheduling, not an oversight.

Do I need to be home?

Usually not, as long as we have access to the controller and the interior shutoff. Our technician will shut off the water supply, drain and blow out each zone, and leave the system set for winter.

What happens if a system is not blown out?

The most common spring failures we see on skipped systems are split poly lateral lines, cracked valve bodies, and ruptured backflow preventers. A backflow replacement alone usually costs more than several years of blowouts.