Sprinkler Start-Up & Winterization

Flathead Valley winters are hard on irrigation systems. Water left in the lines can freeze, crack pipes and break fittings. A proper fall winterization and a careful spring start-up keep your system working season after season.

Fall Winterization (Blowout)

We use a high-capacity towable air compressor to push the water out of your irrigation valves, lines and heads. Next, we open the vacuum break by hand and either drain it or blow it out, depending on how your system is designed. Finally, we turn your controller off or set it to standby, depending on the model. Your system is then ready to sit through the winter.

Spring Start-Up

Spring start-up is an essential step to catch problems before the hot summer months, when your system is needed most and service demand is high. We begin with a thorough inspection of your backflow preventer for any damage from freezing temperatures. Then we turn on the water supply and check for leaks at the backflow preventer and the plumbing connections leading from the house.

Next, we run each valve from the controller (as long as we have access to it) to make sure the controller is communicating with every zone. While each zone runs, we check that the sprinklers are working as designed and adjust heads as needed to cut down on overspray onto hardscapes, while keeping to the original design.

If any nozzles, emitters or pencil emitters need replacing, they’re invoiced as additional items. If we find bigger issues, like leaks or broken heads, we’ll document them and contact you to schedule a repair at our standard service rate.

Need a Repair?

Winter damage happens. If your system needs repairs, we handle those too. See our irrigation repair page.

FAQ

When should I schedule my blowout? Winterizations typically run from around September 20 through mid-October, and your date is set when you book.

When do you start spring turn-ons? Spring start-ups begin at the end of April and continue as long as requests come in, and your date is set when you book.

Do you also do repairs? Yes. We repair systems no matter who installed them.

Get on the schedule: Or call (406) 871-1872, Mon–Thu 8–5.