Sprinkler system winterisation before the first frosts
Sprinkler system winterisation has to be done before the first lasting frosts, because that is the only way the underground pipes and sprinkler heads get through the winter undamaged. If your system hasn’t been blown out yet, now is the time to book, as the cold rarely gives advance warning. In Budapest and the surrounding towns we blow the water out zone by zone with a compressor, and in spring we start the system up again for you.
Why does an irrigation system need winterising?
At the end of the watering season, there is still water left in the underground pipes, valves and sprinkler heads. If it freezes, it expands and can crack a pipe, a fitting or a sprinkler housing. Weeds take the winter off, but that’s exactly when the frost gets to work underground.
The trouble is that you can’t see the damage in winter. It shows up in spring, at the first start-up, as a wet patch or a sprinkler head that barely sprays, and by then the lawn has to be dug up for the repair. Compared with that, winterisation is a small, easily scheduled job that needs doing once every autumn.
Sprinkler system winterisation step by step
We shut off the water
Then we release the pressure from the system, so the compressor can be connected safely.
We blow out the pipes zone by zone
We open one zone at a time from the controller, and the compressed air pushes the water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads. We keep going until only air and a little mist come out instead of water.
We check the valves
Wherever water may remain because of how the system is built, at the valves for example, we remove it from there too. If we notice a damaged sprinkler head or a leak along the way, we let you know, so it can be fixed by spring.
We put the controller into winter mode
We switch off the watering programme, so the controller doesn’t try to start the emptied system on a milder winter day.
Why DIY winterisation without a compressor isn’t worth it
Many people think it’s enough to shut off the water and let out whatever drains, but underground it doesn’t work like that.
Draining doesn’t empty the pipes
Water stays in the low points of the pipes, in the sprinkler heads and in the valves, because it can’t run out by itself, and only compressed air can push it out.
The right compressor matters
A small household compressor often can’t cope with a whole zone, while air that’s too powerful can damage the sprinkler heads and fittings. That’s why we always match the amount of air to the system.
Every zone has to be blown out separately
Air always takes the easiest route, so the zones have to be blown out one by one, opened from the controller, and if one is missed, water sits in it all winter.
In spring, we start the system up for you
We shut the irrigation down in autumn and start it up again in spring, so the same team is responsible for it all the way through. The start-up shows how the system has come through the winter, so we check every zone before handing it over to the summer.
- We let the water back in gradually
- We check the sprinkler heads zone by zone
- We set the spray direction and the programme
- We note anything that needs repairing
Frequently asked questions
When should I winterise my sprinkler system?
In autumn, once watering is no longer needed but before the first lasting frosts. Don’t leave it to the last minute, because once the cold sets in, the water left in the pipes can freeze. If you’re not sure, give us a call and we’ll agree when to come.
Do you winterise irrigation systems you didn’t install?
Yes, but in that case we first check where the shut-off valve and the controller are, how many zones the system has and where its valves are, because without knowing these it can’t be blown out safely. This assessment is free.
How long does sprinkler winterisation take?
That mostly depends on the number of zones and the size of the system, so we can only give you an exact time once we know the system. When we arrange the appointment, we discuss what we’ll need on site, such as access to the controller.
How much does it cost to winterise a sprinkler system?
We don’t name a figure in advance, because the price depends on the number of zones, the size of the system and whether we already know your irrigation. After a free site visit, though, we give you a written quote.
Can winterisation be part of my garden maintenance plan?
Yes, winterisation fits into monthly garden maintenance, so you don’t have to remember it in autumn. If we already look after your garden, just let us know and we’ll schedule it.
Book winterisation before the frost sets in
Tell us where the garden is and, if you know, how many zones your irrigation system has. We’ll call you back within one working day to arrange a time. You can write to us in English.
Quicker by phone? Call us on +36 20 944 3464.
Sprinkler winterisation in District 17 and nearby
We mostly work in District 17 and the surrounding towns, but we come out to every district of Budapest. See what your district or town requires.
