What happens during a fall winterization
The same six steps every time, in the same order. Skip any one of them and there's a chance water sits where it shouldn't — and freezes.
Main shut-off & drain
Close the main supply valve, open the manifold drains, depressurize the lines slowly. Standing water at the manifold is the #1 source of cracked-valve calls every April.
Compressor hookup
Pro low-pressure commercial compressor — the right CFM (30-50) at the right PSI (50-80). Homeowner shop compressors don't even come close to these specs.
Zone-by-zone blow-out
Each zone activated in turn, air pushed through until the line runs dry — visible at every head. We watch each zone empty before moving on.
Visual inspection
Walk every valve box, check every head for damage, listen for any pressure leaks. Anything we flag goes into your spring start-up notes.
Hydrawise winter mode
Suspend the schedule (or set rain-skip mode). Power stays on so the controller keeps your settings ready for April. No winter zone mis-runs.
Final report
Written summary of system status emailed to you. Any flagged items, head issues, valve concerns — documented before spring rolls around.