“It’s that time of year again.”

Yep, sure is. People always say that when they see me blowing out a system. It used to drive me nuts, like “Workin’ hard? Or hardly workin’?” (Don’t ever say this. Ever.) As I’ve gotten older I realize most people are just trying to be friendly, and that I spent my youth far too self-absorbed.

It IS that time, friends, to have your system blown out. This is the best way to ensure your pipes, heads, and backflow preventer won’t be damaged by expanding frozen water. (See http://www.cityraininc.com/lets-get-one-thing-straight-about-freezing-pipes/) Some folks will ask me how they could do this themselves. You could rent your own air compressor, and possibly do it right, but you should picture me standing behind you saying, “You’re doing that the stupid way.”

For less time, money, and hassle you could just have us do it for you.

You might say, “I’ve never winterized my system, and I’ve never had a problem”.  That may well be the case, here in the Seattle area, where the frost level doesn’t go very deep. It may be all your lateral lines self drain on slopes. Your backflow preventer (if you have one) is probably covered in dirt due to moles or other critters. If this is the case, you could choose to continue rolling the dice. I compare it to driving uninsured because you have a perfect record.

The weather is getting wackier every year, whether you believe in climate change science or not. It’s entirely possible we could have an extended cold snap here in Seattle.

I do see freeze breaks every spring- usually from heads on risers in tall shrub areas. Any piping exposed to air is definitely in jeopardy. A good argument for winterization is not only the peace of mind that all components of your system are safe for the winter, but it’s also another opportunity for a pair of sprinkler-guy eyeballs (geyeballs) to note any problems with your system.

If you have us winterize, but re-activate the system yourself in the spring, remember that we leave test cocks and double check handles open at 45 degree angles to prevent trapping water in the space above the ball valve. Remember to close the test cocks and avoid being squirted in the face. For more info click here: http://www.cityraininc.com/closing-test-cocks-on-the-double-check/

Call us at 206-324-7689 to schedule your winterization today!