Idaho Falls winters are no joke—and if you’ve lived here long enough, you know the freezing temperatures can arrive fast and unexpectedly. If your sprinkler system isn’t properly winterized before the first hard freeze, you could be in for a costly surprise come spring.
At YardTech, Inc., we specialize in winterizing sprinkler systems for Idaho Falls homeowners. Our professional blowout services are designed to prevent pipe bursts, valve cracks, and backflow failures caused by trapped water freezing in your system. Here’s what you need to know before the cold sets in.
Why Winterizing Your Sprinkler System Is Essential in Idaho Falls
When water freezes, it expands—and that’s bad news for anything buried under your lawn. Sprinkler systems are especially vulnerable because water tends to settle in low spots in underground piping and inside sprinkler heads.
Once it freezes:
- PVC or polyethylene lines can split underground
- Fittings and couplings can crack apart
- Valves and solenoids can fail
- Sprinkler heads can burst or become misaligned
- Backflow preventers can be destroyed
Most homeowners don’t realize this damage until spring, when they turn on their systems and water starts gushing from all the wrong places. That’s why winterization is one of the most important services you can schedule before temperatures drop.
When Should You Winterize in Idaho Falls?
The best time to winterize your sprinkler system in Idaho Falls is between late September and the end of October, before the first hard freeze. While every season is slightly different, it’s smart to be proactive rather than reactive.
Some indicators it’s time to schedule:
- Daytime highs are regularly under 65°F
- You’ve stopped mowing regularly
- Trees have begun to lose their leaves
- Overnight lows are dipping below 35°F
YardTech offers convenient scheduling and seasonal bundles to ensure you don’t miss the narrow window to protect your irrigation system before the frost arrives.
What Happens During a Professional Sprinkler Winterization?
Our team uses a process known as a sprinkler system blowout—a proven method for evacuating all water from your system using high-volume compressed air.
Here’s how it works:
- We shut off the water supply to your sprinkler system
- Connect a commercial-grade air compressor at the mainline
- Blow out each sprinkler zone individually using precise air pressure
- Clear out sprinkler heads, valves, and lateral lines
- Winterize or drain the backflow preventer
- Shut down or set your controller to “off” or “rain mode”
This process is done carefully to avoid damaging your system. Too much pressure can harm sprinkler heads and fittings. Not enough pressure leaves water behind. That’s why DIY methods are risky—and why professional service pays for itself in avoided repairs.
Why DIY Winterization Often Fails
It’s tempting to try to save a few bucks by using a home air compressor to winterize your system. But most household compressors don’t produce the volume (CFM) needed to push water out of long sprinkler runs or multiple zones.
Common DIY mistakes include:
- Not clearing all zones (missing buried lines or drip systems)
- Using too much pressure and damaging components
- Forgetting to drain the backflow preventer
- Leaving the controller on, which can activate the system mid-winter
These oversights can result in major spring repair costs—not to mention wasted time and frustration. YardTech uses the right tools, the right process, and years of experience to get it done right the first time.
Protecting Your Backflow Preventer from Freeze Damage
Your backflow prevention assembly is one of the most important—and expensive—parts of your irrigation system. Located near the main water supply, it’s exposed to cold air and can freeze fast if not properly winterized.
In accordance with local code 603.3, your backflow device must also be protected from freezing using an acceptable method. YardTech ensures all backflow preventers are drained, insulated, or removed and stored (when applicable) during winterization.
We also offer backflow testing services for full compliance with Idaho Falls ordinance, and can bundle it with your winterization appointment.
Why Homeowners in Idaho Falls Trust YardTech
We’ve been serving Idaho Falls and surrounding areas for years, and we know what your system needs to survive an eastern Idaho winter. Whether your setup is brand new or a few decades old, we take a thorough approach to winterization.
What makes YardTech the trusted choice:
- High-volume, commercial-grade air compressors
- Trained technicians who know how to safely blow out all system types
- Local knowledge of frost levels, seasonal timing, and soil conditions
- Full system inspection during service
- Bundled fall services (like backflow testing and leaf cleanup) available
Our goal isn’t just to blow out your system—it’s to protect it completely.
YardTech, Inc – Your Preferred Sprinkler System Contractor in East Idaho
Winterizing your sprinkler system in Idaho Falls is the best way to avoid costly spring repairs and extend the life of your irrigation setup. Don’t leave it to chance—or to freezing weather. YardTech, Inc. offers professional sprinkler blowout services done right, on time, and in full compliance with city code. Contact us today to book your fall appointment before winter settles in.