What to Expect on Calgary sprinkler blowout Day: J.G. Irrigation Process

Wondering what actually happens during a sprinkler blowout? Here is a complete walkthrough of what J.G. Irrigation's IA-certified technicians do from arrival to departure on blowout day in Calgary.

Before We Arrive: Your Checklist

• Know where your irrigation main shutoff is located (usually in the basement, crawl space, or exterior utility area)
• Know where your blow port is (brass fitting typically near the main shutoff or adjacent to the backflow preventer)
• Have someone home or give us gate/access code if needed — we do not need interior access for a standard blowout, but we need the main shutoff location
• No action needed on the controller — we handle all controller adjustments

What Happens During Your Calgary Blowout: Step by Step

1. System assessment (5 min): Technician confirms zone count, locates blow port, and identifies any visible system issues before starting
2. Main irrigation shutoff closed: The irrigation main is closed to prevent water supply from entering the system during blowout
3. Backflow preventer isolation: Backflow preventer isolation valves closed; test ports opened to prevent back-pressure damage during blowout
4. Compressor connection: 185 CFM rotary screw compressor connected to blow port — you may hear the compressor running outside
5. Zone-by-zone blowout: Each zone is opened at the controller, compressor is engaged, and zone is cleared until no more water exits the heads (typically 2-4 passes per zone at 50-80 PSI). You can see heads popping up and spraying air and water mist as each zone clears
6. Drip zone purge: Drip zones run at lower pressure — emitter lines are cleared and all drain caps opened
7. Controller winterized: Rachio 3 set to rain/standby mode; Hunter/Rain Bird controllers set to seasonal off; date/time confirmed
8. Written report: Blowout report completed with date, technician, zone count, pressure readings, and any service notes — left on-site or emailed on request

Total Time

Standard 5-8 zone Calgary home: 30-50 minutes. Large systems 10-15 zones: 60-90 minutes. Acreage systems 20+ zones: 90-180 minutes. We do not rush — every zone is confirmed clear before we consider the job complete.

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IA-Certified • 185 CFM • Written Report • All Communities
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