What to Do After Your Calgary Sprinkler Blowout: Fall Checklist

Your sprinkler blowout is done — the system is winterized for the season. There are a few simple steps to complete after blowout that protect your system through the Calgary winter and set you up for a clean spring startup. J.G. Irrigation's post-blowout checklist.

Immediately After Blowout: 5 Actions

1. Turn the Main Irrigation Shutoff to Off

After blowout, the main irrigation water supply valve inside your home should be in the closed (off) position. J.G. Irrigation technicians confirm this at the end of every blowout visit, but verify it yourself: the quarter-turn ball valve (usually in the mechanical room near the water meter) should be perpendicular to the pipe, not parallel. A parallel handle means the valve is still open — close it now.

2. Drain the Backflow Preventer

If your backflow preventer has a drain port or test cocks, ensure they are in the drained open position after blowout. J.G. Irrigation technicians complete this at the end of every blowout visit. If you see any water residue or ice forming at the backflow preventer body on the first cold night, call J.G. Irrigation immediately — residual water at the backflow preventer may indicate incomplete drainage.

3. Set Controller to Off or Seasonal Shutdown Mode

Turn your controller to Off (Rachio 3: set system to Standby in the app; Hunter Pro-C: turn dial to Off; Rain Bird ESP-Me: turn to Off). Do not just disable individual programs — shut the full controller to Off to prevent any accidental zone activation during the winter period.

4. Cover or Protect Above-Ground Components

In severe Calgary cold snaps (-30C and below), above-ground irrigation components benefit from insulation. Backflow preventer assemblies above grade can be wrapped in foam insulation sleeve when temperatures are forecast below -20C — available at hardware stores for $5-$15. The valve box lids should be fully seated to minimize cold air infiltration.

5. File Your Blowout Receipt

Your J.G. irrigation blowout receipt documents the date, zone count, condition notes, and technician credential. File it with your home maintenance records — you will need it at home sale, for insurance claims, and to maintain your installation warranty.

Preparing for Spring Startup

Book spring startup in February or March for preferred May dates — spring startup season fills in April and many clients are disappointed by unavailable scheduling. J.G. Irrigation offers spring startup pre-booking at the time of fall blowout — ask your technician at the end of the blowout visit.

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