Irrigation service paths
Prevent Freeze Damage
Skipping winterization is one of the fastest ways to create spring repair bills. Trapped water can freeze, expand, and crack parts you will not see until startup.
Our blow-out service reduces freeze risk with controlled zone clearing. We clear zones methodically, flag weak points, and shut the system down correctly for winter. Pricing starts at $80 ($75 service call + $5/zone).
Pricing: winterization estimate • winterization FAQs
| Skip Winterization | Disciplined Winterization |
|---|---|
| Trapped water remains in system | Zones cleared before sustained freeze |
| Hidden cracks found in spring | Weak points flagged in fall |
| Higher risk of valve/backflow damage | Lower freeze-stress on components |
| Controller may run unexpectedly | Controller set to seasonal off state |
| No clear fall condition baseline | Documented condition before winter |
Inherited reality
Many systems were "winterized" in past years without a clean method, clear access, or a real condition baseline. The damage often stays hidden until spring activation reveals cracked fittings, valve problems, or weak shutoff behavior.
Checks first
Green Guru starts with the system layout, blowout access, age-sensitive components, and signs that past shutdown practices may have shortened service life. Winterization quality is about protection method, not just whether air was used.
Winterization is preventive reliability work. Done correctly, it lowers freeze-related failures and gives you a cleaner spring startup path.
Prevents
Controlled clearing removes trapped water from zones and critical components before hard freezes arrive.
Uses
Correct pressure and order matter. This is methodical service, not high-PSI guesswork.
Delivers
We document red flags now so repair priorities are clear before the season reopens.
Verify isolation and prepare the system for air without creating new stress points.
Zones are cleared systematically (not rushed) and we watch for red flags as we go.
Valve boxes, drip zones, low points, and backflow assemblies get extra attention.
Controller is placed into an off/seasonal state so nothing runs unexpectedly.
Winterization (also called a blow-out) uses controlled compressed air to clear water from irrigation piping and valves so freezing temperatures don't crack components.
Related: Febco 765 Air Vent Kit and check valve kit (common backflow repair path), Smart Control & Reliability Equipment (Smart Node + Smart Link + SRMS equipment), Rain Bird 1800 SAM spray body and 5004PCSAM rotor (spray/rotor reliability leaves), drip filter + pressure regulator, emitters + stakes, 1/4 in emitter tubing, subsurface dripline, container micro-drip kit, and end-of-run micro valve + bug cap (micro-drip winterization access), pump systems hub plus foot valve, check valve, pressure switch, and tank precharge diagnostics (source-side seasonal reliability), and Service Plans (seasonal coverage).
For the Rochester Hills symptom-level version of winter shutdown and spring damage risk, use these guides.
For seasonal coverage (startup + mid-season visit + winterization), compare Essentials & Elite plans with 72-hour or 24-hour priority scheduling and 10% off repairs.
Winterization pricing is $75 service call + $5 per zone, with an $80 minimum visit. Example: 8 zones is typically $115 before fuel surcharge and repairs.
We isolate water supply, clear zones with controlled air management, identify risk points, and set controllers to a seasonal off state.
Book before sustained freezing temperatures. Peak demand is late September through October.
Skipping service increases risk of freeze-related damage to lines, valves, and backflow components. Repair costs can quickly exceed preventive service pricing.
Yes. Drip zones require the right method because filters/regulators and long runs can hold water. We flag zones that need follow-up for reliability.
Common causes are stuck valves, broken laterals, trapped water in low points, or mismatched/hidden plumbing. We note these issues so they don’t become spring surprises.
Usually yes, but do not wait for sustained hard freeze windows. The longer water remains in the system during freezing weather, the higher the damage risk.
Older seals and vents can start weeping after freeze-thaw seasons. We can identify common repair paths during service and confirm scope on-site.
No. Winterization pricing covers the blow-out service only. Repair labor and materials are quoted separately when issues are found.
Yes. We place controllers in an off or seasonal state so irrigation does not run unexpectedly during freezing conditions.
When diesel is above $4 per gallon, a $5 fuel surcharge is added per winterization visit.
If you want less seasonal friction, Service Plans include startup, in-season coverage, and winterization plus 72-hour or 24-hour priority scheduling and 10% off repairs.