Green Guru LLC Irrigation & Landscape Lighting

Irrigation service pages: Startup & InspectionTune-Up & Repair VisitWinterizationUpgradesOverview

Prevent Freeze Damage

Winterize Before Freezing Temps Lock In Damage

Skipping winterization is one of the fastest ways to create spring repair bills. Trapped water in lines, valves, and backflow components can freeze, expand, and crack parts you cannot see until startup.

Our blow-out service reduces freeze risk with controlled zone clearing. We clear zones methodically, flag weak points, and shut systems down correctly for winter. Pricing starts at $80 ($75 service call + $5/zone).

Reduce $1,500+ freeze-damage risk Disciplined zone-by-zone blow-out Weak-point risk flags documented Pricing starts at $80 Rochester, MI area

Need cost details? Jump to pricingRead winterization FAQs.

More: Service PlansIrrigation overview

Quick Answer: Do I really need winterization?

Yes, if you want to avoid freeze-related damage and spring surprises. Winterization clears trapped water before sustained freezing temperatures. Pricing starts at $80 ($75 service call + $5/zone), and most 8-zone systems estimate around $115 before surcharge and repairs.

Winterize Now vs. Skip It

Comparison of winterizing an irrigation system versus skipping winterization before freeze season.
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

See winterization pricing estimator

Why disciplined winterization matters

Winterization is preventive reliability work. Done correctly, it lowers freeze-related failures and gives you a cleaner spring startup path.

Prevents

Freeze-related line and valve damage

Controlled clearing removes trapped water from zones and critical components before hard freezes arrive.

Uses

Safe pressure and sequence discipline

Correct pressure and order matter. This is methodical service, not high-PSI guesswork.

Delivers

A cleaner spring startup

We document red flags now so repair priorities are clear before the season reopens.

How service works

  • 1

    Water off + prep

    Verify isolation and prepare the system for air without creating new stress points.

  • 2

    Clear zones

    Zones are cleared systematically (not rushed) and we watch for red flags as we go.

  • 3

    Call out risk

    Valve boxes, drip zones, low points, and backflow assemblies get extra attention.

  • 4

    Seasonal shut-down

    Controller is placed into an off/seasonal state so nothing runs unexpectedly.

What winterization is

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.

What to expect

  • Zones are cleared systematically (not rushed)
  • We watch for zone issues and red flags as we clear
  • Controller is set to an off/seasonal state

Our winterization workflow (freeze protection)

  1. Water off + system prep: verify isolation and prepare the system for air without creating new stress points.
  2. Controlled air management: use safe pressure/volume and clear zones in a disciplined sequence (not max PSI and hope).
  3. Confirm drainage behavior: watch for low points, trapped water, and zones that refuse to clear.
  4. Identify risk areas: valve boxes, backflow/PVB assemblies, drip zones, and any atypical plumbing.
  5. Seasonal shut-down: set controller to an off/seasonal state and confirm nothing will run unexpectedly.

Common problems we catch during blow-outs

Upgrades that pay off (less damage, easier service)

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).

Timing matters: book before sustained freezing temps. Peak demand is late September through October. Also see Startup & Inspection.

Schedule Winterization

Fast scheduling via Online Booking.

Pricing
$75.00 service call + $5.00/zone
zones = $115.00
(before fuel surcharge)
Estimate covers visit + zone count. Repairs/materials extra.
Booking note: some appointments may require a 20% deposit to reserve your time.
Minimum visit (1 zone)
$80.00

Fuel surcharge: when diesel is above $4/gal,
add $5 per winterization visit.

Online Booking Request a Free Inspection

Also see: Startup & Inspection, Tune-Up & Repair Visit, and Upgrades.


Service Plans

For seasonal coverage (startup + mid-season visit + winterization), compare Essentials & Elite plans with 72-hour or 24-hour priority scheduling and 10% off repairs.

View plan details Spring startup

Winterization FAQs

How much does sprinkler winterization cost?

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.

What is included in winterization service?

We isolate water supply, clear zones with controlled air management, identify risk points, and set controllers to a seasonal off state.

When should I schedule winterization?

Book before sustained freezing temperatures. Peak demand is late September through October.

What happens if I skip winterization?

Skipping service increases risk of freeze-related damage to lines, valves, and backflow components. Repair costs can quickly exceed preventive service pricing.

Do you winterize drip zones?

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.

Why do some zones “refuse to clear”?

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.

Can you winterize after the first frost?

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.

What about a leaking backflow/PVB after winter?

Older seals and vents can start weeping after freeze-thaw seasons. We can identify common repair paths during service and confirm scope on-site.

Are repairs included in winterization pricing?

No. Winterization pricing covers the blow-out service only. Repair labor and materials are quoted separately when issues are found.

Do you set the controller after winterization?

Yes. We place controllers in an off or seasonal state so irrigation does not run unexpectedly during freezing conditions.

How does the fuel surcharge work?

When diesel is above $4 per gallon, a $5 fuel surcharge is added per winterization visit.

Should I pair winterization with a Service Plan?

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.

Next step

Want fewer spring surprises? Pair winterization with a spring Startup & Inspection, or choose a Service Plan for seasonal coverage with priority scheduling and 10% off repairs.

More: Service PlansStartup & InspectionIrrigation overview