When To Blow Out Sprinklers [All States]
It is important that you blow out your sprinklers on the proper timeline to avoid any potential pipe damage from residual water being frozen, causing them to burst. This has left many wondering when the appropriate time is to blow out the sprinklers for the winter.
You should blow out your sprinklers before the first frost of the year. This will differ depending on your location in the United States. As long as you have blown out your sprinklers before the first frost, you will not have to worry about your pipes freezing and bursting.
Alternatively, you should blow out sprinklers before the temperatures get below 40 °F, between the months of September and November. Most irrigation systems require air compressors with 55 PSI and 8 CFM to dry out completely.
This guide will detail the different recommended timeframes for you to blow out your sprinkler for all 50 states. This can be valuable information if you are unsure of the recommended month in which to blow out your sprinklers for your area.
When To Blow Out Sprinklers By State
This list contains information regarding the recommended time frame to blow out your sprinklers for all 50 states. You should use this list to determine the right time to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year.
Alabama
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Alaska
There is no recommendation for blowing out your sprinklers in Alaska. Due to the extremely cold nature of the climate, sprinklers can risk freezing and blowing pipes year-round. If for some reason you find yourself needing to use sprinklers for most of the year in Alaska, you should monitor them closely to avoid pipe damage.
Arizona
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Arkansas
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
California
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Colorado
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Connecticut
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Delaware
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Florida
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Georgia
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Hawaii
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Idaho
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Illinois
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Indiana
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Iowa
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage
Kansas
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage
Kentucky
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Louisiana
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Maine
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Maryland
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Massachusetts
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Michigan
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Minnesota
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Mississippi
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Missouri
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Montana
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Nebraska
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Nevada
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
New Hampshire
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
New Jersey
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
New Mexico
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
New York
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
North Carolina
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
North Dakota
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Ohio
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Oklahoma
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Oregon
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Pennsylvania
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Rhode Island
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
South Carolina
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
South Dakota
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Tennessee
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Texas
It is recommended that you wait until at least the end of November to blow out your sprinklers and shut them off for the year. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of November, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is warmer, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too early, or else you risk depriving your lawn of valuable water.
Utah
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Vermont
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Virginia
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Washington
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
West Virginia
It is recommended that you wait no later than mid-October to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the middle of October, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Wisconsin
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Wyoming
It is recommended that you wait no later than late September to blow out your sprinklers. Because of the climate, you can expect the first freeze to hit around the end of September, which is when you will need to have blown your sprinklers out to avoid pipe damage.
If you live in a state where the climate is colder, it is important that you do not blow out your sprinklers too late, or else you risk incurring serious pipe damage.
Is Blowing Out Your Sprinklers Necessary?
Like I mentioned above, blowing out your sprinklers isn’t always necessary if you live in a tropical or warmer region of the planet. Deciding whether to do so relies heavily on the temperature outside.
If you live in an area that experiences all the seasons, the answer is: Yes. Otherwise, your sprinkler system will freeze, and the ball valves, piping system, and valve manifold could be ruined.
Don’t worry- blowing out your sprinkler system should take no more than 45 minutes or so, depending on how big your yard is.
How Much Pressure and Volume Are Needed to Blow Out Sprinklers?
There are certain air compressor capabilities needed in order to blow out a sprinkler system effectively.
Generally speaking, it takes about 55 PSI (pounds per square inch) and 8 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to completely and properly blow out a sprinkler system. Anything more or less will render the technique ineffective or damaging.
Most portable air compressors have this type of pressure capability but lack the CFM ability. Attaching another receiver tank to your machine can help combat this issue.
This 60-gallon air compressor has plenty of volume output. You can use a smaller device; it will just take longer and require more than one cycle.
Blowing out your sprinklers takes some finesse, but it’s probably the most efficient method.
How Do You Blow Out Sprinklers
The process is as follows:
- Turn off the main water supply and backflow preventer.
- Drain the water out of the hose bib using a bucket.
- Next, hook up your air compressor tubing using a compressor adaptor and one of the test cocks on the backflow preventer.
- Open another test cock or hose bib on the outer pressure vacuum breaker to release more water.
- Turn the first sprinkler zone on (start with the farthest one away from the mainline).
- Open the valve connected to your compressor BEFORE turning it on. If you turn the compressor on first, you risk ruining the pipes.
- Note: You will need about 55 PSI (air pressure) and 8 CFM (air volume) to blow out all of the water. Set your air compressor to kick off at 60 PSI, as you don’t want to ruin the sprinkler system.
- Run all of the water out of zone one until no more mist from the sprinkler heads is visible.
- Detach your air compressor from the first zone, close the valve, and repeat this process until you’ve cleared out all of the zones.
- Open all of the test cocks to drain every last bit of water.
- Finally, leave the isolation ball valves half open for the winter months!
If your system doesn’t have an air compressor adapter, check out this video detailing how to make your own jig!
Final Thoughts
This guide has provided you with all of the information that you need to accurately determine the right time to blow out your sprinklers. You can use the list included in this guide to find your state and better determine the time frame you should consider blowing out your sprinkler in.
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