A single cold snap in October or November can freeze standing water inside pipes, fittings, and backflow preventers — turning a $75 fitting into a $750 repair overnight.
Winterizing is the process of shutting off irrigation water and using compressed air to clear all remaining water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Done right, it keeps your system safe, efficient, and ready to go when CRD watering restrictions return in spring.
What Winterizing Really Means
When you book a blowout, here’s what actually happens:
- Irrigation water is shut off at the main.
- A commercial compressor is connected to your system.
- Each zone is run until only air exits.
- Backflow preventers are drained and wrapped for protection.
Why it matters in Victoria:
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- Clay soils in Langford, Colwood, and Saanich hold water against fittings.
- Frozen water expands, cracking pipes and manifolds.
- Victoria bylaws require functioning, protected backflow assemblies.
IslandEarth Example: At a Colwood strata, our crew cleared 12 zones in under an hour. This prevented a $1,200 backflow replacement and kept the system ready for spring.
The Costly Myth: “Zone 9b is Too Mild”
Many homeowners assume Vancouver Island’s 9b climate is too warm for winterizing. That’s an expensive myth.
- Freeze snaps regularly dip below 0 °C, even on the coast.
- Clay-heavy soils keep water in contact with pipes.
- CRD and VIHA require safe, protected backflow devices.
IslandEarth Example: In Langford, we replaced a manifold split wide open by a single November freeze. The homeowner had skipped winterizing after a warm fall — repairs tripled the cost of a blowout.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for frost to show up in your backyard. Schedule winterization in October, while crews and compressors are available.
When to Winterize Sprinklers in Victoria
Timing is everything. The first frost in Greater Victoria usually arrives late October to early November, but patterns can swing suddenly after mild stretches.
- Local irrigation suppliers recommend scheduling before mid-October.
- By November, most professional crews (including ours) are switching to storm prep and leaf removal.
Book your site check before October 31 to guarantee a winterization spot.
Why DIY Can Go Wrong
It’s tempting to grab a shop compressor and do it yourself. Here’s why that’s risky:
- Home compressors lack the volume (CFM) to clear long pipe runs.
- Too much PSI can blow apart fittings or drip lines.
- Skipping insulation leaves brass backflows exposed to frost.
IslandEarth Example: We’ve been called out to repair cracked drip tubing in Saanich caused by a rushed DIY blowout.
Peace of mind: Our crews use tow-behind commercial compressors rated for irrigation systems, clearing every zone safely.
Quick Winterization Checklist
Shut off irrigation main
Attach compressor to blowout port
Run each zone until only air exits
Open manual drain valves
Drain + insulate backflow preventer
Confirm “winterized” before first frost
Ready to Protect Your System?
IslandEarth provides full sprinkler winterization across Greater Victoria and Langford.
- Professional-grade compressors
- Backflow draining + insulation
- Proof of service for strata boards and insurers
Book your free site check today before the first frost hits.