There is a certain really unique rhythm to the seasons around Long Island when the sprinklers go in around April, run all summer and by late fall everyone’s calling for their irrigation blowouts. 

It is a routine I tell ya but what most people don’t realize is that skipping backflow protection during this process can cause a lot of problems that don’t just cost money but they can make your water really unsafe for any usage.

At Backflow Joe’s we have been called out every fall to fix what someone else forgot to do like blowouts that send dirty water straight into clean lines, cracked assemblies or systems that fail the state’s compliance test before winter even starts. 

And let’s just say that it is a call that you never ever in your life want to make when temperatures drop.

So how do you stay safe? Well take a look below and find out just how you can do seasonal irrigation plumbing and have a chance to get through this hurdle without making a mess.

What Is An Irrigation Blowout And Why Does It Really Matter?

An irrigation blowout is the very definition of how you prep your sprinkler system for that harsh freezing weather. 

Where a pro like Backflows Joe’s uses compressed air to push all the water out of your irrigation lines so that nothing inside freezes, expands and bursts open like a piñata.

Sounds simple right?  Well it is to be honest with you but the danger isn’t in the blowout itself. No it is in how it is done.

So if your system doesn’t have a proper backflow preventer or if that device isn’t closed and protected during the blowout then that pressurized air can push contaminants backward into your home’s clean water lines. 

And that is where things get really ugly.

How Backflow Happens During A Blowout?

Ok so here is how it works. 

First of all when a technician connects the air compressor to your irrigation line the system gets pressurized. 

If the backflow preventer which is usually a pressure vacuum breaker or reduced pressure zone assembly isn’t working properly then all that pressure can force lawn chemicals, fertilizer and bacteria laced water back into your household supply.

That is called backflow contamination and once it happens your drinking water can test positive for nitrates, coliform bacteria or something even worse. We have had customers call after noticing a foul odor in their tap water before the blowout. And it turns out that their landscaper skipped the backflow valve entirely and this is not just a plumbing mistake it is a health care violation.

Hidden Dangers Of Skipping Backflow Protection

Backflow preventers are there and required by law for a reason so that they can prevent water contamination in the first place. 

Because they keep contaminated water from reversing direction when pressure drops or fluctuates.

And without one here are the following things for which you are risking your previous life:

• Water Contamination: Fertilizers and all those harmful pesticides and soil bacteria can backflow into drinking lines.
  
• System Damage: Unprotected irrigation valves and fittings can really rupture under immense blowout pressure.
  
• Code Violations: Most local regulations including Suffolk and Nassau County require annual backflow testing by certified professionals.
  
• Fines and Liability: If contamination affects neighbors or shared water systems then you as a homeowner can face serious penalties.
  

And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all backflow prevention devices are considered a mandatory safety feature for all irrigation systems connected to potable water supplies especially those in coastal and agricultural regions.

The 1,200 Dollars Cheap Blowout

Last November a homeowner in East Hampton called us because their sprinklers weren’t turning on come spring. 

We came and it turns out the irrigation company they hired in the fall had done a quick blowout without closing the PVB properly.

The result? Frozen fittings a cracked backflow assembly and a contamination report that triggered a county inspection. 

And what was the solution? Well it was a new backflow preventer, some new valves and so much more backflow testing that at the end of the day the bill ran them over 1,200 dollars.

So yeah that is what happens when you start skipping and then a simple check can cost you a really expensive nightmare.

How To Do It The Right Way Backflow Joe’s Way?

A proper irrigation blowout should always follow the best backflow prevention steps that prevent water contamination. 

So here you go feast your eyes on the grand steps below from yours try Backflow Joe’s:

1. Test the Backflow Preventer First

Before doing anything the assembly needs to be pressure tested to make sure that it is sealing correctly and at Backflow Joe’s we use certified gauges to check every valve.

If it leaks we will immediately repair or replace it before winter even starts.

2. Use the Right Air Pressure

Never exceed 50 PSI during a blowout because high pressure air can rupture sprinkler heads or damage internal seals. 

And that is why a trained tech knows how to regulate the compressor based on your system’s very own design.

3. Drain and Shut Down Properly

Once all lines are clear we make sure to close the shut off valve before the backflow device and drain any leftover water from the system. 

While at the same time the preventer itself is left open to vent out any trapped moisture in there that may be hiding and refusing to come out.

4. Insulate for Winter

After the blowout we then wrap the assembly with a weather resistant insulation so make sure to check out Reliant Plumbing’s Outdoor Plumbing Protection Guide for some really valuable quick tips.

Why Do Personal Home Made Blowouts Always Go Wrong?

Plenty of homeowners and even some landscapers try to do all the backflow prevention for lawn and irrigation blowouts to save a few bucks. 

But here is the bad news guys because this is what usually happens when they try:

• They try to use an air compressor that is too strong.
  
• They forget to close or protect the backflow valve.
  
• They don’t drain the whole system completely leaving them exposed.
  

And then what happens is that by spring all the fittings are cracked, sprinklers sputter or worse the water supply becomes contaminated.

I mean things are simple here you just can’t guess your way through this. It is a job for a trained certified backflow technician who knows local plumbing codes and the right process.

Don’t Forget About Compliance

In many parts of Long Island the annual backflow testing is mandatory. The county requires homeowners to submit proof of testing and repairs if necessary.

And failing to comply doesn’t just lead to heavy fines that can bankrupt you but it can also cause delays when selling or renting your property. 

At Backflow Joe’s we handle all the paperwork for you so your irrigation and plumbing systems stay compliant all year round.

How To Keep Your System Safe All Year?

So finally here is a quick checklist we give every client before winter hits:

• Schedule annual backflow testing before temperatures drop.
• Hire a certified irrigation technician for blowouts.
• Keep your system drained and insulated.
• Replace aging assemblies before they fail the pressure tests.
• Never assume coastal means freeze free.

Lastly we also recommend homeowners bookmark the Chicago Faucet’s Water Sense Guide which covers seasonal irrigation best practices from industry experts.

Conclusion

Your irrigation system isn’t just about keeping the lawn green it’s tied directly to your home’s clean water supply.

Skipping backflow protection during a blowout might save you a few minutes now but it could cost you thousands later or worse contaminate your water.

If you’re unsure whether your backflow device is winter ready then it is time to get it checked.

Schedule your winter irrigation service today with Backflow Joe’s the trusted Long Island pros who test, repair, and protect backflow systems before the freeze hits.