How do you blow out sprinklers in Saskatoon? Between late September and mid-October, shut off the irrigation water and relieve the pressure, set an air compressor to 40–60 PSI, connect it at the backflow preventer, run each zone for 2–3 minutes until the heads blow dry, then cap the backflow and switch the controller off. Wear eye protection, and never run a gas compressor indoors.

Updated November 2026 by Clayton McNally & Jessica Hamel, REALTORS®, RE/MAX Saskatoon

Why Do You Need to Blow Out Your Sprinklers?

Because water left in the lines will freeze, expand and crack pipes, valves and heads. If you own a home or acreage in Saskatoon with an in-ground irrigation system, this is one fall task you can't afford to skip. Saskatoon winters regularly drop well below -20°C for weeks at a time, and frozen lines mean a costly repair bill come spring.

When Should You Blow Out Your Sprinklers in Saskatoon?

In late September to mid-October, before consistent overnight freezing arrives. Don't wait until the first hard frost — by then, you may already be dealing with damage. Add it to your fall checklist alongside insulating exposed pipes, cleaning gutters and sealing drafts. (Our fall home-prep essentials cover the full list, and our fall lawn care tips cover the yard.)

What Do You Need to Blow Out Sprinklers?

• An air compressor capable of delivering 5–8 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 40–60 PSI — higher CFM means quicker, more effective results
• A blow-out adapter fitting compatible with your backflow preventer
• Safety glasses or eye protection
• Access to your irrigation controller and zone map

Important safety note: If you're using a gas-powered compressor, never operate it indoors — including a garage with the door closed. Gas-powered equipment produces carbon monoxide, which is colourless, odourless and deadly.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

Turn off the main water supply valve to your irrigation system, usually in your basement or utility room. Then open an outdoor faucet briefly to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines. This prevents a pressure surge when you connect the compressor.

Step 2: Set Up Your Air Compressor

Regulate your compressor to deliver air at 40–60 PSI — no higher. Excessive pressure can damage your lines, fittings and sprinkler heads. Higher CFM within the safe pressure range is better because it moves more air through the system and flushes water out more efficiently.

Step 3: Connect and Blow Out Each Zone

Attach the blow-out adapter to the backflow preventer, typically near your water meter or where the irrigation line branches off your main supply. Turn on your irrigation controller and activate one zone at a time. Turn on the compressor and let air push the water out through the heads in that zone. Run each zone until no more water sprays out — usually 2–3 minutes per zone.

Critical safety reminder: Never stand directly over a sprinkler head while blowing out the system, and always wear eye protection. Pop-up heads can eject debris along with water. Also, never run the compressor with all zone valves closed — the air needs somewhere to go, or you risk damaging the system.

Step 4: Check All Zones Thoroughly

Work through every zone one by one. Pop-up heads may sputter and release a little water at first — that's normal. Keep blowing until the heads run completely dry. Missing even one zone can leave enough water in the lines to cause cracking over the winter.

Step 5: Drain, Disconnect and Secure

Once all zones have been blown out, drain any remaining water if your system has a manual or automatic drain. Remove the blow-out fitting, close and cap the backflow preventer securely, and power down your irrigation controller or switch it to its winter/off setting.

What Should You Check While You're at It?

Look for leaks, damaged heads or broken fittings, and note them for spring. Leaky irrigation near the house can also add moisture to your foundation — see our guide to improving your property's grading. Snap a photo of where the heads and lines are too, so you don't hit them with a shovel or aerator (more in take these 5 photos before the snow).

Should You Hire a Professional Instead?

If you're not comfortable doing it, yes. There's no shame in calling a local Saskatoon irrigation professional, especially for larger properties, acreages or complex multi-zone systems. A service call costs a fraction of what you'd pay to repair frozen and cracked lines in the spring.

Is Winterizing Sprinklers Worth It?

Yes. Your irrigation system is a real part of your property's infrastructure, and protecting it from Saskatoon's winters is simply smart ownership. A well-maintained property holds its value and costs far less to look after over time. Log the date in our Home Records & Warranty Tracker so you have a record for future buyers.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Saskatoon, talk to Clayton and Jessica, your trusted REALTORS®: call or text Jessica at 306.241.6029. Explore current listings, follow the Saskatoon real estate market, find out what your home is worth, or get in touch with Clayton and Jessica.