We actually kicked some sprinkler blowout bootie yesterday considering all the areas we had to cover. Earlier in the season our sprinkler blowouts are so close together that we rarely drive more than 15-20 miles in a day. This time of year it can be much more, which is part of the reason our prices go up a few times the later in the seaon it gets. Yesterday our miles covered was 49, more than half of what it usually is.
There were three places we went to yesterday that was our second trip, and still not able to do the blowout for one reason or another. two of them were from not being able to find the main and drain valves, or electronic valves, in which tried to contact both customers by email and text as well as posting on our blog with no response. There was only one that we ran out of time to reach. We were slowed down a little because we started so early that there was some exposed galvanized piping that had not been drained like we asked, and had to be heated with a torch to break up the ice so we could blow it out.
We will make another attempt in a few days at the ones we were unable to do when we do our valley sweep.
Today we will be working in the Boise 83709, Meridian 83642, and Star, in that order. The snow on the streets as well as it covering up valve boxes could make this a very slow day. It also won't be easy pulling a 3,000 pound compressor through neighborhoods that have not been plowed. On a happier note, snow is an excellent insulator, so underground sprinkler systems are safe. Those in that area will receive an auto-text about 6:30 a.m. The temperature is not supposed to get above freezing today, but sprinkler systems with no exposed piping or backflows, vacuum breakers, etc., will be fine. However, I am going to start later today than usual to give it some time to warm up a little. I will spend that time trying to catch up on invoices.
Here is our route for today. It could change some if we get cancellations, but I have to get this post up long before our text reminder goes out. Click on the image for a larger view.
