Deploy your rooftop sprinkler with confidence
Use this visual guide to prepare, deploy, test, remove and store your Water Winger. Read the safety notes first, watch the short video, then follow the numbered steps in order.
1. Watch the deployment video
The video shows the full motion before you begin. Watch once from start to finish, then keep this page open while you work through the steps.
2. Prepare everything on the ground
A careful ground setup prevents most snags and makes deployment faster.
Choose the roof path
Identify the roof edge and peak. Pull with the ridge-cap overlap where possible so the line does not catch underneath shingles.
Open and inspect
Open the Water Winger fully. Check the skis, sprinkler rotation, hose gasket, rope clips and all connections.
Lay out the line
Flake the throwing line in loose rows. Do not coil it. Remove knots, tangles and twists before throwing.
Connect and route hose
Connect the supply hose and route it away from sharp edges, vehicle traffic and tight bends. Keep couplings supported.
Set a safe work area
Keep bystanders clear of both sides of the building. Plan where the weighted ball and line will land.
Know the tie-off point
Choose a strong ground-level anchor before lifting. The control rope must remain secure after the Winger is centred.
See the important details
Keep both ropes between the skis so they feed cleanly as the frame rises.
Remove every twist before pulling the frame toward the roof.
Work with the ridge-cap overlap to reduce the chance of a snag.
The frame travels from ground level, over the roof edge and onto the peak.
3. Deploy in eight simple steps
Flake the line
Lay it in loose rows with the throwing end on top so it can leave the ground freely.
Send the weighted ball over
Stand clear and throw over the chosen roof path. Confirm the landing area is clear first.
Pull the light line through
Walk to the landing side and pull the light line smoothly and quickly until the heavier deployment rope is over the roof. A steady, continuous pull reduces the chance of snagging.
Remove all twists
Pause before lifting the frame. Straighten both rope sections and make sure they run freely.
Set ropes in the clips
Place the ropes between the skis and into the clips as shown in the original instruction image.
Pull over the roof edge
Use steady tension. Do not jerk. Stop immediately if a line, hose or frame catches.
Centre on the peak
Continue slowly until the frame settles evenly with the sprinkler upright near the roof peak.
Tie off and inspect
Secure the control rope to the planned anchor. Check that hose and rope cannot slide into hazards.
4. Connect water and test the spray
Open water slowly
Pressurize the hose gradually while watching couplings, fittings and the sprinkler.
Confirm rotation
Make sure the sprinkler turns freely and produces an even spray pattern. Shut down before clearing debris.
Check the wet zone
Confirm water reaches the intended roof and surrounding areas. Adjust system pressure or nozzle selection only within the equipment plan.
5. Remove the Water Winger safely
- Turn off the water, disconnect at the source and allow the hose to drain.
- Untie the control line only when you are ready to manage the frame from both sides.
- Pull gently from the hose side while controlling the opposite rope.
- Guide the frame to the roof edge and lower it with the rope—never drop it.
- If anything snags, stop pulling, reduce tension and change the pulling angle.
6. Dry, inspect and store
Keep the sprinkler, ball chucker, ropes, adapters, plug and fittings together for fast deployment.
Everything must be completely dry
Drain and dry the hose, sprinkler, ropes and mesh bag before packing them into plastic totes. Do not store the system in a damp location.
Inspect before storage
Flush debris, check gaskets, confirm the sprinkler turns freely, and inspect hose and rope for damage. Replace damaged parts before the next wildfire event.
Complete printable reference
Download the Full Instruction Cards
Keep these two-page field guides with your Water Winger. They include the complete illustrated deployment, removal and packing instructions.
Tip: Download or print both cards before wildfire season so they are available if internet service is disrupted.
Important setup images
Pay special attention to these images. They show critical setup details that can be easy to miss in the video, including rope-clip placement, untwisted lines and the correct roof-ridge approach. Open any image to see the full-size reference.
Quick problem solving
Troubleshooting
Stop and correct the problem—never force a line, hose or sprinkler frame.
Line or frame snags
Stop pulling and reduce tension. Go to the opposite side of the building and pull from the hose side to release the snag, then continue slowly. If the Water Winger becomes stuck while crossing the roof edge, lower it back to the ground. Confirm both ropes run under the front ski and between the skis, secure them in the rope clips, remove any twists, and try again.
Sprinkler will not rotate
Turn off the water, retrieve the Water Winger from the ground and clear sticks or nozzle debris. Confirm adequate pressure and flow before redeploying.
Weak or uneven spray
Straighten hose kinks, fully open valves and clean filters or nozzles. Flow-test the source; a larger hose or lower-flow nozzle may be required.
Throw line misses the roof
Keep the landing area clear, retrieve and re-flake the line, then try again from a safe ground position. Never climb onto the roof during an emergency.
After deployment
Drain and dry everything completely—especially hose and ropes—before packing it into plastic totes. Never store equipment in a damp location.
If equipment catches, pressure drops suddenly or a sprinkler stops: stop, shut off the water if safe, and correct the problem from the ground. Never delay evacuation.