Winter is coming, and it is bringing cold weather that can do a lot of damage to your sprinkler system. That’s why it’s important to get sprinkler winterization services from a professional company! Companies like Tuxedo Yard Care make sure all your irrigation components are in good condition and prepared to take on the cold!
What Is Winterization?
If you live here in Utah or anywhere else in the country that experiences freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, then you have seen how destructive winter weather conditions can be. People in these areas often have to worry about water pipes in their homes freezing and bursting, and the same concerns exist for lawn irrigation systems in winter. Luckily, winterizing your sprinkler system helps ensure that your sprinklers stay safe and functional all year long!
Winterizing for sprinklers means taking measures to ensure that the system can withstand cold temperatures without sustaining damage. This process typically includes draining all the water from the pipes and sprinkler heads, as well as adding antifreeze or another type of protection. Winterization is necessary for sprinkler systems located in cold climates in order to prevent them from freezing and breaking when the temperature plummets.
Sprinkler winterization services from your local lawn care company will be able to get your irrigation system protected before it’s too late by performing the following tasks:
- Turn off water flow to sprinklers.
- Drain pipes.
- Check and clean filters and valves.
- Inspect, repair, and/or replace sprinkler heads.
- Check for and repair leaks and cracks.
- Adjustments to timers.
- Open manual drains.
- Blow out all water lines.
- Turn off valves and controllers.
- Anything else your sprinklers need!
Why Is Winterization Important?
While you might be tempted to skip sprinkler winterization in order to save time and money, this decision could end up costing you a lot more in the long run. That’s because if your sprinklers freeze and break, you will likely have to pay for expensive repairs or even replacement parts. In most cases, the damage caused by freezing temperatures may be so severe that it is not covered by a warranty.
On the other hand, if you take the time to get sprinkler winterization services before the cold weather hits, you can rest assured knowing that your system is protected. This will give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. In addition, winterizing your sprinklers can help extend their lifespan by protecting them from damage caused by freezing temperatures. Below are some of the most common reasons people get their irrigation systems winterized.
- Avoid costly repairs – As we mentioned above, winterizing your sprinkler system is almost always cheaper than repairing burst pipes. If your system freezes and breaks, you might have to pay for new parts or even a complete replacement.
- Your system will last longer – Another benefit of winterization is that it helps extend the lifespan of your system. By taking measures to protect your sprinklers from freezing temperatures, you can help prevent damage that could shorten their lifespan.
- Be prepared for spring – When spring arrives, you’ll be glad you took the time to winterize your sprinklers! This way, you can simply turn them on and start using them again without having to worry about repairs or damage.
- Save water – One of the best reasons to winterize your sprinkler system is that it can help you save water. When sprinklers are properly winterized, they are less likely to leak or break, which means you won’t have to waste water fixing them.
- Improve your lawn – Winterizing your sprinklers helps ensure that your lawn stays healthy and green all year long. By taking measures to protect your system from freezing temperatures, you can prevent damage that could kill your grass or other plants. Winterizing also ensures that your sprinklers are ready as soon as you need them in spring!
What Happens If You Don't Winterize Your Sprinklers?
If you don’t winterize your sprinklers, there’s a good chance that they will freeze and break when the temperature dips below freezing. Water expands inside your pipes when it freezes, and this can cause pipes to burst or crack. The same is true for sprinkler heads, which can also break or crack if they freeze.
In some cases, you might be able to thaw out your pipes and repair them yourself. However, in most cases, it’s best to leave this job to a professional. This is because repairing or replacing broken pipes can be tricky, and it’s easy to make things worse if you’re not experienced. In addition, it’s important to note that even if you do manage to repair your own sprinklers, they will likely be more susceptible to freezing in the future due to improper installation.
When To Start Winterizing Your Sprinklers
The best time to winterize your sprinklers is roughly one week before the first frost of the season. This way, you can be sure that your system is protected from the cold weather before any ice or freezing temperatures can do damage. However, if you wait too long, it might be too late to prevent damage. So, if you’re unsure when the first frost will hit in your area, it’s better to err on the side of caution and start winterizing as soon as possible.
Our neck of the woods in Utah, for example, generally starts seeing frost in mid to late September. We recommend starting sprinkler winterization in late early to mid September to be safe. If you wake up one morning to notice your grass is no longer growing and frost has arrived, you will know it is time. Once your pipes are thawed out later in the morning, be sure to turn off your system and call a professional to inspect it for damage. They can help you repair any broken parts and ensure that your system is properly winterized for the coming months.
Get Professional Sprinkler Winterization Services Today!
The bottom line is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your sprinklers. If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s worth investing in sprinkler winterization services. The damage you will inevitably do to your irrigation system without winterization is not worth the temporary convenience.
In the long run, getting your sprinklers professionally winterized will save you money, save you time, and ensure that your lawn stays hydrated and healthy for years to come!
