If you have a lawn sprinkler system, you must ensure it’s ready for winter as the temperatures dip below freezing. Winterizing your sprinkler system helps you avoid costly damage to pipes and sprinkler heads.
But it’s not always easy to decide when to winterize your sprinkler system. In this guide, we’ll cover the best timeline for starting the winterizing process.
When to Winterize a Sprinkler System
When the watering season draws to a close, it’s time to make an important decision: When do I winterize my sprinkler system?
The timeline for winterizing your sprinkler system will come down to the weather in your region, which can vary year by year. But a good rule of thumb is to have it winterized before the “first hard freeze” of the season. This is the first time the temperatures in your area drop below 28 degrees or lower and stay that way for more than a few hours.
The ideal time to winterize a sprinkler system will be about a week before these below-freezing temperatures set in. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast, so you know when it’s time to prepare.
What Happens if I Don’t Winterize My Sprinkler System?
If you don’t winterize your pipes before the first freeze of the season, you could put your sprinkler system at risk of serious damage. If any water remains in your pipes, it can freeze and expand. With no room to expand further, it can crack entire pipe sections — even causing sprinkler heads to burst. To fix these problems, you may have to replace the entire sprinkler unit.
Most pipes are installed up to a foot underground, making this damage especially costly to repair. Failing to winterize your system could end up costing you thousands. The best way to protect your investment is to avoid the damage altogether. That means winterizing your system early enough in the winter months to prevent freezing from taking place.
Can I Winterize My Own Sprinkler System at Home?
While it’s technically possible to DIY the winterizing process, it’s always recommended to let the professionals handle it. Trained lawn care professionals have the specialized machinery and expertise to get it done correctly.
Winterizing your sprinkler system can be a complex process — if it’s not done with the right tools and techniques, it could cause even more damage. For example, something as simple as miscalculating air volume could wreck your sprinkler system.
To winterize your sprinkler system, you must shut off the water supply and then drain your pipes, either manually, automatically, or with an air compressor. Blowing out your irrigation system is the most effective way to get rid of the water, but that process should only be done by a professional.
Grizzly Bear Lawn Care Can Prepare Your Sprinkler System for Winter
If you don’t winterize your sprinkler system in time, the result can be devastating. That’s why you should schedule your winterization at the right time to protect your sprinkler system for years to come.
That being said, it’s still important to choose a lawn care professional that you trust with the future of your sprinkler system. With Grizzly Bear Lawn Care, you can rest easy knowing your lawn is in good hands. Our professional services include everything you need to prep your lawn for winter and get back to business in the spring, so there’s no need for stress.
Learn more about our lawn care solutions or call for a free quote today.