Why Winterizing Your Sprinkler System Matters

Posted on October 4th, 2016

It may seem like a pain to keep shutting down your sprinkler system for winter and blowing it out again in the spring, but it’s a job that must be done! If you fail to properly winterize your system you run the risk of causing damage to not only your sprinkler but your home as well. We’re willing to bet you paid a pretty penny for both, so why risk having to pay even more for repairs?

What kind of damage can occur?

If you don’t drain and shut down your sprinkler system, you may end up with frozen and cracked pipes. While this may not seem like that biggest deal at first, just imagine the mess that will make when the water thaws out in the spring. Water will be leaking out everywhere, which can cause damage to your landscape and your home’s foundation. Not to mention, you’re going to have to have a professional come dig up your yard to find and fix the damage. We say, no thank you.

Here’s how get your sprinkler ready for winter in 4 easy steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply and make sure the shut-off valve is protected from freezing temperatures. This means wrapping it in insulation and sheltering it from the cold. 
2. If your system runs on a timer, shut down the automatic control panel for the season. Your programmed information should stay put, so it’ll be easy to start back up in spring. 
3. Drain the remaining water out of the pipes. This part is tricky, and is best performed by an irrigation specialists — like the ones here at Turf Unlimited! 
4. Wrap your backflow preventers and valves in insulation tape to keep them safe from freezing over the winter.

Have you hired a professional to come winterize your sprinkler system yet? If not, what are you waiting for! Fall is rolling in fast, and winter is soon to follow. Call Turf Unlimited at 888-649-9919 today to make sure your system is safe for the season.