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| A close up of a plant covered in frost and snow with a snowy background. |
Winter can be a challenging season for homeowners,
especially when it comes to maintaining your landscaping. If you’ve invested in
a lawn irrigation system, winterization is a critical step you can't afford to
skip. Failing to prepare your system for freezing temperatures can lead to a
host of costly and inconvenient problems. In this blog post, we'll explore why
winterizing your irrigation system is so important, the potential risks, and how landscaping services Sonoma County
can help.
Why Winterization Is Important
Winterization refers to the process of preparing your
irrigation system for freezing conditions. It usually involves shutting off the
water supply, draining the system, and blowing out any excess water to ensure
that no liquid remains inside the pipes or sprinkler heads. Without professional
water management, if water is left inside the irrigation lines during
winter, it can freeze, expand, and cause extensive damage.
The Risks of Skipping Irrigation Winterization
But what are the real dangers of skipping this essential
task? Let’s dive into the specific risks.
Cracked Pipes and Fittings
One of the most common problems when an irrigation system
isn’t winterized is cracked pipes. Water expands as it freezes, and when water
is trapped inside irrigation pipes, the pressure can cause the pipes to burst.
Even the most durable pipes, such as those made from PVC or polyethylene, are
susceptible to this kind of damage.
Frozen Soil
The problem becomes even more severe if the ground around
the pipes freezes. Frozen soil can further constrict the pipes, adding to the
pressure inside. The result? You’ll be facing extensive repairs in the spring,
potentially requiring you to replace entire sections of your irrigation system.
Illusive Issues
Not only are cracked pipes expensive to fix but detecting
them isn’t always easy. A small crack might not become noticeable until the
water is turned back on in the spring, at which point it could cause flooding
or poor water distribution.
Damaged Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads are often made from plastic, which, while
sturdy, is no match for expanding ice. If water remains in the sprinkler heads,
it can freeze and cause them to crack or break completely. This can lead to
several issues:
Water waste
A broken sprinkler head will not distribute water
efficiently, leading to excessive water usage and higher bills.
Uneven lawn coverage
If a sprinkler head is damaged, it might not water your lawn
properly, resulting in brown patches and an unhealthy landscape.
Time-consuming repairs
Replacing sprinkler heads can be time-consuming and requires
digging up parts of your yard, disrupting your landscaping efforts.
Frozen Backflow Prevention Devices
A backflow prevention device is essential in any irrigation
system because it prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your
home’s clean water supply. If this device freezes, it can easily break,
rendering it useless. Not only does this compromise the safety of your drinking
water, but it also means you’ll need to hire a professional landscaping
company, like Landesign,
to replace the backflow preventer—another costly repair.
Under Pressure
Moreover, a damaged backflow preventer can create pressure
issues throughout the irrigation system, potentially leading to other
components becoming compromised.
Increased Repair Costs
One of the biggest risks of skipping winterization is the
accumulation of repair costs. Each of the issues mentioned—cracked pipes,
broken sprinkler heads, and damaged backflow devices—comes with its own price
tag. And when these problems compound, they can lead to an expensive repair
bill come spring.
Consider This
The cost of hiring professional
landscape maintenance to repair a broken pipe or sprinkler head is
typically far greater than the cost of a professional winterization service.
Spending a little upfront to winterize your irrigation system can save you
hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run.
Damage to Landscaping
When an irrigation system fails due to winter-related
damage, the consequences often extend beyond the system itself. A flooded or
malfunctioning irrigation system can severely damage your landscaping, ruining
flower beds, grass, and shrubs.
Rot and Pests
For example, if a pipe bursts underground, it could create
soggy patches in your yard, leading to root rot in plants or grass. Waterlogged
areas can also become breeding grounds for pests, exacerbating the damage.
How to Properly Winterize Your Irrigation System
Springtime should be a season of renewal for your lawn and
garden, not a time to fix problems caused by an unmaintained irrigation system.
Winterizing protects not only your irrigation system but also the time and
money you've invested in your landscaping.
Now that you know the risks, the next question is: how do
you properly winterize your irrigation system? Here’s what a standard
winterization process involves:
Shut off the water supply
The first step is to turn off the water to the irrigation
system at the main valve to prevent any more water from entering the system.
Drain the pipes
Draining water from the pipes can be done in one of three
ways: manual draining, automatic draining, or blowout draining (using
compressed air to force the water out). Blowout draining is often the most
effective method but should only be done by professionals to avoid damaging the
system with too much pressure.
Insulate backflow preventers and valves
Insulating these components can help prevent them from
freezing, especially if they are located above ground. In some cases, it may
also be necessary to remove certain parts to store them indoors.
Shut down the timer/controller
Finally, the system’s controller should be turned off or set
to “rain mode” to prevent it from activating during the winter months.
Your Local Landscaping Specialists - Landesign
Don’t overlook your irrigation system this winter! Protect
your landscape with premiere landscaping services in Sonoma County from
Landesign. Our experts in landscape maintenance can work with you to protect
your landscape from the cold this winter so that it can shine year-round. Contact Landesign today or
give us a call at (707) 578-2657 to get started.
