The Risks of Skipping Winterization for Your Irrigation System

 

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.