When winter arrives in Canada, water left in the irrigation lines of your underground sprinkler system can freeze and cause serious damage.
Have you recently installed an underground sprinkler system? Then, you may be wondering why it is necessary to shut it down and how to maintain the system in winter. One essential step is to winterize the system every year. Not surprisingly, many homeowners have questions regarding the winterization process.
So, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding sprinkler system winterization so you have a clear idea of its significance.
Sprinkler System Winterization: Answers to the Three Most Common Questions
Nothing is more important to your lawn than water, and your sprinkler system takes care of that need. In winter, you should take care of the system. This is not only because it is a valuable investment but, otherwise, without proper irrigation, your lawn will never reach its full potential. The following questions are often asked by homeowners who want to winterize their sprinkler systems.
1. Why Should I Shut Down My Irrigation System This Winter?
To prevent damage! If you run sprinklers during winter, water can freeze within the line, creating heavy pressure caused by expanding ice, which can damage the irrigation system. It can cause the fittings, pumps, pipes, and sprinklers to break, resulting in significant flooding and damage to your basement. The last thing you want is a costly repair.
Since your irrigation system is a big and rather expensive investment, it is ideal to winterize it before the ground freezes. September through November is the ideal time to turn it off. If you want to winterize your underground sprinkler system, contact Green Valley Irrigation today to be put on the schedule.
2. What Factors Should I Consider When I Decide to Shut Down My Irrigation System for Winter?
First, consider your climate. If you live in a place where the ground might freeze for an extended period, winterization is a must to save the irrigation system from potential damage.
Second, consider the risk of not winterizing the system. Such as:
- If your irrigation system has costly parts, is it worth the risk of letting them get damaged and then paying extra to repair them?
- Finding replacements for broken parts can be burdensome, particularly if it is an old system.
- You should also consider the size of the system. If it is large and expansive, it is possible that more parts can break. So, it is not worth the risk.
The third factor is the system’s age. If it is relatively older, it is more likely that it would require winterization as it is more prone to problems. If broken, it would be more expensive and difficult to find replacement parts.
3. Can I Winterize the Irrigation System on My Own?
It may seem easy to shut down the irrigation system on your own. But some systems require expert knowledge to operate and manage. Some, for instance, require a large air compressor to fully blow out or evacuate water from the system. Leaving even a single drop of water in the line can cause a disaster that is costly to repair.
Most homeowners either don’t have the right equipment or proper expertise in this field. Our experienced technicians have both. So, it is best to leave the winterization of your irrigation system in the hands of a professional for the best results.
You don’t want to damage either your lawn or your sprinkler system. So, you should definitely winterize the system. For expert and affordable service, contact Green Valley Irrigation. We will be happy to help.