Have you recently moved from a warmer climate to a colder environment? If so, it is important to note that there will be some major changes to your lawn care maintenance routine. From the way you have to mow and water your lawn, to taking care of your sprinkler system, colder living is just different. A common issue for colder temperatures and your sprinkler system? Freezing pipes.
How Do I Keep My Pipes From Freezing?
Any pipes, especially ones on the outside of the home, are susceptible to freezing temperatures.
Here’s what to do to make sure your sprinkler system pipes don’t freeze up when the temperatures drop this winter. We’ll also give you some tips to ensure that your pipes remain in good condition for a long time.
When Do Pipes Freeze?
Freezing pipes won’t sound like a big issue to anyone living in Arizona. However, in other parts of the United States that experience freezing temperatures in the late fall and throughout the winter months this isn’t the case.
Not only can a frozen pipe not carry water, but it can also cause damage to your pipes. For example, when water freezes in pipes it will expand, causing the pipe to crack/burst. If this happens, you will need to repair or replace the pipes as soon as the weather warms up before using your sprinkler system again. Failure to repair cracked pipes can lead to major issues for your lawn.
The short version?
You must winterize your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures arrive or you’re going to have more work to do when the weather warms up and you want to water your lawn.
The Problem with Freezing Pipes
Failing to winterize your sprinkler system can lead to a number of dangerous and costly issues. First, if water is left in the pipes and then freezes, it can cause the pipes to expand and potentially burst, resulting in expensive repairs. Additionally, if the sprinkler heads are not drained and removed, they can also freeze and break.
Furthermore, failure to winterize your sprinkler system can cause damage to the sprinkler control valves and other components. This can lead to costly repairs or complete replacement of your sprinkler system.
Ignoring the need to winterize your sprinkler system can also lead to a lack of functionality in the spring, causing delays in starting your watering schedule.
Overall, winterizing your sprinkler system is a simple and necessary step to protect your property and avoid costly repairs.
How to Stop Freezing Pipes
It’s not difficult (or pricy) to stop freezing pipes. In fact, there are several ways to prevent sprinkler system pipes from freezing:
1. Drain the system
Before the first frost, turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system and drain all of the water out of the pipes. This can be done by manually turning on each sprinkler head and allowing the water to drain out, or by using a blowout fitting, which allows you to blow air through the pipes and push any remaining water out.
2. Insulate pipes
Insulating the pipes can help keep them warmer, which can reduce the chances of freezing.
3. Use pipe heating cables
You can use pipe heating cables, which are electrical devices that wrap around the pipes and provide heat to keep them from freezing.
4. Keep the sprinkler system well-maintained
Regularly maintain your sprinkler system and make sure it is in good working condition. Repair any leaks and replace any faulty parts as soon as you notice them.
5. Keep an eye on the temperature
Be aware of the forecasted temperature, especially during extreme cold snaps, and take action accordingly.
It’s important to note that when the temperature falls well below freezing, even the above preventions may not guarantee the safety of the system, in that case, it is better to use the sprinkler system minimally and make sure to take extra measures to protect the pipes.
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.