Winter is just around the corner, and if you have a sprinkler system in your yard, this is the time to think about winterization. Sure, it’s a hassle and takes some time, but leaving it as is could lead to a world of trouble with your sprinkler system next spring. If you fail to winterize it, the system becomes prone to damage, costing you way more than the time you would take winterizing it. Let’s go through some of the most common sprinkler damages that result without winterization to your system before the first freeze.
What are the Sprinkler Damages That May Occur Without Winterization?
Issue #1 – Cracked Fittings and Pipes
Water left in your sprinkler pipes during winter will be your system’s worst nightmare. When the temperature drops below zero, failure to drain your pipes leaves water inside them, and the pipes will freeze and expand. PVC and polyethylene pipes aren’t flexible enough to resist tension from expanding ice. This often results in cracked fittings and broken underground lines.
It may be a small crack, but cracks widen once the water pressure increases and things start thawing in the spring. This results in leaks, burst pipes, and sprinkler damage that disrupts your landscape. Repairing or replacing underground irrigation pipes is expensive and invasive, leaving your yard looking like a construction zone.
Common signs of cracked fittings and pipes include:
- Unexplained water pooling in your yard
- Drop in water pressure across zones
- Sprinkler heads sputtering or failing to pop up
- Higher water bills due to hidden leaks
Issue #2 – Broken Sprinkler Heads
The sprinkler heads are another weak spot in cold weather. Since they sit above ground, they’re subject to enduring freezing temperatures. When water inside the sprinkler head freezes, it guarantees a crack in the sprinkler head. Failure to winterize your irrigation system during the freeze-thaw cycle can completely ruin the sprinkler heads.
You’ll need to replace the heads in spring, which can be a time-consuming and costly repair. This is especially true if you have multiple damaged heads. Plus, you don’t want to deal with malfunctioning sprinklers when starting your yard work in the spring!
Issue #3 – Damage to the Backflow Preventer
The most critical part of any sprinkler system will be the backflow preventer. It prevents contaminated water from flowing back inside your home’s water supply. Because it is often above ground, it’s highly exposed to freezing temperatures. Water trapped inside can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or even burst the component. Replacing a backflow preventer can be expensive, and failure to maintain it may risk water contamination. Proper irrigation winterization ensures this critical part of your system is safe.
Backflow Preventer Risks
Backflow preventers are vulnerable to freezing and cracking, which can lead to costly replacements and plumbing issues. A damaged preventer can also compromise your drinking water supply. Winterization protects the preventer by clearing trapped water, keeping seals intact, and avoiding freeze-related failures.
How Sprinkler Winterization Protects the Backflow Preventer
Seasonal maintenance ensures that water is completely removed from above-ground components, preventing expansion and damage. By keeping fittings and seals in good condition, winterization lowers the risk of costly repairs and safeguards both your sprinkler system and home water supply.
Issue #4 – Valve Damage
As a rule, valves control the water supply to your sprinkler zones and are sensitive to freezing temperatures. It can crack if water freezes inside a valve or valves. This can stop the valve from properly controlling the water flow after you use the system again in the spring.
Why tolerate the expense of a valve replacement if it’s avoidable? Proper sprinkler system winterization protects the system components and saves you the headache of replacement or repair. You must prepare your sprinklers to minimize the risk of frozen pipes or damage during winter. Irrigation systems are installed with one of three types of water removal. Either manual drain valve, automatic drain valve, or the compressed air blow-out method.
Hiring Professional Sprinkler Winterization Services
Working with experienced technicians for sprinkler winterization ensures your irrigation system is fully protected before freezing weather arrives. Professionals use proven methods, including compressed air blow-outs, to clear every zone, drain, and component of lingering water. This prevents costly issues such as cracked pipes, broken sprinkler heads, or backflow damage.
By hiring trained experts, you also gain the advantage of detailed inspections and adjustments that extend the life of your irrigation system. Professional sprinkler maintenance services in Omaha provide peace of mind, knowing your system has been winterized correctly and will be ready for smooth activation when spring returns. Investing in professional care now saves time, money, and hassle later.
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Professional Sprinkler Winterization Services in Omaha, NE
Prepare your irrigation system for the cold months with trusted sprinkler winterization services in Omaha from Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers. Our team provides professional care for both residential and commercial systems, helping you avoid costly repairs and keeping your lawn protected year-round.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate, learn more about our irrigation repair and maintenance options, or book your seasonal winterization service. Acting early ensures your system is safeguarded before freezing weather sets in, giving you peace of mind and a healthier lawn come spring.
Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away!
