When temperatures begin to drop, homeowners and property managers should start preparing their landscaping for the winter season. A sprinkler shut-off is a crucial step in protecting your irrigation system from damage. Cold water left in the pipes during freezing temperatures can cause them to burst, leading to costly sprinkler system repairs or even a full irrigation system replacement.
When Should You Turn Off Sprinkler System?
- Did you recently move into a house that has a sprinkler system installed?
- Did you have the system put in yourself, and it’s your first fall/winter season with it?
Shutting down the lawn irrigation system at the right moment is essential for preventing damage and maintaining a healthy landscape. Turning the handle on the system shut-off valve to your sprinkler system at the right time is essential.
Too early: Turning the system off while the grass and plants are still growing could result in a dead landscape.
Waiting too long: Winterizing your sprinkler system too late can result in the pipes and valves cracking and breaking when a cold moves in. This could result in needing a full system replacement.
So, when is the right time to turn off your sprinkler system in the winter? Just before the first frost.
Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Attention Before Winterizing
Before winterizing your sprinkler system, check for these common issues that could affect its efficiency:
- Low Water Pressure: Could signal a blockage or leak in the system. Check for obstructions in pipes or sprinkler heads.
- Uneven Watering: If certain areas of your lawn remain dry or overwatered, it might mean clogged or damaged sprinkler heads.
- Visible Leaks: Check for damp areas or puddles that could indicate leaks in pipes, valves, or connections.
- Clogged Sprinkler Heads: Debris buildup in sprinkler heads can disrupt water flow and reduce coverage. Cleaning them can improve efficiency.
Addressing these issues before winter can prevent more costly repairs in the spring and ensure your system runs smoothly when it’s time to water again.
Winterizing a Sprinkler System
“Winterizing” is a term used when describing the process of prepping an irrigation system for the cold weather months. A lot of homeowners assume sprinkler system shut-off should happen at the start of fall, but grass still needs about an inch of water per week until it enters dormancy.
A lawn needs to receive at least one inch of water per week. It needs this much water until it’s in dormancy, which won’t happen until a cold snap arrives. In regions that do not receive adequate rainfall, shutting down the sprinklers too early, can result in a dried-out, dead, or unsightly landscape.
It’s also important to understand the specific needs of cool season grasses. While you might stop watering your lawn in the fall once the ground freezes, cool season grasses can benefit from continued regular watering during the fall, helping them stay healthy as they prepare for dormancy.
What happens if you wait too long to turn off your sprinkler system?
Postponing the sprinkler system shut-off can cause severe damage. Water left in the pipes, sprinkler valves, and sprinkler heads freezes when temperatures drop. As frozen water expands, it can crack pipes and cause leaks, leading to extensive sprinkler system repairs. By turning it off just before the cold weather arrives, you can ensure that your lawn will receive the water it needs to thrive. Also, this prevents the system from becoming damaged.
Omaha Sprinkler Winterization
It’s important to note that cold weather arrives at different times in different regions. In the northeastern United States, for example, the cold weather arrives a lot sooner than it does in the southwest.
Therefore, it’s crucial to research the weather patterns in your particular area so that you can plan accordingly. According to the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Office, the average date for the first freeze in Omaha is Oct. 14th.
Additional Reading: Nebraska Soil Temperatures
How to Winterize a Sprinkler System
Contact a sprinkler system company in your area to winterize your sprinkler system when the time comes. While DIY sprinkler winterization might save you a buck, it can cost you more in repairs down the road if not done properly.
With that said, here is an overview of the winterization process. Your Omaha sprinkler winterization professional will carry it out as follows:
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- Shut off the system’s controller
- Turn off the water
- Drain all above-ground irrigation components that water can get trapped in. An air compressor can help.
- If there’s a drip line, use an air compressor to blow the water out of it.
- Recap all system points after draining. This prevents debris from getting trapped in the lines.
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.
