If you don’t winterize your sprinkler system, trapped water can freeze and cause:
- Burst pipes underground
- Cracked sprinkler heads
- Damaged valves and manifolds
- Broken backflow device
- Costly repairs in spring
Winterizing prevents freeze damage and saves you from expensive repairs. This article explains why winterizing your irrigation system matters, the risks of skipping it, the financial costs, and how to protect your system before freezing temperatures arrive.
Why Winterizing Your Irrigation System Matters
Winterizing your irrigation system means shutting off the water supply and removing any water left in the pipes. This can be done through draining or by using an air compressor to blow out the lines.
If water remains, it can freeze, expand, and crack PVC pipes, fittings, and sprinkler heads. When that happens, your system may not even run when spring rolls around.
Risks of Skipping Sprinkler Winterization
If you don’t winterize, freezing temperatures can damage every part of your irrigation system.
1. Frozen and Burst Pipes
Underground PVC pipes split when water freezes and expands. Excavation and pipe replacement can cost thousands.
2. Cracked Sprinkler Heads
Ice pressure pops off sprinkler nozzles or cracks the casing. Broken sprinkler heads lead to uneven watering and frequent replacements.
3. Damaged Valves and Manifolds
Freezing water in the manifold and valves can disable the system. This is often the most expensive repair due to both parts and labor.
4. Broken Backflow Device
Above-ground parts like the backflow device freeze first. Replacing one costs several hundred dollars.
5. Hidden Leaks and Water Waste
Small cracks cause leaks that may not be seen until spring. These leaks waste water and raise your utility bills.
Financial Costs of Neglecting Winterization
The average cost to replace a sprinkler head is $10–$30 each. Backflow device replacement typically ranges from $300–$600. Major pipe repairs can cost $600 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.
By comparison, hiring professionals for an irrigation winterization service usually costs between $50 and $250, which ensures the job is done right and gives you peace of mind.
Do You Always Need to Winterize?
In colder states, you must winterize every year. In Texas and other southern states, you can focus on protecting exposed parts like the shut off valve, manifold, and backflow device. Even in mild winters, a sudden hard freeze can cause expensive damage if you don’t winterize.
How to Winterize a Sprinkler System
Step 1: Shut off the water supply at the main shut off valve.
Step 2: Open the test cocks and manual drain to release remaining water left in the system.
Step 3: Use the blowout method with an air compressor if needed to remove water trapped in the lines.
Step 4: Insulate exposed backflow devices and pipes.
Step 5: Set the controller to “off” or “rain mode.”
FAQs
What temperature will sprinklers freeze?
Sprinklers can freeze when temperatures drop to 28°F or lower for two or more hours.
Can I skip winterizing one year?
Even one hard freeze can cause freeze damage. Skipping winterization risks costly repairs.
Can I winterize my sprinklers myself?
You can use air pressure and drains, but professionals ensure the system is completely drained with no water left behind.
Key Takeaways on Winterization Neglect
Frozen pipes, valves, and heads = expensive repairs.- Backflow devices and manifolds are the most vulnerable parts.
- Winterizing is low-cost insurance against spring headaches.
Protect Your Sprinkler System Before It’s Too Late
Skipping winterization risks costly damage to your irrigation system. Professional irrigation winterization service ensures the job is done right, leaving you with peace of mind.
If you live in Dallas, TX or nearby areas, call us today to schedule your sprinkler system winterization—because Lawn Sense means no nonsense.