Why You Need to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

As the cold season approaches in Long Island, NY, every responsible homeowner knows the importance of sprinkler system winterization. Not only does it prevent the common yet devastating burst pipes problem, but it also helps maintain the lawn sprinkler system’s longevity. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to the system’s pipes, particularly if any water remains within them. This water can freeze, expand, and ultimately crack the pipes, leading to costly repairs. Properly preparing your system for winter saves you time, money, and the trouble of dealing with a broken system when the warm weather returns.

While it’s possible to winterize your system on your own, professional services like those offered by Brookhaven Irrigation can help ensure that the job is done correctly and comprehensively. We proudly serve residents throughout Long Island, NY, including:

  • Suffolk County
  • Brookhaven
  • The Hamptons

Sprinkler system winterization involves a series of steps that drain all the water from the system, preventing freezing and subsequent damage. Two primary methods are used: blow out draining and manual draining. The type of method you use depends on the type of sprinkler system installed and your comfort with handling the process.

Steps for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

Shutting off the Water Supply
The first step in winterizing your sprinkler system is to shut off the water supply. The shut off valve is typically located near the water meter, depending on your home’s configuration.

Activating the Sprinkler System’s Rain Mode
Once the water supply is shut off, set your automatic timer to the rain mode. This ensures that your system doesn’t activate and cause potential damage while winterizing.

Draining the System
There are two methods to drain your system: manual drain and blow out draining.

Manual Draining
Manual draining is straightforward and typically involves opening all the valves to let the water flow out. Remember to wear safety goggles or eye protection while performing this task to avoid any accidents.

Blow Out Draining
Blow out draining involves using an air compressor to remove remaining water from the system. The compressed air forces out any residual water, ensuring completely dry pipes. An important note, never exceed 50 PSI of air pressure for PVC piping, and 80 PSI for polyethylene piping to prevent pipe damage.

Insulating Exposed Components

Once your sprinkler system has been drained, protect exposed components like the backflow preventer, valves, and sprinkler heads using insulation tape and foam covers. This adds an extra layer of protection against the freezing cold weather.

How to Insulate a Sprinkler System

Insulating your sprinkler system involves covering any exposed pipes and other components with insulation tape and foam covers. These are particularly essential for parts of the system above ground, like the backflow preventer and valves. Also, be sure to cover any sprinkler heads that might be exposed to freezing temperatures.

FAQs

How long does it take to winterize a sprinkler system?
The time taken to winterize a sprinkler system varies based on the system’s size, complexity, and the method used for winterization. On average, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. At Brookhaven Irrigation, our team of experts ensures a thorough and efficient winterization process, making sure your sprinkler system is well-protected for the cold season in Long Island, NY.

When should I be concerned about my sprinkler system freezing?
You should be concerned about your sprinkler system freezing as soon as the temperatures start to approach freezing, typically around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Remember, water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can cause significant damage to your sprinkler system, including cracked pipes and broken sprinkler heads. It’s best to winterize your sprinkler system before the onset of consistent freezing temperatures to avoid any damage.

At what temperature should you winterize a sprinkler system?
Ideally, you should winterize your sprinkler system before the temperature in your area drops to the freezing point consistently. In Long Island, NY, it’s advisable to schedule your sprinkler system winterization between mid-October and early November. This will ensure your system is safe from any sudden cold snaps.

How do I protect my sprinkler heads during freezing?
To protect your sprinkler heads during freezing temperatures, you should first drain any remaining water from them as part of the winterization process. Following this, you can use insulation tape and foam covers to protect the sprinkler heads from freezing temperatures. Additionally, it’s a good practice to check the sprinkler heads regularly to ensure they remain undamaged and clear of debris.

What happens if my sprinkler system freezes?
If your sprinkler system freezes, the water inside your pipes and sprinkler heads can expand and lead to significant damage. This can result in cracked pipes, broken valves, and ruptured sprinkler heads. In turn, this can lead to water leakage and costly repairs. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to winterize your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures hit Long Island, NY. Our team at Brookhaven Irrigation provides professional winterization services to help protect your system from such damage.