Temperatures are dropping in south-central Kansas. That means it’s time to consider winterizing your lawn and garden. Specifically, you will need to winterize your irrigation system. For any homeowner with an irrigation system, winterizing your irrigation system can help you protect your lawn and your sprinkler systems. Also, winterizing can help prevent costly repairs. Four Star Lawn Care makes winterizing a quick and easy experience for our customers.
In this blog, we explain why this process is important and why you can count on the expertise of Four Star Lawn Care to save you time, effort, and money.
Winterizing your sprinkler and irrigation systems prevents excessive damage and ensures your system stays protected and ready for the spring. Without winterizing, water in your system will freeze and expand, putting pressure on pipes, sprinkler heads, and other components. This will lead to:
• Frozen pipes and broken sprinkler heads can cause leaks and major repairs
• Leaks can extend to nearby structures or landscaping and cause water damage
• High water bills, the expense of repairs or replacements, and other unexpected costs can occur
By winterizing your irrigation system, you can avoid these risks. Four Star Lawn Care’s professional winterizing service is designed to help you get ahead of the weather and prevent these costly issues.
Without winterizing your irrigation system, all it takes is a cold snap to cause expensive repairs or even require a full irrigation replacement in the spring.
Staying weather-aware and let you know when to start preparing for the winterizing of your irrigation system. We recommend scheduling your winterizing service at least one week before the first hard freeze. A hard freeze is when temperatures hit 28°F or lower for at least an hour. This is when the frozen water will expand and cause damage to your irrigation system's components.
Winterizing your irrigation system is more complicated than just “draining the pipes.” The process often requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure there's no water remaining that can freeze and cause damage to your irrigation system. Here’s how Four Star’s expert team handles different types of irrigation systems:
• Automatic Drain: In these systems, water drains from the pipes when the system is shut off, making the winterization process easier. However, a professional inspection will ensure the system is fully drained and that sprinkler heads and other components are emptied to prevent any water remaining in the pipes from freezing and causing damage.
• Manual Drain: In manual systems, drainage valves are opened to allow water to drain from the irrigation system. Even though this process is straightforward, it still requires professional expertise to make sure no water is left behind, especially in low-lying areas. The technicians at Four Star Lawn Care know exactly where to look to make sure every drop of water is cleared from the system.
• Blow-Out Method: By using this method, we use pressurized air to force all remaining water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads. This method is effective, but it requires specialized equipment, techniques, and knowledge of PSI limits for different pipe materials to avoid damage. Four Star’s team handles this process safely, protecting your system from pressure-related issues.
Without the assistance of professionals, the irrigation system winterization process can be difficult and dangerous. Simply using the wrong amount of air pressure or not correctly turning off backflow devices can lead to costly damages and potential safety hazards. For peace of mind, let Four Star Lawn Care handle your winterization needs.
Spring Regulation Needs
Professional winterization also prepares your system for a smooth start in the spring. Some areas will require inspections or backflow checks before irrigation systems can be safely turned back on in the spring. Our team is familiar with the local regulations and can help you navigate any requirements, ensuring a compliant and hassle-free spring startup.
Winterizing your irrigation system can keep it in better shape for a longer lifespan and save you time and money in the long run. Four Star Lawn Care provides irrigation system winterization services, using our experience and techniques to keep your system in peak condition.
Don't wait for the freeze to strike! Schedule your winterization service today. Call us at 316-832-9366 or contact us for a free quote.