As temperatures begin to drop in Southeast Michigan, sprinkler winterization becomes an important part of preparing your property for colder weather. Water left inside an irrigation system can freeze, expand, and potentially damage pipes, valves, sprinkler heads, and other components.
For homeowners who are comfortable tackling projects around the house, sprinkler winterization may seem like something that can be handled without professional help. After all, how complicated can it be to shut off the water and clear out the lines?
The reality is that properly winterizing an irrigation system requires more than simply turning it off. While some homeowners may have the equipment and experience to handle the process themselves, there are several reasons professional winterization is often the safer option.
What Does Sprinkler Winterization Actually Involve?
The goal of winterization is to remove water that could remain trapped inside vulnerable portions of your irrigation system before freezing temperatures arrive.
Turning off the controller or shutting off the irrigation water supply does not necessarily accomplish this. Water can remain inside underground pipes, valves, fittings, sprinkler heads, and other components.
Many irrigation systems are winterized using compressed air to push remaining water through the sprinkler zones and out of the system. This is commonly known as a sprinkler blowout.
While the concept sounds straightforward, the process needs to be performed with the appropriate equipment, pressure, and technique for the particular irrigation system.
Can You Winterize a Sprinkler System Yourself?
Technically, some irrigation systems can be winterized by a homeowner who understands the system and has access to the appropriate equipment.
However, there are important factors to consider before attempting it.
One of the biggest challenges is supplying enough air volume to properly clear the irrigation lines while keeping pressure within safe limits. A small household air compressor may not provide the airflow needed to effectively clear an entire system. On the other hand, applying excessive pressure can damage pipes, valves, fittings, or sprinkler components.
You also need to understand how your particular irrigation system is configured. The correct procedure can vary depending on the design, number of zones, valves, backflow components, and other features.
If you are unsure about any part of the system, guessing can create more risk than simply leaving the winterization to someone familiar with irrigation equipment.
Why Simply Draining the System May Not Be Enough
One common misconception is that shutting off the water and opening a drain is enough to protect an irrigation system.
Depending on how the system was designed, water can remain trapped in low areas or individual components even after the main supply has been shut off. Underground irrigation lines are not always installed at a continuous slope that allows every part of the system to drain naturally.
That remaining water is what creates concern during a Michigan winter.
As temperatures fall below freezing, trapped water can expand. If there is not enough room for that expansion, it can place pressure on the surrounding irrigation components and potentially cause cracks or failures.
Those problems may remain hidden underground until the sprinkler system is started again in the spring.
The Risks of Using Compressed Air Incorrectly
Compressed air is effective for irrigation winterization, but it also needs to be handled carefully.
Using too much pressure can damage the system itself. Sprinkler heads, valves, fittings, and pipes are designed to operate within specific pressure ranges, and forcing excessive pressure through them can cause problems.
There is also a safety consideration. Compressed air can create significant force within irrigation components. Homeowners should never stand directly over sprinkler heads or other components while compressed air is moving through the system.
Professional winterization reduces the guesswork involved in determining the appropriate process for the system.
What Does a Professional Sprinkler Winterization Provide?
A professional irrigation technician can evaluate the system, properly shut down the water supply, and work through the irrigation zones to remove remaining water.
Just as importantly, an experienced professional knows what to watch for during the process. Unusual pressure, damaged sprinkler heads, leaks, or other visible problems may indicate an issue that should be addressed before the next irrigation season.
Professional service can also save homeowners from purchasing or renting equipment they may only use once each year.
For many people, the convenience alone makes professional winterization worthwhile, especially when compared with the potential cost and inconvenience of repairing freeze damage the following spring.
Is Professional Winterization Worth It in Southeast Michigan?
Michigan winters make irrigation winterization especially important. Once sustained freezing temperatures arrive, any water remaining in vulnerable portions of the system can become a problem.
If you already have the proper equipment, understand your irrigation system, and know how to perform the procedure safely, DIY winterization may be possible. For most homeowners, however, hiring a professional provides greater confidence that the system has been properly prepared for winter.
It is a relatively small seasonal maintenance step that can help protect a much larger investment.
Protect Your Sprinkler System Before Freezing Weather Arrives
Whether you choose to winterize your sprinkler system yourself or hire a professional, the most important thing is making sure it is properly prepared before Southeast Michigan’s freezing weather settles in.
Transitions Outdoor Services provides professional sprinkler winterization for homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan. Our team can properly shut down and clear your irrigation system so it is ready for the cold months ahead and prepared for startup when spring returns.
If you would rather leave the compressors, valves, and sprinkler zones to someone else this fall, contact Transitions Outdoor Services to schedule your sprinkler winterization before freezing temperatures arrive.
