Sprinklers help keep your lawn properly watered and looking its best. But, at the end of the watering season, it’s important to winterize your sprinklers so that the water does not freeze inside the system and cause damage. Our team at DeFazio Company knows that understanding more about the timing of winterization, and the possible effects of not doing so on time, will help you make an informed decision about winterizing your irrigation system.
Timing
When temperatures start to fall in Cleveland, it’s time to consider winterizing your sprinkler system. Your lines must be drained or blown out using an air compressor before the first hard freeze. Most of our customers are done using their irrigation system in early October, while others like to run theirs into late October. We recommend being added to our winterization list early in September so our professionals have plenty of time to winterize your system before the first hard freeze.Frozen Pipes
If you fail to winterize your system before the first freeze of the season, it’s likely that the leftover water inside the system will freeze. With no room for the freezing water to expand, the pipes can crack or burst in large sections. These damaged pipes are one of the most costly and difficult repairs to make, given that they are installed underground. This is why it is imperative that you drain as much water as possible from the lines before freezing temperatures arrive.Frozen Sprinklers
Not only is it important to protect your pipes, but also your sprinkler heads. As the frozen water expands, the pressure from the ice can pop off the sprinkler heads. Also, the frozen water can cause the sprinkler to crack down the side, or water can freeze inside the small supply tube that pushes the nozzle above ground. Any of these issues will require you to replace the entire sprinkler head with a new unit.
Don’t wait to get on our irrigation winterization schedule. Contact DeFazio Company today at (440) 652-6545.