When it is cold outside, extreme temperatures and stormy weather can take a toll on your irrigation system.  Even if you have winterized your sprinkler system, issues can arise. Keep reading to learn what you need to do and look out for with your irrigation system to handle winter caused damage.

Common Issues with Your Irrigation System During the Winter Months

There are several issues that are common with sprinkler systems; however, there are some issues that are more likely to occur during the winter months due to freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions. Some of the most common winter-related irrigation problems are listed here.

Clogged Sprinkler Heads

When heavy precipitation occurs, it can cause clogged sprinkler heads that are not functioning properly or that have low water flow. If you have a clogged sprinkler head, be sure to remove it and rinse out any of the debris from the filter. After you have cleaned the sprinkler head, re-install it and test it to see if it is working properly.

Broken Sprinkler Heads

After many years of use, it isn’t uncommon for sprinkler heads to become broken and damaged. A broken sprinkler head can impede the movement of the water and cause flooding in parts of the yard. In the winter, falling leaves, cases of extreme weather, and an array of other debris can result in excessive damage and significantly increase the likelihood of your sprinkler heads being damaged or breaking.

Damaged or Cracked Pipes

Pipes that are damaged or cracked are extremely common in the winter. As the water inside the pipes freeze, it will expand. This expansion results in quite a bit of pressure and stress that results in the pipes cracking and breaking. In many situations, cracked pipes will leak water and have a negative affect on the water pressure in an irrigation system. If you want to prevent this issue, then you have to invest in proper winterization. The only repair for this problem is to replace the pipes that have been damaged.

It’s Easier to Prevent Problems Than Repair Them

If you want to ensure that your irrigation system doesn’t need extensive repairs from winter damage once warmer weather arrives, the best thing you can do is invest in winterization services. However, if damage or problems arise when you start your system back up in spring, contact us. At The IDL Company, we can provide the high quality repair services and ensure that your system is ready to use and working properly when the warm weather returns.