In Kansas City, you already know the temperatures can drop quite a bit, often unexpectedly. When they get close to freezing, or below freezing, there’s the possibility that your water pipes will freeze or even burst. While you may focus on protecting your interior plumbing, these temperatures may also put your irrigation system at risk for this type of damage.

Unfortunately, just shutting your irrigation system down during the winter isn’t enough. You have to make sure the water that’s in your system is drained out completely to prevent the elements of your sprinkler from cracking, expanding, and freezing. What you may not realize is that even your underground pipes may be at risk for freeze damage.

The Dangers of Not Winterizing Your Irrigation System

There are several issues that may arise if you fail to winterize your sprinkler system. These range from flooding in your yard to damage to your system’s valves, sprinkler heads, and pipes. As mentioned above, if water freezes in your system – regardless of where it is – it will expand in the pipes and the other components. This may result in the parts bursting.

If this happens, it may damage or destroy the sprinkler system. No one wants this to happen, right? The question is – what can you do to prevent these problems? You can hire a professional to handle the closing down of your irrigation system for the winter or when it isn’t needed.

Options You Have to Get Your Irrigation System Ready for Winter

The process used to winterize your sprinkler system can be complex. You need to understand how the system works, including the parts that are underground and all the components that make up the system. If you aren’t sure what to do or how to do it, the best thing you can do is hire a professional for help.

Here you can learn about the most common methods used to get your sprinkler system ready for winter.

A Sprinkler System Blow Out

Some systems benefit from this winterization method. However, if it isn’t done correctly, it can cause serious damage to the components. This process requires the use of a powerful air compressor (a professional grade machine) which isn’t the same type of compressor that’s bought for use around the house.

Draining the Sprinkler System

If your irrigation system pipes and lines have been buried at a slightly, downhill slope, it doesn’t have to have any water blown out of it. In fact, you can completely skip the use of the air compressor. All you have to do to drain the system is to shut off the water main on your property and then open the drain valves located at each layout zone. When the water is all out, simply replace the caps and then open the valves to drain any leftover water.

If you need help with getting your sprinkler system ready for winter, contact our professional team at The IDL Company. We can ensure your system is winter-ready.