Irrigation systems help homeowners maintain a healthy, lush property during the spring, summer, and early fall. While they require little maintenance, there’s one important activity you must complete each year: winterizing. If you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures, here’s a closer look at the why and how of protecting your system.

Why Winterizing Is Necessary

Save Money by Preventing Damage 

When water stays inside your pipes, it can freeze as the temperature plummets. Since water expands when it freezes, this can cause components like valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads to break. These can be costly to repair or replace, so winterizing your system can help you save.

Maintain a Beautiful Property

If your system becomes compromised, your yard may need to be dug up to perform repairs when spring returns. Your warm-weather lawn and gardening checklist will be long enough come March, so be proactive now to keep all your hard work intact.

Protect Your Tap Water

Irrigation systems have backflow prevention devices to keep contaminants out of your water. Since this component is located above the ground, though, it can freeze and crack when exposed to snow and frigid temperatures. 

How It’s Done

All the water needs to be drained from your sprinkler system. Ideally, this will be done before the first frost. If the first frost has already passed, though, you can still prepare for winter.

The most effective method uses high-pressure air. An air hose connected to a compressor is used to blow all the water out of the pipes. Unfortunately, an ordinary air compressor won’t suffice, which is why many homeowners leave this task up to the professionals. They have the equipment and skills needed to winterize your system efficiently and thoroughly.

If you need to get your irrigation system ready for winter hibernation, turn to Buckeye Lawn and Landscaping/Oheil Irrigation Company. Serving southwest Ohio, this team provides landscaping, hardscaping, tree, and irrigation services for both commercial and residential customers. Browse through their services online or call (937) 432-9911 to speak with a team member about your property.