Residential irrigation systems don’t get much use in the winter. But if homeowners don’t put care into preparing them for cold weather, they can suffer damage. Follow these tips to ensure that they’re ready to keep your lawn green and growing once spring arrives.

3 Ways to Protect Your Residential Irrigation System in the Winter

1. Drain Excess Water

Moisture left in pipes and sprinklers will freeze in the winter. Because water expands as it freezes, this can cause damage across the entire system. Depending on the design, irrigation systems can have manual or automatic drains. 

Some need to have the water blown out with compressed air. This process can be dangerous and damage the pipes if done incorrectly. If you aren’t certain what type of drain your system has, contact a professional for help. They’ll know how to drain the water without causing harm to themselves or the pipes.

2. Insulate Above Ground Components

Buried components are insulated by the earth itself. But the main shut-off valve will be left exposed. There may also be some above-ground valves, backflow preventers, or piping. Check the yard carefully for any irrigation components that will be exposed to the brunt of winter. Protect them by applying a layer of insulating tape or foam.

3. Check the Control Panel

Most residential irrigation systems have a main control box. This tracks the date, time, and sprinkler settings. If there is a rain mode, turn it on. It will close the inner valves and stop the system from trying to activate. If this mode isn’t an option, shut down power to the controller. This may clear any saved settings, but it will stop the pump from accidentally turning on and overheating during the winter. 

If you need help managing your residential irrigation systems, contact Allgreen Irrigation Systems in Cumming, GA. They have years of experience dealing with all types of lawn irrigation and drainage systems. From increasing the efficiency of existing installations to designing eco-friendly irrigation, they can improve any home’s approach to watering. Request a free quote on their website or call (770) 888-9399 to schedule a service appointment today.