It’s tempting to put off winterization — especially during a mild fall. But when it comes to sprinkler systems, waiting too long can cost you big.
What’s at risk?
When water is left in your irrigation lines, it will freeze, expand, and crack pipes. Even small amounts of trapped water can destroy components and cause spring flooding. The most common issues include:
- Cracked PVC pipes under your lawn
- Burst backflow preventers above ground
- Broken valves and sprinkler heads
- Damaged manifold connections
What are the repair costs?
- Pipe repairs: $500–$1,500 depending on the extent
- Backflow preventer: $300+
- System reinstallation: $3,000–$5,000
- Water damage cleanup (in severe cases): thousands
Many of these issues aren’t visible until spring — and by then, the damage is done.
What areas are most vulnerable?
- Backflow preventers are exposed above ground and often freeze first
- Low-lying lines near sidewalks or driveways are prone to cold pooling
- Uninsulated pipes near foundation walls or shallow trenches crack easily
What if the freeze already hit?
If temps dropped below freezing and you haven’t had a blowout yet, act fast. In many cases, we can still remove water before damage occurs — but time is limited.
Don’t roll the dice with your system.