As the weather gets colder, facility managers should start planning for one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of landscaping: irrigation system maintenance and winterization. With rising water costs and the complexities of modern irrigation systems, taking proactive steps now can save you from expensive repairs and ensure your system operates efficiently throughout the winter months.
Irrigation systems are a significant investment, often buried underground and out of sight, making them easy to neglect. However, failing to winterize in colder regions can lead to significant damage and costly repairs in the spring. In severe cases, portions of the system may freeze and crack, leading to replacements that can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size.
Every year, facility managers waste time and money on irrigation repairs that could have been avoided with the proper preventative steps. Here are three key reasons why proper irrigation system winterization is essential this fall:
1. Prevent Damage from Freezing Pipes
One of the most critical steps in preparing your irrigation system for winter is ensuring it’s properly shut down and cleared of any water. If water is left in the pipes, even small amounts, it can freeze and expand as temperatures drop. This expansion can cause significant damage, such as cracks, bursts, and splits in the pipes.
The damage often isn’t immediately apparent, meaning issues may only be discovered in the spring when the system is turned back on, leading to major disruptions and costly repairs. This delay can impact your ability to maintain an attractive and healthy landscape. Proper winterization by professionals like KBS ensures that all pipes, valves, and heads are drained completely, and the system is safeguarded against freezing.
2. Avoid Wasting Water and Resources
An irrigation system that isn’t properly maintained can become a significant source of water waste. When pipes crack or valves fail due to freezing, undetected leaks can cause substantial water loss. Additionally, malfunctioning sprinkler heads can lead to overwatering in some areas and under-watering in others, further wasting resources and harming the landscape.
Proper winterization helps prevent these issues, ensuring that water use remains efficient and controlled. By safeguarding your system, you contribute to conservation efforts while protecting your landscape and budget.
3. Protect Sprinkler Heads and System Components
Winterization doesn’t just involve protecting the pipes; your system’s sprinkler heads, valves, and controllers need attention as well. Throughout the season, debris and mineral deposits can accumulate, clogging nozzles and disrupting water distribution.
Before winterizing, it’s important to inspect, clean, and, if necessary, repair or replace these components. Irrigation controllers should also be properly shut down, and backflow preventers should be drained and insulated to prevent damage from freezing. A thorough winterization ensures that your system is fully protected from top to bottom, ready for efficient operation in the spring.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Springtime Delays
Avoid the last-minute rush when warmer weather arrives by scheduling your winterization and landscaping services now. Booking ahead ensures you lock in competitive rates and secure availability during peak season.
With KBS as your single-source supplier, you can maintain multiple properties in a cost-efficient and consistent way. Our complete landscaping services include turf care, tree services, irrigation maintenance, and plant bed design, all with a focus on balancing cost, aesthetics, and sustainability. Servicing over 8,500 exterior sites, we manage everything from irrigation systems and turf care to snow removal and parking lot maintenance.
Our team works proactively to keep your landscapes healthy and appealing, no matter the weather conditions. Don’t wait for the last-minute spring scramble—contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your landscaping needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
